What is Alcoholism? Learn about an Alcohol Addiction

Treatment professionals see some type of trauma in virtually every patient that they treat. There are many forms of trauma, but they are all painful events that take a toll on the mental health of the person struggling with addiction. For many, treating unresolved trauma is the key to their recovery.

Too much alcohol at one time also can lead to alcohol poisoning. One alcoholic drink is defined as a 12-ounce bottle of beer; a 5-ounce glass of wine; or 1.5 ounces of 80-proof distilled spirits (such as whiskey, rum, or tequila). There are currently three medications approved by the FDA for the treatment of an alcohol use disorder. While not all people will respond to medication, many find it helpful in reducing cravings and maintaining abstinence, especially when combined with behavioral treatment and support.

Alcohol Use Disorder Symptoms

About 30% of people with alcoholic liver disease have hepatitis C virus. Healthcare providers don’t know why some people who drink alcohol get liver disease while others do not. Research suggests there may be a genetic link, but this is not yet clear. Alcoholic hepatitis and alcoholic cirrhosis are linked to the long-term alcohol abuse seen in alcoholics.

People with alcohol use disorders, however, drink to excess, endangering both themselves and others. This question-and-answer fact sheet explains alcohol problems and how psychologists can help people recover. Alcohol use disorder develops when you drink so much that chemical changes in the brain occur. These changes increase the pleasurable feelings you get when you drink alcohol. This makes you want to drink more often, even if it causes harm.

More from Merriam-Webster on alcoholism

Some people may drink alcohol to the point that it causes problems, but they’re not physically dependent on alcohol. Binge drinking is drinking so much at once that your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) level is 0.08% or more. For a man, this usually happens after having 5 or more drinks within a few hours.

Many drinking problems start when people use alcohol to self-soothe and relieve stress (otherwise known as self-medicating). Getting drunk after every stressful day, for example, or reaching for a bottle every time you have an argument with your spouse or boss. A variety of factors which affect the levels and patterns of alcohol consumption and the magnitude of alcohol-related problems in populations have been identified at individual and societal levels. Alcohol is a psychoactive substance with dependence-producing properties that has been widely used in many cultures for centuries. The harmful use of alcohol causes a high burden of disease and has significant social and economic consequences.

Symptoms

Over the long- or medium-term, excessive drinking can significantly alter the levels of these brain chemicals. This causes the body to crave alcohol in order to feel good and avoid feeling bad. Treatment providers are available 24/7 to answer your questions about rehab, whether it’s for you or a loved one. Submit your number and receive a free call today from a treatment provider. If you or a loved one is ready to overcome an alcohol addiction, reach out today. Treatment providers can connect you with programs that provide the tools to help you get and stay sober.

In 2013, 45.8% of liver disease deaths among Americans ages 12 and older involved alcohol. Alcohol abuse increases the risk of developing cancers of the mouth, esophagus, liver and breast. Heart disease is currently one of the leading causes of death for alcoholics. An estimated 88,000 people die each year from alcohol-related causes. It is the fourth leading preventable cause of death in America.

Other signs and symptoms of alcoholism

Additionally, consuming too much alcohol can affect your long-term health. Some side effects may lay dormant for years before they surface. Because of this, professional medical care is required for proper diagnosis How to Choose a Sober House: Tips to Focus on and treatment. Relying on alcohol to reduce daily life stressors can impact the likelihood of developing alcoholism. Since alcohol is a depressant and a sedative, drinking produces feelings of pleasure.

For a woman, it is after about 4 or more drinks within a few hours. Not everyone who binge drinks has an AUD, but they are at higher risk for getting one. Finally, epidemiologists need a definition of alcoholism that enables them to identify alcoholics within a population that may not be available for individual examination. These services are meant to manage withdrawal symptoms, minimize the risk of complications, as well as to address any medical or psychiatric conditions that may develop. While not everyone who binge drinks has an AUD, binge drinking can be a very significant risk factor for the development of an AUD. Some signs and symptoms of alcohol misuse may be due to another condition.

What are the symptoms of alcoholic liver disease?

These are signs of tolerance, which can be an early warning sign of alcoholism. Tolerance means that, over time, you need more and more alcohol to feel the same effects. People with alcoholic liver disease are also at greater risk for liver cancer.

CDC estimates that 1 in 6 US adults binge drinks [PDF – 171 KB], with 25% doing so at least weekly, on average, and 25% consuming at least 8 drinks during a binge occasion. Binge drinking is responsible for more than 40% of the deaths and three-quarters of the costs due to excessive alcohol use. States and communities can prevent binge drinking by supporting effective policies and programs, such as those recommended by the Community Preventive Services Task Force. Not all alcohol abusers become full-blown alcoholics, but it is a big risk factor. Sometimes alcoholism develops suddenly in response to a stressful change, such as a breakup, retirement, or another loss.

Alcohol consumption can have an impact not only on the incidence of diseases, injuries and other health conditions, but also on their outcomes and how these evolve over time. Online and community-based recovery groups can also be helpful during alcohol withdrawal and addiction treatment. A support group, like Alcoholics Anonymous or SMART recovery, can help you feel less isolated and provide an opportunity to learn from and connect with others https://www.healthworkscollective.com/how-choose-sober-house-tips-to-focus-on/ with similar problems and shared experiences. Treatment for alcoholism often involves a combination of therapy, medication, and support. If you think you might have an alcohol use disorder or if you are worried that your alcohol consumption has become problematic, it is important to talk to your doctor to discuss your treatment options. Typically, a diagnosis of alcohol use disorder doesn’t require any other type of diagnostic test.