Many of us drink alcohol as our way to celebrate, relax, and socialize with others. However, some people drink excessively to the extent that they neglect their responsibilities, and it affects their day-to-day functioning.

This uncontrollable alcohol use may also lead to various physical and psychological conditions if left untreated. In this discussion, let us explore alcohol addiction and what makes an individual prone to this condition.

What is Alcohol Use Disorder?

Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) is sometimes called alcohol abuse, alcohol dependence, or alcohol addiction. It is a condition characterized by an inability to control or stop alcohol use despite associated health consequences and impairment in critical areas of functioning such as personal, family, social, occupational, or academic.

While occasional alcohol use does not automatically develop into an addiction, drinking may be considered problematic when it creates interpersonal difficulties and affects almost all aspects of an individual’s life. When this happens, the individual is clinically considered to have AUD, and it can be classified as either mild, moderate, or severe.

Regardless of these classifications, even mild or moderate AUD can cause substantial damage to individuals themselves, their families and the community.

Causes and Risk Factors of Alcoholism

While the exact cause of AUD remains unclear, research studies suggest that the following risk factors make an individual more susceptible to developing AUD:

Genetics: Individuals who have a family history of AUD or related substance use problems are more prone to acquiring the condition. Research shows that the parents’ drinking patterns may also influence the likelihood of the individual developing AUD in the future.
Drinking at an Early Age: There have been consistent data from various studies demonstrating that those who began drinking before the age of 15 have a 60% likelihood of developing alcoholism or AUD than those who started alcohol at the age of 21 and beyond.
Childhood Trauma: Evidence from clinical practices shows that some individuals with alcohol use problems have adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), such as physical or sexual abuse and neglect. Experts believe that these ACEs may turn to substance abuse, including compulsive alcohol use, as a coping mechanism to regulate unpleasant moods brought on by these traumatic experiences. Eventually, repeated use progresses to addiction.
Stress Reactivity: All of us face daily life problems and various stressors. Some are easy to deal with, while others may require extra effort to overcome. However, those with AUD have reported that alcohol consumption is one of their ways to deal with stress as it provides them instant relief, comfort, and euphoric feeling.
Mental Health Conditions: Individuals who have histories of past mental health conditions are more likely to develop AUD. Based on clinical practice, substance abuse and mental health conditions such as major depressive disorder (MDD), posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety and related disorders, and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are comorbid with AUD.

What Are the Symptoms of Alcohol Use Disorder?

According to the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistic Manual for Mental Disorders (DSM-5) of the American Psychiatric Association (APA), alcohol use disorder is defined as a condition characterized by a problematic pattern of drinking that results in clinically significant distress. The diagnosis of AUD can be made when the individual shows at least two (2) of the following symptoms within 12 months:

The individual manifests alcohol withdrawal symptoms
The individual drinks more than intended or does so for a more extended period
Unsuccessful attempts when trying to cut down or stop drinking
Spends a significant amount of time getting alcohol, drinking, or recovering from its effects
The individual keeps on experiencing a strong desire or urge to drink alcohol
Obligations or responsibilities at work, school, or home are compromised due to alcohol use
The individual continues to consume alcohol despite causing interpersonal problems
Alcohol consumption is prioritized over other vital activities
Continuing to drink despite persistent or recurrent physical or psychological issues associated with drinking
Experiencing tolerance or needing much more than was once required to achieve the desired effect from alcohol use or not experiencing a similar effect when drinking the same amount

Stages of the Alcohol Addiction

The way we are affected by alcohol consumption varies from one person to another. Some may experience positive emotions, while others may feel discomfort when drinking alcohol. Regardless, the effects of alcohol cause changes and disruptions in the normal functions of our brain chemicals or neurotransmitters. Chronic alcohol consumption often leads to adverse health complications.

Occasional alcohol consumption does not commonly lead to AUD or alcohol addiction. Individuals who consume alcohol for the first time do not intend to get addicted to alcohol. AUD is a complex condition that does not develop overnight. Individuals who developed AUD went through various stages before reaching the threshold of a diagnosable alcohol problem. These include the following:

Pre-Alcohol Stage

In the first stage, the individual attempts to drink alcohol in response to self-curiosity, desire to experiment, or due to pressure from peers. Some may drink to help them relax, sleep, or even feel more comfortable in social situations.

Considering that drinking alcohol is a standard part of many adult activities, this pre-alcoholic stage can be challenging to recognize. They may drink more often than others, but this is not always obvious.

If you notice yourself or someone you know who has a habit of drinking alcohol as a way to cope with everyday difficulties, you are likely in the pre-alcohol stage.

Early Stage Alcoholism

When individuals begin to binge drink regularly, it is an indicator that the condition reaches the second stage of AUD. The pattern of alcohol use is increasing, and alcohol consumption progresses negatively. Although individuals may not drink every day, the frequency increases and most of their social activities may involve drinking alcohol.

At this point, when the occasional drinking becomes regular, their body and mind start to physically and psychologically adjust to the effects of the substance. This leaves them more susceptible to developing AUD.

Middle Alcoholic Stage

During this phase, the body and brain continue to adjust to the frequent presence of alcohol in the system, resulting in an increased amount of alcohol needed to reach the desired effects.

The drinking habits or a problematic pattern of alcohol consumption of those who progressed to the middle alcohol stage become more noticeable among family members and friends. There are instances that they hide their drinking, and they lie about the extent of consumed alcohol.

Negative consequences of problematic alcohol use begin, and it reaches the level of causing problems in their performance or obligations at school, work, and relationships. Some may drink at work and consume alcohol while taking care of their children, and some individuals may drive a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol.

End Stage Alcoholism

When the individual negatively progresses to this stage, alcohol drinking is no longer for social occasions; it becomes part of all-day activities, causing distress and severely impacting health, relationships, career, finances, and both physical and psychological well-being. Specifically, individuals may lose their jobs, fail or drop out of school.

Long-term effects of heavy drinking begin to become impossible to hide. They may also attempt to cut off drinking multiple times with little to no success. Someone who reaches this end stage of alcoholism needs to seek professional treatment immediately to prevent serious health problems or even death.

Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms

Alcohol withdrawal develops when an individual who has a dependency on alcohol attempts to reduce or stop alcohol intake after long-term use. Symptoms that individuals may experience range from mild to severe and may begin within 24 hours of stopping alcohol consumption. These include but are not limited to the following:

Fatigue
Confusion
Headache
Increased blood pressure
Weight loss
Hyperthermia (or high body temperature)
Excessive anxiety
Irritability
Psychosis (hallucination and delusions)
Delirium tremens
Seizure

In dealing with alcohol withdrawal symptoms, professionals may recommend some medications. They may prescribe vitamins for nutrient deficiencies and anti-seizure medications. In some severe cases, benzodiazepines or barbiturates may be given to reduce potential seizure and delirium tremens.

Seek Treatment for Alcohol Addiction at Luxe Recovery

Chronic alcohol use can cause permanent changes in brain structures and chemistry, which can lead to various health complications and increased relapse rate. Fortunately, no matter how severe the alcohol addiction may seem, treatment options are available, and recovery is possible.

Here at Luxe Recovery, we offer a comprehensive treatment plan to help individuals who are grappling with alcohol addiction. Our unique intervention program involves a combination of evidence-based psychotherapies, support groups, and medications to break the cycle of compulsive alcohol use and help these individuals achieve and maintain recovery.