What Is Considered an Alcoholic? Signs, Health Effects, and Treatment Paths

What is considered an alcoholic? An alcoholic is someone who cannot control their drinking despite the harmful effects. Shore Point Recovery explains Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD), its symptoms, different levels of alcohol misuse, and health risks involved.

Key Takeaways

• Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) encompasses varying degrees of alcohol misuse, characterized by impaired control over drinking and negative consequences, with criteria for diagnosis including withdrawal symptoms and increased tolerance.
• Excessive alcohol use has significant short-term and long-term health risks, including accidents, chronic diseases, and various types of cancers, emphasizing the importance of moderating alcohol consumption.
• Prevention and treatment of alcohol dependence require a multifaceted approach, including support systems, psychotherapy, and medications to aid recovery and address underlying causes.

Defining Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD)

Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) is a medical condition characterized by impaired control over alcohol use despite negative consequences. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) describes AUD as a singular condition that integrates past classifications of alcohol abuse and dependence. This means that whether someone has mild or severe symptoms, they fall under the umbrella of AUD.

Criteria for diagnosing AUD include:

• Lack of control over drinking
• Obsession with drinking
• Continued use despite consequences
• Increased tolerance
• Withdrawal symptoms

AUD can be classified into mild, moderate, or severe categories based on the severity of these symptoms. Recognizing these criteria can help identify the disorder in oneself or others.

Signs of Alcohol Dependence

Identifying the signs of alcohol dependence is the first step toward addressing the issue. Increased tolerance is a significant indicator; over time, a person may need more alcohol to achieve the same effect. This often leads to excessive drinking and can contribute to the development of alcohol addiction.

Cravings and craving alcohol withdrawal symptoms also indicate alcohol dependence. When a person stops drinking alcohol, they may experience physical and psychological alcohol withdrawal symptoms, such as anxiety, shakiness, and sweating. These symptoms make quitting alcohol difficult without professional help.

The Spectrum of Alcohol Use

Alcohol use exists on a continuum ranging from non-drinking to severe addiction. Terms like alcohol misuse, alcohol dependence, alcohol addiction, and alcoholism all fall under the broader category of Alcohol Use Disorder. Recognizing this spectrum helps to understand that unhealthy alcohol use varies.

Alcohol misuse can include behaviors like binge drinking and heavy alcohol use, which pose significant health risks. Problem drinking can manifest in various forms, from occasional binge drinking to daily heavy drinking, each with its own set of dangers and consequences.

Recognizing Problem Drinking

Problem drinking includes behaviors that negatively impact health and well-being. This can range from binge drinking to heavy alcohol use and high-intensity drinking. Identifying these patterns helps in recognizing those at risk of developing alcohol dependence.

Binge drinking and heavy alcohol use are particularly concerning as they are associated with increased risks of developing Alcohol Use Disorder. For men, the recommended limit is two drinks or less per day, which translates to a maximum of 14 drinks per week, and for women, it is one drink per day, totaling seven drinks per week. Moderate alcohol consumption is advised, as exceeding these limits can lead to various health complications.

Binge Drinking

Binge drinking is defined as consuming enough alcohol to raise blood alcohol concentration (BAC) to 0.08% or higher, which typically means five or more drinks for males and four or more drinks for females within about two hours, or eight or more drinks in general. This pattern of drinking can lead to severe health risks, including injuries, impaired judgment, high blood alcohol levels, and even alcohol poisoning, especially when considering the amount of alcohol consumed.

High-intensity drinking, which involves consuming two times or more the binge drinking thresholds, has been linked to a significant increase in alcohol-related emergency department visits, highlighting the increased risk associated with this behavior.

Heavy Drinking

Heavy drinking is defined as binge drinking on five or more days in the past month. This pattern of alcohol consumption significantly increases the risk of developing chronic health conditions such as liver disease and cardiovascular problems.

The health risks associated with heavy drinking are profound, leading to long-term damage to various body systems. Addressing heavy drinking patterns early can prevent severe health outcomes and improve a person’s health by promoting healthy habits.

Health Risks of Excessive Alcohol Use

Excessive alcohol use can lead to numerous health risks, both short-term and long-term. In the short term, it can result in injuries, impaired judgment, and alcohol poisoning. Long-term excessive drinking is associated with chronic diseases such as liver disease, heart disease, cancer, and mental health issues, as well as various health problems.

The elevated blood pressure and weakened immune system are significant long-term effects of excessive alcohol consumption, which can also lead to high blood pressure. Specific types of cancer linked to excessive drinking include mouth, throat, and esophagus cancers. These risks highlight the importance of moderating alcohol consumption.

Short-Term Health Effects

In the short term, consuming large quantities of alcohol can lead to accidents and impaired judgment. This impaired judgment often results in risky behaviors and decisions that can have immediate negative consequences on a person’s health and safety when they drink alcohol. Understanding how alcohol affects these outcomes is crucial for making informed choices.

Alcohol poisoning is another severe short-term risk. When a person drinks a lethal dose, it can result in severe health consequences or even death. Awareness of these safety risks is crucial for those who engage in binge or heavy drinking and may experience alcohol intoxication.

Long-Term Health Effects

Chronic alcohol use is linked to a variety of long-term health conditions, including liver disease, cardiovascular problems, and irreversible brain damage. The long-term effects of heavy drinking can lead to permanent brain damage and cognitive impairments.

Alcohol is also recognized as a human carcinogen, linked to various cancers, including mouth, throat, breast cancer, and esophageal cancer. These long-term health risks highlight the importance of addressing and mitigating excessive alcohol use.

Underlying Causes of Alcohol Dependence

Multiple factors contribute to alcohol dependence, including genetic, mental health, and environmental influences. Genetic factors account for approximately 50% of an individual’s risk for developing alcohol use disorder based on family history. Certain genes, like ADH1B and ALDH2, are linked to a higher risk of alcohol misuse.

Environmental influences and social factors also play a significant role in the development of AUD. Regular excessive alcohol use can worsen mental health conditions and is linked to increased risk factors of self-harm and suicide. Recognizing these underlying causes can aid in crafting effective prevention and treatment strategies.

Diagnosing Alcohol Use Disorder

Diagnosing alcohol use disorder typically begins with a review of the patient’s drinking habits and health history by a primary care provider. This may involve discussing the patient’s situation with family or friends to get a comprehensive understanding of their drinking patterns.

Psychological evaluations often include questionnaires that assess symptoms, thoughts, feelings, and behaviors related to alcohol use. Lab tests and imaging tests may also be performed to identify any health complications caused by excessive drinking.

Treatment Options for Alcohol Use Disorder

Treatment for alcohol use disorder is multifaceted and tailored to individual needs. Inpatient residential and outpatient treatment programs are available for those struggling with alcoholism. An effective approach often involves a blend of strategies, including social support, which significantly influences the motivation to change alcohol use.

Recovery-specific social support has a more substantial impact on motivation to change compared to general social support. A combination of various treatment methods generally yields better results for individuals with alcohol use disorder.

Detoxification

The alcohol detox process typically involves three phases: evaluation, stabilization, and treatment entry. Withdrawal symptoms from alcohol can be life-threatening and require medical intervention. Acute treatment services and detoxification are a critical first step in the treatment journey, helping individuals stabilize physically and prepare for further treatment.

Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy plays a crucial role in the treatment of alcohol dependence by:

• Addressing underlying psychological issues
• Helping individuals develop coping mechanisms to deal with triggers and cravings
• Providing support and skills through a mental health professional to manage and overcome alcohol dependence.

Medication

Medications like Acamprosate, Disulfiram, and Naltrexone play a significant role in supporting recovery from alcohol addiction:

• Acamprosate helps reduce cravings.
• Disulfiram creates adverse effects when alcohol is consumed.
• Naltrexone blocks the pleasurable effects associated with alcohol.

Prescribed by healthcare professionals, these prescription opioids can support individuals in their recovery journey with the guidance of a healthcare provider.

Preventing Alcohol Addiction

Preventing alcohol addiction involves identifying and managing personal triggers, setting specific limits on drinking days and quantities, and establishing alcohol-free days each week. These strategies promote responsible drinking habits.

Seeking support from friends, family, or professionals can also aid in reducing alcohol intake and preventing addiction.

Building a Support System

A strong support system is crucial for recovery from alcoholism. Individual, couples, and family therapy can benefit those recovering from alcohol dependence. Group therapy offers essential support during a treatment program.

Individuals may need extended periods of individual therapy if they are experiencing mental health issues, ensuring they have the necessary support to maintain their recovery.

Finding the Right Support for Alcohol Use Disorder

Understanding Alcohol Use Disorder is the first step in addressing this complex issue. Alcohol misuse is not a single moment or label, but a progressive pattern that can affect physical health, mental well-being, and overall quality of life. Recognizing the signs early, understanding the risks, and seeking appropriate support can prevent the progression from unhealthy drinking patterns to severe dependence.

Through self-awareness, professional evaluation, structured treatment, and healthy coping strategies, recovery is possible. By building a strong support system and seeking professional help, individuals can take meaningful steps towards recovery and lead healthier, alcohol-free lives.

If you or someone you love is struggling with alcohol use, help is available today. Call us at (508) 938-8079 or verify your insurance online to take the first step toward healing. The right support can make all the difference.