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The short answer is: yes, alcohol is most certainly addictive. The NIH estimates that in 2014:
However, not everyone who consumes alcohol is classified as having alcohol use disorder; being able to discern this fine line between use, misuse or abuse is quite difficult, and often leads an alcoholic to believe he/she does not have a drinking problem when, in fact, the opposite is true.
Alcohol consumption can elicit a subjective warm and tingly sensation, and further make the user feel confident - in a state of mild euphoria and decreased inhibitions. The majority of those who struggle with alcohol abuse continue to drink despite the consequences in an attempt to continue to achieve these feelings, which are caused at the cellular level by increased gamma-Aminobutyric acid (or GABA) activity. GABA is a neurotransmitter with an overall inhibitory effect on the nervous system (acting as a central nervous system depressant).
The signs of alcohol addiction, as described in detail in the DSM-V, are numerous, and all involve a basic disruption to the users life. A few of these signs include:
Alcohol consumption can produce physiological and psychological dependence in users:
There are a few things you must think about to determine if you are in fact addicted to alcohol. If you find yourself choosing alcohol over spending time with friends or family, then you may want to think about seeking help for your drinking problem. You may also find that when you are at a party, you try to limit your drinking in front of others but consume copious amounts of alcohol as soon as you are alone; this could be a sign that you feel guilty about your alcohol use, and may signal trouble. Having an addiction is nothing to feel ashamed about.
Remember, addiction is a clinically recognized disease, not some figment of the imagination or a self-inflicted mental health problem, as some believed it was in the early 1900s. There is help available to you, and professionals that can support your journey to sobriety every step of the way.
Don't wait to help yourself or a loved one. Call 1-888-993-3112Who Answers? to find treatment for yourself or someone you care about.
Being supportive is one of the most important aspects of attempting to get a friend or family member the addiction help they need. It's also very important to educate yourself about the effects of alcohol addiction, to offer an informed perspective to your loved one when approaching him to discuss treatment. Your friend or family member needs all of the emotional support he can muster, and may greatly appreciate that you've taken the time to educate yourself about the disease process of addiction.
Remember, do not approach your loved one:
Approaching the issue with compassion and sensitivity is important.
The Mayo Clinic offers some helpful advice for staging an intervention. As loving, compassionate family member/friend, it is your job to ensure that you are not angry or upset during the intervention, as this may deter the alcoholic (your loved one) from accepting the offer of treatment. Make sure to:
Planning is key: make sure the right professional(s) are present, if you choose to have one (remember, these trained professionals along with non-family members can help keep the discussion focused). Your loved one must be sober during the intervention in order to make the best decision possible. Because your loved one may not recognize that they have a problem with alcohol, and may also be blinded to the negative effects the alcohol addiction has on the family; it is important for everyone present at the intervention to:
Part of the planning process involves determining a treatment option, with transportation available to that treatment option at the time of intervention. If, after all family/friends have presented their feelings and ultimatums, the alcoholic accepts the offer for treatment, follow-up is key. Make sure a devoted family member or friend is involved to increase the chances of the alcoholic staying in treatment and avoiding relapse.
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Do not stage an intervention angry, and avoiding involving family friends who are unable to stay calm.
Make sure your loved one is sober, if possible, and clearly convey the consequences of his or her continued behavior.
Make sure treatment is part of your planning. Have transportation available for immediate transfer to treatment.
Alcoholism affects the whole family, not just the alcoholic.
It is completely normal for family members and friends to feel sad, depressed and overwhelmed while trying to support an addicted loved one. There is help available for family and friends: groups such as Al-Anon or Adult Children of Alcoholics are two options for family and friends, as is individual or group counseling. Remember, as the family member, you are not alone with your feelings and other family members would likely be willing to talk with you about your feelings and stresses.
Seeking professional help may benefit those who wish to develop the skills necessary to try to keep the alcoholic on track once they leave treatment. These skills may include:
There are many different treatment options available for alcohol addiction, and they vary primarily by their ability to maintain one's current lifestyle during treatment. These options include the following types of treatment programs:
Depending upon the person and their family needs, outpatient treatment that allows the patient to maintain his current job may be the best fit. Meanwhile, someone whose home life contributes greatly to their alcohol addiction may benefit immensely from residential treatment. Residential rehab removes the alcoholic from their home environment with the hope of removing cues for craving and factors that motivate the user to drink alcohol in the first place. Traditionally, abstinence from drinking alcohol is the goal of treatment; however, current studies have suggested that low-risk drinking (what non-alcoholics normally view as "social" drinking) may be an acceptable treatment outcome.
The best place to begin looking into alcohol treatment is with your primary care physician. They can recommend different treatment options and medications based on your current needs. Remember, a high price tag doesn't always equate to the best treatment option. Look for treatment options that work with:
Make sure the program you choose has the appropriate credentials and a good follow-up protocol.
It's never too late to reclaim your life. Call 1-888-993-3112Who Answers? for confidential assistance in choosing a treatment option that is a perfect fit.
