Alcohol dependence

What is alcohol dependence?

Alcohol dependence, also known as alcoholism, is a disease characterized by a strong desire or compulsive need to consume alcohol despite its negative physical, social and economic consequences. It involves a process of physical and psychological dependence in which the body becomes accustomed to alcohol consumption and one experiences withdrawal symptoms from alcohol when not drinking.

Alcohol dependence can affect a person’s ability to control or limit their drinking due to both physical dependence and strong psychological cravings. It is a treatable condition but may require more extensive treatment depending on the severity of the addiction.

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Facts about alcohol dependence

It is estimated that around 1% of the global adult population has an alcohol dependence problem, with South Africans ranging somewhere in the middle of low and high consumption. It is a prominent public health problem affecting many individuals and society. Research indicates that a significant proportion of the adult population shows signs of alcohol dependence or risky alcohol consumption, with men at a higher rate than women. Alcohol consumption contributes to a range of health problems, such as cirrhosis of the liver, cancer, cardiovascular disease and mental disorders, and is a common cause of accidents and violence.

To address this, there are several treatment options for alcohol addiction, from outpatient care and counselling to intensive programs and detoxification. There are also support organizations and self-help groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA).

What causes alcohol dependence?

The causes of alcohol dependence are due to a complex interaction of genetic, psychological, social and environmental factors. Genetics plays a significant role, with an increased risk for individuals who have a family history of alcoholism, suggesting a heritability of the disease.

Psychological problems such as depression, anxiety and stress can lead individuals to use alcohol as a form of self-medication. Social and environmental factors, including social pressure and cultural norms, along with early alcohol exposure, can also contribute to the development of dependence.

Stressful life situations and experiences of trauma, especially during childhood, increase vulnerability, while certain personality traits such as impulsivity and risk-taking behaviour can further amplify the risk.

It is the interaction of these different factors that increases the risk of developing alcohol dependence, which means that all these underlying causes often need to be addressed in the treatment process.

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How do you know if you are addicted to alcohol?

Determining whether you have alcohol dependence involves identifying a range of signs and symptoms that indicate an unhealthy relationship with alcohol. Alcohol dependence, or alcoholism, is characterized not only by an increased amount of alcohol consumption but also by intense psychological and physical dependence.

Seven signs of alcohol dependence

Here are some indications that a person may be addicted to alcohol:

1. Strong desire or compulsion to drink alcohol: An intense craving for alcohol that feels hard to resist
2. Loss of control: Inability to limit the amount of alcohol consumed once drinking has started
3. Tolerance development: The need to consume more significant amounts of alcohol to achieve the same effects that were previously completed with smaller amounts
4. Withdrawal symptoms: Experiencing physical symptoms such as tremors (shaking), sweating, nausea and anxiety as alcohol levels in the body drop. In severe cases, withdrawal can lead to delirium tremens (DTs), which can be life-threatening.
5. Prioritizing alcohol over other activities: Spending a lot of time obtaining, consuming or recovering from the effects of alcohol, even at the expense of work, family and social commitments
6. Continued use despite negative consequences: Continuing to drink even when it leads to problems with health, work, relationships and legal issues
7. Sacrificing interests and activities: Giving up or reducing participation in activities that were previously important or enjoyable in favour of drinking

If you recognize these symptoms and it negatively affects your life, it may be an indication of alcohol dependence. It is essential to seek professional help for an accurate diagnosis and to discuss possible treatment options. There are many resources and support available for those struggling with alcohol addiction, including therapy, medical treatment and support groups, which can offer help on the road to recovery.

Symptoms of alcohol addiction

Alcohol dependence is characterized by a range of behavioural and physical symptoms that indicate an unhealthy relationship with alcohol. This includes a solid and overwhelming desire for alcohol, difficulty stopping or controlling the amount of alcohol consumed, and a developed tolerance that requires more significant amounts of alcohol to achieve the same effects.

People with alcohol dependence often experience withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety and tremors when not drinking, which can be so severe that it leads to delirium tremens in severe cases. Much time can be spent drinking alcohol or recovering from its effects, often at the expense of work, relationships and other activities.

Despite awareness of these negative consequences, drinking continues, resulting in social activities, hobbies and work-related commitments being neglected or abandoned altogether. These signs of alcohol dependence indicate a need for professional help for diagnosis and treatment, which can range from medical intervention to therapy and support groups to facilitate recovery.

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Help for alcohol dependence

If you are wondering whether you have an alcohol addiction or are at risk of developing one, it is essential to seek help. Otherwise, problems can develop and get worse over time.

Treatment for alcohol dependence

Treatment for alcohol dependence is an individualized process, depending on the severity of the problem. Supportive and motivational counselling can be helpful if you are a high-risk user. For more severe alcoholism, treatment may begin with medically supervised detoxification to safely manage withdrawal symptoms. Subsequently, drug treatment can be used to reduce alcohol cravings and prevent relapse with standard drugs such as naltrexone, acamprosate and disulfiram.

Psychotherapy, particularly Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), is essential to help the person understand and change the behavioural patterns that lead to alcohol abuse while developing coping strategies. Treatment is available through your health care provider and specialized addiction clinics and treatment centres if needed.

Support groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous offer social and emotional support through a community of others in similar situations. Education on alcohol addiction and self-help strategies are also important, as well as long-term follow-up and aftercare to maintain sobriety. Complementary therapies such as mindfulness and yoga can support recovery by reducing stress and improving well-being. A strong support network is essential for a successful recovery from alcohol addiction.

What can you do as a family member of someone with an alcohol problem?

As a family member of someone with an alcohol problem, there are several ways to provide support while taking care of your health:

1. Educate yourself about alcohol addiction: To better understand what your loved one is going through. This will help you empathize and create a supportive environment.
2. Communicate openly and nonjudgmentally: Express your concern and love without blaming. It is important to let the person know that you are there to support, not criticize.
3. Encourage professional help: Discuss treatment options, such as therapy or support groups, and offer to help find appropriate resources or accompany them to meetings.
4. Set healthy boundaries: To protect yourself and other family members from the negative consequences of your loved one’s drinking. It is essential not to enable the behaviour.
5. Seek support for yourself: Dealing with a loved one’s alcohol problem is psychologically stressful. Take part in support groups for family members, such as Al-Anon, and attend self-therapy to deal with your feelings and stress.
6. Avoid enabling the addiction: Do not cover up or excuse the loved one’s behaviour. Resisting solving problems caused by the loved one’s drinking can motivate them to seek help.
7. Be patient and hopeful: Recovery takes time and may involve relapse. Continue to offer your support throughout the process.

Remember that the person must want to seek help and change themselves. You can offer support and resources, but the ultimate responsibility for getting sober lies with the person with the alcohol problem. Taking care of your own mental and emotional health is also crucial in this process.

In the case of alcohol addiction, other family members may also be affected. There is support for relatives and children of those with an addiction.

From conversation to understanding and change

Talk therapy is often the first step in seeking help. Working with a psychologist or therapist, you can begin to understand your symptoms and triggers, which is essential for long-term change.

When professional help is unavoidable

If you are experiencing signs of abuse or addiction that are affecting your life or work, you must seek professional help. It is never too late to break free from abuse or addiction. Help is available, and support is just a click away. So, if you or someone you love is struggling with these issues, don’t hesitate to seek professional help.

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Book a 20- or 45-minute session with a qualified coach, therapist or psychologist today via our website. Together, we will make the hard things more accessible.