Experts debate the benefits and risks of drinking alcohol and whether moderation or complete abstinence is the best option for those who struggle with alcoholism.
Alcohol use disorder is a pattern of disordered drinking that leads to significant distress. It can involve withdrawal symptoms, disruption of daily tasks, discord in relationships, and risky decisions that place oneself or others in danger. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, about 15 million American adults and 400,000 adolescents suffer from alcohol use disorder. But treatment and support are available to help those suffering begin to heal.
Diagnosis, signs, and symptoms
Most frequently, the term "alcoholism" refers to alcohol use disorder, a problematic pattern of drinking that causes impairment or distress. Depending on the severity of the patient's symptoms, such as neglecting responsibilities or building a tolerance, AUD can be classified as mild, moderate, or severe. According to the DSM-5, mild is defined as having two to three symptoms, moderate as having four to five symptoms, and severe as having six or more symptoms.
What signs of alcoholism are there?
The DSM-5 defines alcohol use disorder as a problematic pattern of alcohol consumption that causes discomfort in one's daily life. Strong cravings for alcohol, failure to fulfill obligations at work, school, or home, disengaging from relationships and activities, and developing tolerance or withdrawal are just a few of the symptoms that can lead to a diagnosis. Other symptoms include drinking more alcohol than intended, failing to cut back on alcohol use, devoting a lot of time and effort to drinking, and recovering from drinking, devoting a lot of time to drinking. A diagnosis might range from mild to severe if at least two symptoms are present over the course of a year.
What early indications of addiction exist?
Addiction can cause bodily changes in its later stages, but behavioral indicators can spot it early on. Addicts frequently establish strict schedules centered around the constant availability of alcohol and other drugs; they may become frustrated by schedule changes and place the blame on others. They could have severe mood fluctuations that appear to alter their personality. If their social circle becomes more limited to fellow drug or alcohol users, relationships may suffer. Also, their employment may suffer, and they might stop engaging in a once-important spiritual or religious activity.
What distinguishes excessive drinking from alcoholism?
If the drinking world is considered as a spectrum, regular social drinking is on one end (a few drinks per month, virtually always in a social situation), and alcohol use disorder is on the other end. However, there is a significant gray area in the center where drinking can have adverse effects on someone's health, employment, or relationships with loved ones, but not to a clinical degree. An illustration would be a parent who misses time with his children and wife by dozing off on the couch after many drinks three or four days a week. Another example might be a student in college who consistently has problems getting to class because she was intoxicated the night before. These individuals, sometimes termed "nearly alcoholics," may not see the connection initially but would often benefit from aid and support.
Causes and Risk Factors
Alcohol use disorder is connected to a complex web of biological, social, and psychological elements, just like all addictions. According to research, around half of an individual's propensity for alcoholism can be related to genetics. This suggests that the condition may have a hereditary component. To deal with trauma or other frequently undiagnosed psychological illnesses, some people turn to alcohol. Social factors such as dysfunctional families or a drinking culture may be linked to alcoholism.
Why do individuals begin drinking?
Why do people use alcohol at all, even before it becomes a problem? Many things can encourage people to drink. One is just its enjoyable effects, like having fun or overcoming social anxiety. The choice to pursue rewards despite unfavorable consequences is influenced by having an impulsive disposition. Stress is another aspect because drinking can make unpleasant feelings go away. Societal conventions, such as drinking at happy hour or on a college campus, and successful past alcohol usage (as opposed to experiencing nausea or flushing) also contribute.
What alters the brain does alcohol do?
According to a study, roughly half of those who fulfill the criteria for alcoholism have cognitive or memory issues. Excessive drinking may contribute to these alterations in the brain. Planning ahead, learning, and remembering details (like a phone number or shopping list), delaying responses when necessary, and working with spatial information (like using a map) can all be impacted. The frontal lobes, which are essential for organizing thoughts, making choices, and controlling emotions, might change as well. But even after just a month of abstinence, many people in recovery experience gains in their memory and focus. In other words, you start to gain a sense of empowerment to keep from consuming alcohol and straying on the path to recovery.
Chris Packham, LAADC, M-RAS, CCDSS, MSW, CS
