Excessive drinking and alcohol misuse
Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD), commonly known as alcoholism, is a serious condition that can have far-reaching effects on an individual's health, relationships, and career. This article aims to shed light on the signs and symptoms of AUD, debunk common myths, and provide information on the risks associated with excessive alcohol consumption.
One of the key indicators of AUD is a strong craving for alcohol and an inability to resist the urge to drink. This is often accompanied by increased tolerance, meaning that more alcohol is needed to achieve the desired effect or feel the same impact as before. Another sign is withdrawal symptoms, such as nausea, sweating, shaking, and anxiety, when not drinking.
Other symptoms include drinking more alcohol or for a longer period than intended, unsuccessful attempts to cut down or control drinking, spending a lot of time drinking or recovering from its effects, and drinking as a coping mechanism to calm nerves, forget worries, or reduce depression. Frequently having more than one drink a day or binge drinking (more than five drinks in one sitting) is also a cause for concern.
Hidden drinking habits or lying about alcohol consumption, experiencing blackouts or memory gaps, feeling irritable, resentful, or unreasonable when not drinking, and having serious medical, social, legal, or financial problems caused by drinking are all signs that may suggest AUD.
Behavioral signs can be subtle but often include disinhibition, impaired judgment, slurred speech, unsteady gait, confusion, and memory problems during intoxication phases.
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) lists 11 criteria for diagnosing AUD, and showing two or more of these symptoms within a year suggests AUD, with severity varying by the number of symptoms.
It's important to note that alcoholism is not limited to daily drinkers or those who consume hard liquor. Consuming too much alcohol, too quickly, can slow breathing and heart rate, lower body temperature, cause confusion, vomiting, seizures, unconsciousness, and even death.
Common myths about alcoholism include the belief that it's not a "real" addiction like drug abuse, that one can stop drinking anytime they want to, or that high-functioning alcoholics can't be in danger. However, these are false and can lead to underestimating the risks associated with excessive alcohol consumption.
Children are especially sensitive and can suffer long-lasting emotional trauma when a parent or caretaker is an alcoholic or heavy drinker.
If you suspect that you or someone you know has alcoholism, professional diagnosis and early treatment are crucial to prevent worsening health and to support recovery. Downplaying the negative consequences of drinking can be a red flag and should not be ignored.
Risk factors for developing drinking problems or alcoholism include genetics, upbringing, social environment, emotional health, family history of alcoholism, association with heavy drinkers, and mental health problems such as anxiety, depression, or bipolar disorder.
In conclusion, recognising the signs of alcoholism is essential for early intervention and treatment. If you or someone you know is struggling with alcohol, seeking help is the first step towards recovery.
Mental health is impacted by alcoholism, as it can lead to depression, anxiety, and other emotional health issues. Science has shown that alcoholism is a treatable medical condition, and seeking help early can prevent long-term damage to one's health-and-wellness.
