Alcohol Dependence: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

For a man, this usually happens after having 5 or more drinks within a few hours. Not everyone who binge drinks has an AUD, but they are at higher risk for getting one. As the loved one of someone struggling, remember that it’s ultimately up to them to manage the condition. Don’t forget to take care of yourself, too; what is a chronic drinker consider seeking out your systems of support or even medical help if you’re having trouble.

It can raise blood pressure and increase the risk of developing heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular problems. Heavy drinking can also weaken the heart muscle and lead to arrhythmias or irregular heartbeats. In conclusion, alcoholism is a chronic disease that can have a significant impact on a person’s life. The symptoms of alcoholism can vary from mild to severe, and it is important to seek help if you or someone you know is struggling with alcoholism. The answer is because of its progressive nature and the fact that no known cure exists. If you or someone you know is suffering from alcohol addiction, know that it will take time and a lot of effort to recover.

Signs of Alcoholism as a Chronic Disease

In high concentrations, uric acid forms sharp, pointed crystals within joints. Alcohol can increase uric acid levels, growing the risk that you will get gout or experience a flare if you already have gout. The damage alcohol causes increases the risk that a blood clot will obstruct circulation in your heart, causing a heart attack, or in your brain, causing a stroke. It can also increase the risk of damage to your heart muscle, called cardiomyopathy, and can cause peripheral arterial disease, which affects circulation in your extremities. When used for long periods of time, this leads to chronically high blood pressure, called hypertension.

Related Health Topics

They may start drinking to cope with stressful events like losing a job, going through a divorce, or dealing with a death in their family or a close friend. Talk to your healthcare provider if you’re under stress and think you may be at risk for relapse. Behavioral treatments—also known as alcohol counseling, or talk therapy, and provided by licensed therapists—are aimed at changing drinking behavior. Examples of behavioral treatments are brief interventions and reinforcement approaches, treatments that build motivation and teach skills for coping and preventing a return to drinking, and mindfulness-based therapies. One size does not fit all and a treatment approach that may work for one person may not work for another. Treatment can be outpatient and/or inpatient and be provided by specialty programs, therapists, and health care providers.

Is Alcoholism Progressive?

These criteria include symptoms such as drinking more than intended, withdrawal symptoms and giving up important activities to drink. Diagnosing alcoholism involves a physical exam, blood tests, and a psychological evaluation. Doctors may also use questionnaires to assess the severity of Substance abuse the addiction.

• It is within this network of support that many find the strength to overcome the challenges of alcoholism.
• Other behavioral therapies, such as motivational interviewing and contingency management, may also be used to help people stay sober.
• In fact, the modern disease theory of alcoholism states that problem drinking is sometimes caused by a disease of the brain, characterized by altered brain structure and function.

Adaptive Treatment Approaches to Continuing Care

Alcohol stimulates the release of dopamine, creating pleasurable sensations that reinforce drinking behaviors. Over time, repeated exposure alters brain chemistry, necessitating higher quantities to achieve the same effects, thus perpetuating the cycle of dependence. Healthcare providers define AUD as a brain disorder that affects your ability to regulate or stop drinking alcohol despite adverse impacts on your mental and physical health and professional or personal life.

Alcohol dependence, often interchangeably referred to as alcoholism, is a chronic disease characterized by an inability to control alcohol consumption despite adverse consequences. Personalized alcohol use disorder treatment programs for you or your loved one should include both group and individual therapy. A disease pattern of alcoholism also stresses the importance of peer support. We encourage you to contact our admissions coordinator now to discuss how dual diagnosis treatment can help you get back on your feet and treat your alcohol use disorder. As harmful and debilitating as AUD can be for both the person with the disease and their loved ones, there are many approaches that you can take to manage the condition.

When someone first starts drinking, they may experience relaxation, fun, and a sense of well-being. Many people are prone to experiencing alcohol in this way almost from the very beginning, which inspires them to drink more, and more regularly. Mental health disorders, such as depression and anxiety, often coexist with alcohol dependence. Individuals may turn to alcohol as a form of self-medication, inadvertently fostering dependence.

Some of https://ecosoberhouse.com/ the panelists behind this competing report have financial interests aligned with the alcohol industry, the New York Times reported. Join our supportive sober community where each day becomes a step towards personal growth and lasting positive change. The more distance you put between you and alcohol, the more capable you become of overcoming addiction. A lack of treatment during this time frame can encourage a move into the functional alcoholic group. By Buddy TBuddy T is a writer and founding member of the Online Al-Anon Outreach Committee with decades of experience writing about alcoholism. Because he is a member of a support group that stresses the importance of anonymity at the public level, he does not use his photograph or his real name on this website.

Why Alcoholism is Considered a Chronic Disease

Understanding this chronicity allows individuals in recovery to approach setbacks with compassion, learn from them, and continue their journey towards sobriety. Alcoholism is recognized as a chronic disease – with this recognition, we should adopt a kinder outlook. Criticizing and being ignorant towards people with alcoholism must be replaced with understanding, professional help, disease control, and prevention. Alcohol use disorder is a chronic condition impacting 10 percent of the population.

Medical ketamine or esketamine therapy for treatment-resistant depression… It is crucial to remember that seeking help is a proactive step towards regaining control of one’s life and should be approached with hope and determination. Embracing these practices can lead to a more centered and balanced lifestyle, which is crucial for maintaining sobriety and preventing relapse.