The fact of the matter is that alcohol addiction is extremely dangerous and even fatal [1]. However, what may appear as a minor problem can turn destructive over time. Seeking alcoholism treatment sooner rather than later will allow you to get back to the things you enjoy most in life. Heavy alcohol use is linked to a number of mental health problems, including depression, anxiety, memory loss and poor emotional regulation. It affects the chemical balance within the brain and has a profound impact on thinking and behavior.

Outpatient treatment provides daily support while allowing the person to live at home. If you think a family member or loved one might be showing signs, signals or symptoms of alcoholism, know that it won’t “go away” on its own. Their brain is changing—and without help, there can be serious long-term consequences.

Behavioral Treatments

In order for treatment to work, the person with an alcohol addiction must want to get sober. You can’t force them to stop drinking if they aren’t ready. Regardless of how the addiction looks, someone typically has an alcohol addiction if they heavily rely on drinking and can’t stay sober for an extended period of time. It can cause changes to the brain and neurochemistry, so a person with an alcohol addiction may not be able to control their actions.

• Always know there is help and support available for you or a loved one.
• Alcohol contains many calories, which causes some individuals to gain weight.
• This creates a vicious cycle that’s difficult to escape from.
• For example, some people try to cover their alcohol abuse by drinking in private and isolating themselves from others.

You might hear “OK, I’ll give it up,” but if you’ve heard it before and it hasn’t happened, it’s possible that your loved one is an addict. Addicts and alcoholics persist in their symptoms no matter what, sober house which leads to problems. Someone who isn’t an addict should be capable of giving up for a week or two at least. Neglect of social life that doesn’t involve alcohol is usually a big sign of alcoholism.

Risk factors

Despite what movies and television shows portray, it’s not always easy to tell if someone has a problem with drinking. A person with AUD might not hang out in a bar all day or fall down after they’ve been drinking heavily. Some people seem fine and functional in their daily lives despite their alcohol addiction. Do you have to drink more than you used to in order to get buzzed? Can you drink more than other people without getting drunk?

Alcohol is a beverage that is produced by the fermentation of yeast, sugars, and starches. Ethyl alcohol is the active ingredient that provides its’ intoxicating effect. Alcohol is a powerful central nervous system (CNS) depressant that slows brain function and impacts the body’s autonomic functions, such as heart rate and respiration.

When to Seek Help for Alcoholism

One tool is known as CAGE – a questionnaire that measures the severity of a drinking problem. If you answer “yes” to two or more CAGE questions, you should seek professional medical assistance. Too much alcohol affects your speech, muscle coordination and vital centers of your brain. A heavy drinking binge may even cause a life-threatening coma or death. This is of particular concern when you’re taking certain medications that also depress the brain’s function.

In some cases, alcohol abuse can have legal and financial consequences that stem from poor decision-making and impulsive behavior. For example, driving under the influence can result in hefty fines and jail time, while alcohol-related aggression has been linked to assault and violence. Other actions might lead to job loss or court-ordered rehab. According to some studies, alcohol is a factor in more than 40 percent of all crimes in the United States, which is significantly higher than even drugs like heroin or cocaine. When drinking becomes your number one priority, it doesn’t leave room for much else.

What Are the Symptoms of Alcohol Use Disorder?

Alcohol suppresses rapid eye movement, or REM sleep, which is an essential restorative stage of sleep your body requires. And since alcohol is a diuretic, you’ll probably visit the bathroom more frequently at night, which can significantly hinder sleep. Because alcohol is a potent diuretic, it can quickly dehydrate you, leading to the characteristic symptoms of a hangover, including a throbbing headache. Research reviews have also listed alcohol as a culprit for triggering migraine attacks.

It’s not uncommon to see high-functioning alcoholics replace meals with a few drinks. They tend to lose all interest in food, and instead, use mealtime as an excuse to start drinking again. If a person with AUD suddenly stops drinking, they might experience severe withdrawal symptoms.