Understanding Alcoholism and Alcohol Addiction Treatment

Alcoholism is another name used for the medical condition known as alcohol use disorder (AUD). AUD is a medical condition where a person loses the ability to regulate their consumption of alcohol.[1] Ultimately, this loss of regulation leads to harm to themselves and others. AUD can exist in varying severity, including mild, moderate, and severe. Regardless of the level of severity, all forms of AUD can benefit from professional treatment.

Understanding alcoholism can greatly diminish the stigma associated with the disease. Alcoholism is a common disease affecting individuals from all walks of life. Fortunately, alcoholism is treatable. Like other diseases, alcoholism is influenced by a number of factors: biological, psychological, and environmental. This is why willpower alone cannot fix it.

Alcohol abuse and alcoholism are very similar, but the difference is in the physical dependence on alcohol, and other criteria laid out in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition (DSM-5).[2]

Some examples of the criteria that differentiate alcohol abuse and alcoholism (AUD) are:

• There is a persistent desire or unsuccessful efforts to cut down or control alcohol use.
• Craving, or a strong desire or urge to use alcohol.
• Continued alcohol use despite having persistent or recurrent social or interpersonal problems caused or worsened by the effects of alcohol.
• Recurrent alcohol use in situations in which it is physically hazardous such as while driving, operating machinery, or around water.
• Building tolerance, a need for increased amounts of alcohol to achieve intoxication or desired effect, or a markedly diminished effect with continued use of the same amount of alcohol.
• Withdrawal symptoms if drinking is stopped

If you’re concerned that you or someone you love could be living with alcoholism, know that treatment is available.

The primary difference between alcohol abuse and alcoholism lies in the degree of physical alcohol dependence and meeting certain diagnostic criteria (tolerance, withdrawal, loss of control). Alcohol abuse is generally defined as engaging in harmful or dangerous drinking behaviors.[3] Alcoholism (also referred to as AUD) meets certain diagnostic criteria such as losing control over drinking, tolerance, and withdrawal symptoms when attempting to cut back or stop.

Several things can increase a person’s risk of becoming addicted to alcohol, even if their initial intent is only social or recreational use.[4] There are five main risk factors for developing an alcohol use disorder. They include:  

• Duration of Use: Duration of use refers to the length of time someone has been consistently drinking. The longer the duration, the higher the risk.
• Age of First Use: Age may play a large role in forming an addiction. If the brain is exposed to alcohol at an early age, while crucial development is still taking place, it is easier for the alcohol to reroute the brain’s functioning.[5] This makes them much more likely to depend on the substance, even if it doesn’t occur until later in life.
• Environmental and Social Factors: Environmental factors like stress and exposure to violence can also increase the risk of developing an addiction, especially if the exposure happened in the developmental years of someone’s life. If someone lives in a violent or unpredictable environment, they may have a high risk of developing unhealthy coping mechanisms that could lead to an addiction. 
• Social factors: Peer pressure and social isolation can also contribute to addiction. If someone feels like they don’t fit in or are feeling lonely, they may be more likely to try drugs or alcohol.
• Genetics: A family history, or genetics, is one of the most common risk factors for developing an addiction.[6] This is because of the inherited genetics involving how the brain reacts to a substance. When someone’s parents enjoy the feeling of being high, their brain may interpret alcohol in the same way their parents did.
• Mental Health: Co-occurring mental health conditions can also increase someone’s risk of addiction.[7] If someone suffers from depression, anxiety disorders, or PTSD, they are more likely to try alcohol as a coping mechanism to deal with their feelings.

Not all individuals who consume alcohol develop an alcohol use disorder. Many people who develop an alcohol use disorder start with healthy drinking behaviors. Even if someone appears to have high-functioning alcoholism, they are likely consuming problematic amounts of alcohol.

The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) states that “binge” drinking occurs when a male consumes 5 or more drinks within a 2 hour span and when a female consumes 4 or more drinks within a 2 hour span.[8] NIAAA defines heavy drinking as when an individual consumes more than 14 drinks per week if male and more than 7 drinks per week if female.[9]

Once an individual exceeds these limits frequently, they begin to demonstrate an increased risk of developing an alcohol use disorder. 

Because alcoholism impacts each individual differently, the warning signs will vary depending upon the situation. However, there are several common signs that may indicate an individual has developed an alcohol use disorder.[10] Common warning signs of alcoholism may include:

• Extreme changes in emotional stability or mood
• Loss of interest in hobbies
• Sudden financial issues or unexplained expenses
• Withdrawal from friends and family members 
• Neglect of personal grooming or appearance
• Memory issues or “blacking out” when drinking

If you recognize any of the warning signs of alcoholism listed above in yourself or in someone you care about, it is not a cause for embarrassment or shame. Reaching out for help and support is a brave action that demonstrates courage.

Effective treatment for alcoholism exists for each stage of alcohol use disorder. Treatment programs at Agape Detox Center are tailored specifically to meet the needs of each patient rather than offering a one-size-fits-all program. 

For many patients, recovery from alcohol addiction begins with a medically supervised detoxification program. Due to the potential dangers involved in withdrawing from alcohol, it is imperative to receive medical supervision during this process. Medical detox may involve medication-assisted withdrawal. Various benzodiazepines can help make withdrawal safer and more comfortable, while medications like Acamprosate and Disulfiram help with relapse prevention and abstinence.[11]  

After completing the detoxification process, our inpatient treatment center provides a structured and supportive environment allowing patients to focus on their overall health and recovery.

Agape Detox Center also offers treatment for those managing co-occurring mental health issues like depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder that present along with an alcohol use disorder. Our treatment center uses evidence-based treatment therapies including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), individual and group therapy, motivational interviewing (MI), trauma-informed therapy, family therapy, and stress management training.[12]

As treatment nears completion, an aftercare plan is implemented with resources for support groups such as 12-step programs and community services. This boosts momentum towards achieving sustained sobriety and recovery.