April 17th, 2024
Alcohol is a very prevalent part of our culture, and many cultures around the world. Drinking can start at a young age, and the younger some individuals begin, the more issues it can potentially create. Drinking continuously can lead to an alcohol addiction and this can be difficult to manage, but fortunately not impossible.
Recognizing the signs of alcohol addiction early on is key to managing and overcoming it. Alcohol addiction not only affects the individual but also their families and communities. With the right support systems, strategies, and resources, recovery and maintaining sobriety are achievable goals. This blog aims to shed light on the subtle and overt signs of alcohol abuse, and provide guidance on the steps one can take towards a healthier, alcohol-free lifestyle. Let’s get started!
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition (DSM-5) defines alcohol use disorder (AUD) as "a problematic pattern of alcohol use leading to clinically significant impairment or distress, and is diagnosed as mild, moderate, or severe based on the number of symptoms, out of a possible 11, in the past 12 months”.
A person must meet at least 4 of these criteria to be considered dependent. Someone meeting less than 4 of these criteria may have alcohol abuse rather than alcohol dependence. Recognizing alcohol abuse is just as important as it can develop into dependence if not caught and treated in time
Alcohol dependence symptoms can include withdrawal symptoms when not drinking, such as tremors (hands shaking), irritability, anxiety, and depression, spending large amounts of time thinking about, planning, and obtaining alcohol, neglecting responsibilities due to drinking or being hungover from drinking, continuing to drink despite negative consequences (i.e. work/family issues due to drinking), drinking in dangerous situations such as drinking and driving, and building a tolerance to alcohol meaning that the person need more alcohol over time to achieve the same level of intoxication as previously able.
A few signs of alcohol abuse include drinking larger amounts or drinking for a longer amount of time than intended, craving alcohol when not drinking, and inability to cut down or stop drinking. Alcohol addiction warning signs range from mild to severe and include other symptoms in addition to the ones listed. Here is a list of some of the most common signs of alcohol addiction and abuse.
There are many individual factors that play into the disease of addiction. For example, someone who does not drink during the week but drinks all weekend may still meet the criteria for alcohol dependency. Additionally, so can someone who still makes it to work, pays their bills, and keeps up with social and family obligations, yet drinks to excess.
It's important to recognize that alcohol dependency isn't solely about how often you drink, but how you manage your life around alcohol and its impact on your health and wellbeing.
Some key questions to consider include: Do you feel a need to drink to start or end your day? Do you find yourself thinking about your next drink frequently? Are you drinking to cope with stress, anxiety, or depression? Have you tried to cut back on your drinking unsuccessfully?
These questions can help identify potential problems with alcohol, even if you appear to be managing your daily responsibilities. It's crucial to remember that alcohol dependency can manifest differently in everyone, and understanding your relationship with alcohol is the first step toward addressing potential issues.
Mental health repercussions of alcohol dependence include memory issues, concentration impairment, and emotion regulation difficulties. Symptoms of anxiety and depression also often develop or increase as time goes on and the disease of addiction continues. Many people also experience brain fog, being “in a haze”. In addition, some experience an increase in stress, feeling numb or overreacting, shame, guilt, and ruminating thoughts.
It is important to note that pre-existing mental health illnesses can also be exacerbated by prolonged alcohol use. Many people with mental health issues will self-medicate with alcohol to manage their mental health symptoms, not realizing that their alcohol use may exacerbate their symptoms.
Longstanding drinking can also worsen psychotic symptoms, such as audio and visual hallucinations, paranoia and depression. Trauma survivors may also suffer from heightened isolation and retreat from the world around them when drinking heavily.
There are many treatment options for alcohol addiction. Treatment options include residential treatment, where the person resides at a treatment facility for a longer-term basis. Inpatient hospitalization is typically a 15-30-day stay at a psychiatric hospital and outpatient options can allow for individuals to remain at home and even continue to work while seeking treatment.
Outpatient options include Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP), Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) and OP (outpatient program). PHP programs typically include attending group therapy five days a week for four hours a day. IOP programs are three to five days a week for three hours at a time. OP is the lowest level of care and may not include groups at all, but just individual therapy once or twice a week. In individual therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and Motivational Interviewing (MI) are very useful therapeutic techniques that can help in achieving and sustaining sobriety.
Medications can also be a great implementation in treating addiction as these can assist in alleviating withdrawal symptoms and curbing cravings. Another treatment option is attending Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meetings facilitated by those in recovery from alcohol.
Alcohol addiction does not only affect the person who is in active addiction but also everyone around them. This is a long journey and can be a challenge for all involved. Supporting loved ones with alcohol addiction is very difficult, as there is a fine line between helping and enabling. You can support your loved one by assisting them in navigating resources and treatment options. Education and support groups are vital for all involved in the recovery process.
If you or someone you know is struggling with alcohol addiction, it's crucial to seek professional help. At Clarity Clinic, located in the Chicago Loop, River North, Evanston, Mokena, Lakeview-Belmont, Lakeview-Broadway, and Arlington Heights, Illinois, we provide comprehensive mental health services tailored to support individuals facing alcohol addiction.
Our expert team of therapists and psychiatrists are trained not only in addiction but also in a broad range of mental health disorders. We are proud to offer the best Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHP) and Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP) in Chicago.
Take the first step towards a clearer, healthier future. Contact Clarity Clinic today to discover how we can help you on your journey to recovery.
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