Overview of alcohol addiction and dependency.

Both are chronic diseases characterised by uncontrolled drinking and a preoccupation with all thing’s alcohol. Symptoms include repeated alcohol consumption despite possible legal and health issues. Treatments can involve counselling by a professional therapist, a potential detox program in a medical facility, as well as medications which reduce the desire for alcohol.

Although treatment can help, the condition cannot be completely cured, due to its chronic state which can last for years, or perhaps even lifelong.    

Alcohol addiction and dependency is generally known as alcoholism. It is a chronic relapsing disorder associated with compulsive drinking and the loss of control over the amount you drink. Medically it is known as Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) and it can be mild, moderate, or severe alcoholic dependence.

The addiction cycles.

Research has shown that alcohol addiction is a repeating cycle of 3 stages, and although different, each is linked to the other. Emotional areas of the mind are affected, leading to different responses from each stage.

1.      Intoxication and binge drinking. This is the stage in which a person experiences the rewarding effects of alcohol such as euphoria, and reduction of anxiety. This is stimulating for a person, and over time the stimuli can result in powerful urges to drink alcohol.

2.      Withdrawal stage. When someone who is addicted to alcohol stops drinking, the negative effects of withdrawal set in. The negative effects are the opposite of what a person experienced when drinking. For example, anxiety may build up, a lack of confidence can appear, and may have difficulty enjoying the pleasures of normal life. Experts agree that one might capitulate and have a drink during the withdrawal stage, not to get high, but to escape the bad feelings abstinence will bring.

3.      Anticipation stage. This is the stage when one begins craving for alcohol after a period of abstinence, as the longing for a drink intensifies.

These are the 3 main stages of the addiction cycles.

Concerns about Alcohol Abuse Disorder. (AUD)

Studies have shown that AUD is linked to several health problems such as heart and liver disease, cancer, and even many motor vehicle accidents, sometimes causing serious injuries, or often causing fatalities of innocent people.

It was also noted that young people in the pre-teen to mid-twenties age groups who drink alcohol are at a high risk of developing AUD later in life. Fortunately, it has been proved that many folks with AUD can benefit from medical help, and especially from behavioural health therapies with a competent therapist.

The psychology of alcohol abuse.

For some people with personality traits such as low self-esteem, a need for approval, and a lack of confidence, will indulge in abusing alcohol in order to feel good, and help them cope in social interactions. Others may drink to dull emotional problems resulting from stress and anxiety issues.

 Drinkers can be categorised into the following types:

·        Social drinking when out and about.

·        Drinking to conform with others and peer groups.

·        Drinking to enhance your mood.

·        Drinking to help you cope with stress and anxiety.

Bear in mind that moderate drinking can reduce your risk of heart disease, lowering your risk of a dangerous stroke, and cutting down a risk of diabetes.

A good therapist can assist you with mental health issues, and help you to create a new, positive mindset.