Alcoholism

Alcoholism, also known as alcohol use disorder (AUD), is a chronic and relapsing brain disease characterized by the inability to control drinking despite negative consequences. It is a complex condition that affects an individual's physical, emotional, and social well-being.

What is Alcoholism?

Alcoholism is a pattern of alcohol use that leads to significant impairment or distress, as manifested by at least two of the following criteria within a 12-month period:

• Drinking more than intended or for longer periods than intended
• Persistent desire or unsuccessful efforts to cut down or control drinking
• Spending a lot of time in activities necessary to obtain, use, or recover from the effects of alcohol
• Craving, or a strong desire or urge to drink
• Recurring use of alcohol resulting in failure to fulfill major role obligations at work, school, or home
• Continued use of alcohol despite having persistent or recurrent social or interpersonal problems caused or exacerbated by drinking
• Giving up or reducing important social, occupational, or recreational activities because of drinking
• Recurring use of alcohol in situations where it is physically hazardous
• Continued use of alcohol despite knowledge of having a persistent or recurrent physical or psychological problem that is likely to have been caused or exacerbated by drinking
• Tolerance, as defined by either a need for markedly increased amounts of alcohol to achieve intoxication or desired effect, or a markedly diminished effect with continued use of the same amount of alcohol
• Withdrawal, as manifested by either the characteristic withdrawal syndrome for alcohol, or drinking to relieve or avoid withdrawal symptoms

Symptoms of Alcoholism

The symptoms of alcoholism can vary from person to person, but common signs and symptoms include:

• Drinking alone or in secret
• Feeling guilty or ashamed about drinking
• Lying about or hiding drinking habits
• Neglecting responsibilities at work, school, or home due to drinking
• Using alcohol as a way to relax or improve mood
• Experiencing blackouts or memory loss due to drinking
• Having legal problems related to drinking, such as DUIs or public intoxication
• Continuing to drink despite physical or mental health problems
• Needing to drink increasingly larger amounts of alcohol to feel the same effects
• Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when not drinking, such as tremors, sweating, or nausea

Treatments for Alcoholism

Treatment for alcoholism typically involves a combination of medications, behavioral therapies, and support groups. The goal of treatment is to help the individual stop drinking, manage withdrawal symptoms, and maintain sobriety.

• Medications: Medications such as naltrexone, acamprosate, and disulfiram can be used to reduce cravings, block the rewarding aspects of drinking, or produce unpleasant reactions when alcohol is consumed.
• Behavioral Therapies: Behavioral therapies such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing (MI), and contingency management (CM) can help individuals identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors associated with drinking.
• Support Groups: Support groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and SMART Recovery provide a sense of community and support for individuals recovering from alcoholism.
• Inpatient and Outpatient Treatment Programs: Inpatient and outpatient treatment programs can provide intensive therapy, counseling, and medical care to help individuals overcome addiction.
• Counseling: Individual and group counseling can help individuals address underlying issues that contribute to drinking, such as trauma, anxiety, or depression.

Stages of Treatment

Treatment for alcoholism typically involves several stages, including:

• Detoxification: The process of removing toxins from the body and managing withdrawal symptoms.
• Rehabilitation: The process of helping individuals develop coping skills, manage cravings, and maintain sobriety.
• Aftercare: Ongoing support and maintenance to help individuals stay sober and prevent relapse.

Prevention

Preventing alcoholism involves reducing the risk factors that contribute to drinking, such as:

• Avoiding underage drinking
• Limiting drinking to moderate levels (no more than one drink per day for women and two drinks per day for men)
• Avoiding binge drinking (consuming four or more drinks in a single occasion for women, five or more drinks for men)
• Seeking help if experiencing symptoms of alcoholism
• Building a support network of friends and family who encourage healthy behaviors