Overview
Patterns of alcohol use that cause a person to have problems controlling how much they drink, their behaviours whilst under the influence of alcohol, and drinking even when they are aware of this, was most commonly referred to as alcoholism. The term alcohol misuse disorder or alcohol dependency or reliance are now more commonly used terms for alcohol addiction. Alcohol misuse is a serious condition and it’s important to remember that alcohol affects the neurochemistry in a person’s brain which can leave them unable to control their actions and behaviours.
With alcohol misuse disorder a person is unable to control the amount they drink or to stop drinking, even when it’s having a serious effect on their health, relationships or quality of life. Alcohol misuse is believed to affect millions of people world wide whether they binge drink or consume alcohol every day. Alcohol misuse more commonly occurs around the ages of twenty to thirty but can occur in adolescence or later in life, and is more common in men than women.
Causes of alcohol misuse disorder
There is no known cause for someone becoming reliant on alcohol and the reasons can vary amongst individuals, but it is believed that there are several factors that could contribute to its development. These can include but are not limited to the following:
- Studies have shown that genetics can be a potential cause, so having a family history of alcohol misuse could put you at a higher risk of developing issues with alcohol use
- Social or cultural influences such as the way drinking is portrayed as being glamourous in the media or the example of family, role models or peers in childhood or adolescence
- Research also shows that if you have certain mental health conditions that this could also increase the likelihood of it developing, most commonly with conditions such as ADHD (attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder), bi-polar disorder, depression, PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) and schizophrenia
- Having suffered past trauma or emotional, physical or sexual abuse
- Some research indicates that having bariatric surgery could increase the risk of developing alcohol misuse
- People who either starting drinking at an early age or were binge drinkers are also at higher risk
There are theorise that suggest that some people have a stronger or different reaction to alcohol that could lead to its misuse. They believe that over a period of time drinking alcohol can affect the areas of the brain associated with pleasure and inhibition, which could cause a craving for alcohol and potentially addiction.
Symptoms and signs of reliance or misuse
Symptoms of alcohol use can be different for different people and may sometimes by mild to moderate or can be severe. Symptoms can include:
- Hiding signs of the amount of alcohol they consume by drinking on their own and disposing of bottles so that other people aren’t aware of how much, or how often they drink
- Start to only want to socialise on occasions where alcohol is readily available and consumed by others
- Start to socialise less with people who don’t drink or their family and friends and prefer the company of other people who drink heavily
- Start to increase the amount and frequency of alcohol they consume and start to build a higher tolerance for it, whilst showing less symptoms of its over use such as having fewer hangovers
- Are unable to function on a daily basis if they do not consume alcohol regularly
- Drink at inappropriate times or places such as first thing in the morning before going to work, or whilst driving or using machinery, or swimming
- Physical changes like feeling lethargic, becoming angry, displaying mood swings or complaining of headaches or feeling nauseous
- Start to display withdrawal symptoms such as nausea, sweating or tremors when they haven’t had a drink for a while
Potential health risks of alcohol misuse or dependency
Alcohol depresses the central nervous system, so initially for some people when they start to drink they can feel an increase in their energy levels. As you continue to drink however, you can start to feel drowsy and then it can affect your ability to speak, your movements and co-ordination as well as your ability to make rational decisions, which can lead you to put yourself into risky situations, such as:
- Driving when under the influence of alcohol which can lead to injury or fatality to yourself or others
- Engaging in unsafe sex either unprotected sex or potentially being the victim of sexual assault
- A higher chance of being the victim of a crime or committing one
- Problems with the law or financial issues
- Problems with personal or work relationships, or a negative effect on your education or work performance
- Developing other substance misuse or suicidal thoughts or attempts
Physical complications or risks can include conditions such as:
- Cerebellar degeneration that can lead to changes in the brain and dementia
- Stomach and digestive problems that could lead to gastritis, pancreatitis or stomach or oesophageal ulcers
- Liver problems such as a fatty liver or cirrhosis
- An increased risk of developing a variety of cancers including mouth, throat, lung, breast, or colon cancer
- Heart conditions such as high blood pressure, stroke, or heart failure
- Eye conditions such as rapid eye movement or paralysis
- A reduced function in your immune system resulting in problems with your body fighting infection
- Issues with sexual performance
- Problems with the menstrual cycle, miscarriage in pregnant women, or their child developing foetal alcohol spectrum disorder
- Complications with existing diabetes caused by alcohol interfering with the release of glucose from the liver
- Alcohol poisoning or hepatitis
Mental health conditions can include:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Psychosis
- Suicidal tendencies
Diagnosis and Treatment
People who suffer from alcohol misuse are often in denial that they even have a problem, so only tend to see their doctor if they have serious health problems as a result of drinking.
Diagnosis
A doctor may diagnose alcohol misuse disorder if a patient presents with two or more of the following symptoms. This will generally be based on a period of twelve months, or more of an ongoing pattern of alcohol intake, or in cases of a daily pattern of alcohol use a continuous month.
- Having an impaired control over the use of alcohol, so how much or how often you drink, if you are able to stop once you start, and if you drink at inappropriate times or places
- Whether you are giving an increased priority to alcohol, so if drinking is your main priority above your family, friends, responsibilities or health, and you carry on despite the negative effects that occur as a result
- You suffer from unwanted physical or mental health effects because you have to drink more to achieve the same results, or are suffering withdrawal symptoms and drink to alleviate them
Treatment
Overcoming addiction to, or reliance on alcohol won’t happen overnight, it takes determination, commitment and the desire to stop.
Rehabilitation
In extreme cases your healthcare provider might suggest that the best course would be to sign up to rehab in a residential rehabilitation centre. This will usually consist of a program of detoxification that is medically manged to prevent withdrawal symptoms. It can take between two and seven days and might involve medical sedation. This will be followed up with counselling and support from medical professionals.
Medication
Oral medications are available and these work in different ways, by either a physical response when drinking alcohol, like headaches, nausea, flushing or vomiting. This might make you drink less but it won’t stop your urge to drink or cure you. There are also medications that can help reduce the amount you drink or the urge to drink once you have stopped.
Therapy
Is probably the most common treatment for people wanting to stop drinking and it can be tailored to the individual based on their circumstances. Therapies used can include:
CBT (cognitive behavioural therapy)
A form of talking therapy, CBT can help patients to recognise negative thoughts and behaviours and to replace these with positive ones. It also helps people to recognise triggers that cause them to drink such as stress or anxiety.
Family therapy
Alcohol doesn’t just affect an individual but it impacts their family and relationships. It can help them to better understand alcohol misuse and how to provide support.
Group Therapy
Can provide structured support from counsellors or therapists with people who are dealing with similar circumstances. It can also be beneficial to talk to people who have overcome their alcohol addictions.
Written by Jan, Jeana and Wendy at Barnsley Hypnosis and Counselling (UK). For more free Information click above link.
