What is Alcohol Addiction?
Alcohol is present at most events on our tables: celebrations, commemorations, ceremonies, and is part of our eating and living habits. However, its omnipresence and great social acceptance make it extremely easy to obtain an alcoholic drink and, for anyone who has developed a problem with alcohol, it can subsequently be extremely difficult to overcome.
Alcohol dependence is a medical and psychiatric term that refers to a state in which an affected person has become physically and/or psychologically dependent on alcohol.
Dependence is a state in which a person’s brain and body have become accustomed to the presence of a certain substance – in this case, alcohol – which they have consumed repeatedly over a long period and requires a certain level of that substance to function normally. If this level is not maintained – for example, if the person suddenly stops drinking alcohol – the system may react by functioning abnormally until it is able to re-stabilise over time. This abnormal function manifests itself through potentially unpleasant and even dangerous effects known as withdrawal syndrome.
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Causes and Types of Addiction:
Each case of addiction is unique, and the factors that cause it are not fully understood, although it is known that environmental and genetic factors may be responsible.
Alcohol dependence is the result of regular alcohol consumption over time. A person who abstains from drinking alcohol will not develop alcohol dependence.
In addition to the physical and psychological effects of alcohol dependence, there are different types of alcohol abuse, ranging from occasional binge drinking to generalised alcoholism involving both types of dependence. Some people are able to lead a relatively productive and normal life despite having serious alcohol use disorders (these people are generally known as functional alcoholics), while others are unable to function and their entire life is consumed by alcoholism.
Stages of Alcohol Dependence:
A large number of healthcare professionals have put enormous effort into understanding alcohol dependence. Different classification factors have emerged to assess the development of alcohol dependence. Partly because of the variety of these factors and partly because each case is unique, there is no universally accepted classification; however, alcohol dependence can be divided into several stages.
- Pre-alcoholic phase
- Early phase
- Critical phase
- Chronic phase
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Long-Term Health Effects of Alcohol Dependence:
Long-term alcohol abuse can have devastating effects on the drinker’s physical and mental health, some of which can be fatal. Here are some of the most common effects:
- Heart disease
- Stroke
- Liver disease (including cirrhosis)
- Liver cancer
- Colon cancer
- Mouth cancer
- Breast cancer
- Pancreatitis
Diagnosing Alcohol Dependence
Diagnosing alcohol dependence is sometimes difficult, particularly when the patient is uncooperative (perhaps seeking to conceal their condition). At our detoxification centre, various screening questionnaires have been established to identify and classify an alcohol use disorder. Two of the most common tests are the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test and the Rapid Alcohol Screening Test, both of which can be administered by our practitioners. Blood tests may also be performed to identify long-term alcohol abuse and the damage it may have caused. Tests that may be performed include GGT, bilirubin, ALT (alanine aminotransferase) and MCV.
Alcohol Dependence Treatment:
Treatment begins after a period of reduced consumption, which may be assisted by the prescription of certain medications. This protocol generally involves two phases: detoxification and withdrawal (monitored by healthcare professionals to ensure patient safety and potentially aided by medication); and therapy, to discover and treat the root causes of a person’s alcohol dependence.
Getting Help for Alcohol Addiction
Are you suffering from alcohol addiction? Don’t despair, there is help available. If you are ready to acknowledge your condition and seek help, you could soon be on the road to recovery. Contact our addiction specialists today to speak frankly about your situation and find out about the treatment options available to you.
