Alcohol Addiction: Symptoms, Causes, And Effects

Alcohol addiction is a relentless struggle impacting physical and mental health, relationships, and overall life. If you or a loved one are struggling with alcohol addiction, you’re not alone in this journey toward recovery and a brighter future.

The symptoms of alcohol addiction can vary depending on genetics and other factors. However, symptoms can range from increased tolerance to withdrawal symptoms, neglecting responsibilities, craving alcohol, and failed attempts to quit. You may also experience blackouts, dizziness, and self-destructive character.

The causes of alcohol addiction include factors like genetics, trauma, stress, and peer pressure. Understanding what could have caused your alcohol addiction is a significant step toward finding the right path to recovery. 

The effects of alcohol addiction encompass physical and mental health, erodes relationships, leads to financial struggles, and can rob you or your loved one of the joy and fulfillment in life. 

What is Alcohol Addiction?

Alcohol addiction, also known as alcoholism or alcohol use disorder (AUD), is a chronic condition characterized by an inability to control alcohol consumption despite adverse consequences. 

Alcohol is a central nervous system depressant, making it a drug in the same class as substances like benzodiazepines and barbiturates. People with alcohol addiction will experience physical and psychological dependence on alcohol, often leading to tolerance, a compulsive need to drink, withdrawal symptoms when not drinking, and a range of harmful effects on life, health, and relationships.

Alcohol addiction is a prevalent form of addiction in the US and other parts of the world. In fact, In the 2021 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), it was found that approximately 29.5 million individuals aged 12 and older, representing about 10.6% of this age group, experienced Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) within the past year: {National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA)}.

What are the signs and symptoms of Alcohol addiction?

The symptoms of alcohol addiction may vary for different people. Depending on your genetics, consumption rate, and other factors, the symptoms may be mild, moderate, or severe. Like several other stimulants, including drugs like Cocaine, caffeine, and Amphetamines, alcohol addiction symptoms include the following:

• Loss of Control: Alcohol addiction may lead you to drink more or for longer periods than you intend, leading to unsuccessful attempts to cut down or control alcohol use.
• Craving: You may experience a strong, persistent desire to consume alcohol.
• Tolerance: Needing increasing amounts of alcohol to achieve the desired effect or experiencing reduced effects from the same amount.
• Withdrawal: Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when you’re not drinking to relieve or avoid withdrawal symptoms.
• Neglecting Responsibilities: AUD victims find it challenging to fulfill significant obligations at work, school, or home due to alcohol use.
• Social and Recreational Activities: Giving up or reducing important social, occupational, or recreational activities because of alcohol use.
• Time Spent: Spending a significant amount of time obtaining, using, or recovering from the effects of alcohol.
• Continued Use Despite Problems: Continuing to use alcohol even when it leads to physical or psychological problems.
• Loss of Interest: Loss of interest or reduced participation in activities that were once important or enjoyable due to alcohol use.
• Risk-Taking: Engaging in risky behaviors while under the influence, such as driving under the influence or unprotected sex.
• Legal Issues: Having legal problems related to alcohol use, such as DUI (Driving Under the Influence) charges.
• Relationship Issues: Continued use of alcohol despite it causing or exacerbating interpersonal problems.
• Physical and Mental Health: Experiencing physical health issues (e.g., liver damage) and mental health problems (e.g., depression or anxiety) related to alcohol use.
• Failed Attempts to Quit: Repeatedly trying to quit or reduce alcohol use without success.

What makes alcohol addictive: How does it affect the brain?

Alcohol disrupts normal brain function, leading to the characteristic behaviors and impairments associated with intoxication. These effects can leave the brain temporarily or permanently damaged, depending on the severity of addiction, consumption quantity, and more. Below is a breakdown of how alcohol affects your brain once invested:

• Depressant Effect: Alcohol is a central nervous system depressant, slowing down brain activity. It inhibits the transmission of signals between nerve cells, leading to reduced brain function.
• Neurotransmitter Modulation: Alcohol increases the activity of inhibitory neurotransmitters like GABA while suppressing excitatory neurotransmitters like glutamate. This shift in neurotransmitter balance results in sedation and reduced brain stimulation.
• Dopamine Release: Alcohol prompts the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and reward. This release creates feelings of euphoria and reinforces the desire to drink more.
• Impaired Cognitive Function: Alcohol impairs cognitive functions such as judgment, decision-making, and memory, directly affecting an individual’s ability to think clearly and make rational choices.
• Motor Skills and Coordination: Alcohol impairs motor skills and coordination, leading to observable symptoms like slurred speech, impaired balance, and reduced motor control.
• Memory Formation: Excessive alcohol consumption can interfere with forming new memories, resulting in blackouts or memory lapses.
• Structural Changes: Long-term, heavy alcohol use can lead to structural changes in the brain, including brain shrinkage, particularly in regions associated with memory and cognition. 

A team of Harvard researchers discovered that brain volume decreases relative to alcohol intake. Surprisingly, even light and moderate drinkers exhibited more atrophy (shrinkage) compared to those who abstained from alcohol: {Harvard Health Publishing}.

What are the causes of Alcohol addiction?

As mentioned earlier, alcohol addiction is a complex condition with multiple potential causes. While alcohol addiction can be caused by genetics, social, psychological, and environmental factors, some drinkers may not become addicted, no matter how much they consume. Some of the causes of alcohol addiction are:

• Genetics: There is evidence to suggest that a person’s genetic makeup can play a role in their susceptibility to alcohol addiction. Individuals with a family history of alcoholism may be at a higher risk: {NIAAA – Alcohol’s Effects on Health}.
• Environmental Factors: The environment in which a person grows up can influence their risk of developing AUD. Factors such as exposure to alcohol at an early age, family and peer attitudes towards drinking, and the availability of alcohol can contribute.
• Psychological Factors: Underlying mental health conditions, such as depression, anxiety, trauma, or stress, can increase the risk of alcohol addiction. Some individuals may use alcohol as a way to self-medicate their emotional distress.
• Social and Cultural Factors: Social and cultural norms regarding alcohol use can impact an individual’s drinking habits. In some cultures, heavy drinking may be more socially accepted.
• Neurochemical Factors: Alcohol affects brain chemistry, leading to changes in neurotransmitter activity. Over time, these changes can contribute to addiction.
• Early Exposure: Starting to drink at a young age can increase the likelihood of developing AUD. Early exposure to alcohol during crucial developmental stages can have lasting effects.
• Peer Pressure: Pressure from peers or social circles to drink or engage in excessive drinking can influence a person’s alcohol consumption patterns.
• Availability: Easy access to alcohol, whether due to age, location, or social circumstances, can contribute to problematic drinking behaviors.

What are the effects of Alcohol Abuse?

The effects of alcohol addiction can be detrimental to your health, social life, and mind. These effects can be difficult to overcome, but with the right treatment options and support system, they can be reversed. Alcohol also affects family members of alcoholics, in a recent study from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), approximately 10.5% (7.5 million) of U.S. children ages 17 and younger live with a parent who has alcohol use disorder, according to a 2017 report by the . Some of these effects of alcohol abuse include:

• Physical Health Deterioration: Alcohol addiction can lead to liver damage (cirrhosis), cardiovascular problems (heart diseases), gastritis, and pancreatitis. It weakens the immune system, making the body more susceptible to infections.
• Liver Damage: Of the 100,530 liver disease deaths among people ages 12 and older in 2021, 47.4% involved alcohol. Among males, 62,039 liver disease deaths occurred, with 50.2% involving alcohol. Among females, 38,491 liver disease deaths occurred, with 42.8% involving alcohol. (CDC Alcohol-Related Disease Impact Report) and from 2010 to 2016, alcohol-associated liver disease was the primary cause of almost 1 in 3 liver transplants in the United States according to JAMA Intern Med. study conducted in 2019.
• Cirrhosis: Among all cirrhosis deaths in 2019, alcohol accounted for 50.3%. The percentage of alcohol-associated cirrhosis deaths was highest (at 80.9%) among adults ages 25 to 34, followed by adults ages 35 to 44 (at 75.4%) from NIAAA, Division of Epidemiology and Prevention Research; 2022.
• Cancer: Recent estimates for the United States indicate that 5.6% of cancer cases and 4.0% of cancer deaths are attributable to alcohol consumption as stated in Islam F’s study in CA Cancer J Clin. from 2018.
• Mental Health Problems: It often co-occurs with depression, anxiety, and even severe conditions like alcohol-induced psychosis. Mental health can deteriorate due to alcohol’s impact on brain chemistry.
• Relationships: Alcohol addiction strains relationships through erratic behavior, neglect, and conflicts. It can result in broken families and severed friendships.
• Work and Finances: Job performance may decline, leading to job loss and financial difficulties. Money spent on alcohol can deplete savings and contribute to debt.
• Legal Issues: Drunk driving arrests, public intoxication, and other legal problems are common. Legal consequences can include fines, license suspension, and even imprisonment.
• Social Isolation: Individuals often withdraw from social circles and hobbies, prioritizing alcohol consumption over social interactions.
• Physical Dependence: Withdrawal symptoms like tremors, nausea, and seizures occur when alcohol isn’t consumed, reinforcing the need to drink regularly.
• Tolerance and Health Risks: Tolerance means needing more alcohol for the same effects, which can lead to higher health risks like overdose and organ damage.
• Neglecting Responsibilities: Alcohol addiction can lead to neglecting work, family, and personal responsibilities, causing harm to one’s life and those around them.
• Accidents and Injuries: Impaired coordination and judgment increase the risk of accidents, injuries, and falls, often requiring medical attention. Alcohol consumption is associated with an increased risk of drowning and injuries from violence, falls, and motor vehicle crashes. (Driscoll TR, Pubmed 2004)
• Financial Impact: The deeper you go into alcohol addiction, the more you want to drink it and the more money you spend on it. This could affect your finances.

These specific consequences underscore the urgent need for early intervention, treatment, and support. If you’ve started to notice a combination of these effects due to your alcohol drinking problem, you should consider visiting a specialist.

What are the Treatment Options for Alcohol Addiction?

There are multiple different types of treatment depending on what part or stage of alcohol use disorder is present. However, despite available treatment options for alcoholism, less than 10% of people with AUD receive treatment, specifically, 1.4 million people ages 12 and older received treatment for alcoholism which accounts for 4.6% of people with past-year AUD according to the 2021 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH). Treatment options can range from inpatient residential to outpatient drug and alcohol rehab programs. Some of these treatment options are similar to those for addiction to other drugs. They include:

• Detoxification (Detox): The first step in treating alcohol addiction is often detox, which involves supervised withdrawal to manage the physical symptoms and cravings. Medications may be used to ease withdrawal discomfort and reduce the risk of severe symptoms like seizures or delirium tremens.
• Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT): Certain medications, such as naltrexone, acamprosate, and disulfiram, may be prescribed as part of ongoing treatment. These medications can help reduce cravings, deter alcohol use, or alleviate symptoms of withdrawal.
• Behavioral Therapies: Various forms of therapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational enhancement therapy (MET), and contingency management, are used to address the psychological aspects of addiction. These therapies help individuals identify triggers, develop coping strategies, and change behaviors associated with alcohol use.
• Support Groups: Participation in support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) can provide a sense of community and peer support. These groups follow a 12-step program to help individuals maintain sobriety.
• Counseling and Psychotherapy: Individual and group counseling sessions can address underlying emotional and psychological factors contributing to addiction. These sessions provide a safe space to explore issues related to alcohol use and develop healthier coping mechanisms.
• Residential Treatment (Inpatient): In some cases, individuals may require intensive treatment in a residential facility, where they receive 24-hour care and support. This is typically recommended for severe addiction cases.
• Outpatient Treatment: Outpatient programs offer flexibility, allowing individuals to receive treatment while living at home. These programs can include therapy, counseling, and medication management.
• Family Therapy: Involving the family in treatment can be beneficial to address family dynamics and support the recovery process.
• Holistic Approaches: Some individuals find benefit in holistic treatments such as yoga, meditation, and mindfulness practices to manage stress and promote overall well-being during recovery.
• Aftercare and Relapse Prevention: Once formal treatment is complete, aftercare plans are essential to maintain sobriety. This may include ongoing therapy, support group participation, and strategies for relapse prevention.

How long does it take to detox from Alcohol Addiction?

The duration of alcohol detoxification can vary significantly from person to person and depends on several factors, including the severity of the alcohol addiction, your overall health, and the specific detox protocol used. Detoxification from alcohol addiction can take between 24 hours to weeks: {Rachel Nall, MSN, CRNA: Healthline}.

In general, the process typically unfolds as follows:

• Immediate Withdrawal (Within Hours to Days): The initial withdrawal symptoms usually begin within hours to a few days after the last drink. These symptoms can include anxiety, nausea, sweating, tremors, and insomnia. For some, more severe symptoms like seizures or delirium tremens (DTs) can occur.
• Acute Detox (3 to 7 Days): This phase is characterized by the most intense withdrawal symptoms, typically occurring within the first week. Medical supervision is often necessary during this time to manage symptoms and prevent complications. Medications may be administered to ease withdrawal discomfort and reduce the risk of seizures or DTs.
• Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome (PAWS): After the acute detox phase, some individuals may experience a prolonged period of less severe but lingering symptoms, known as PAWS. This can include mood swings, sleep disturbances, and cravings. PAWS can persist for weeks or even months.
• Recovery and Rehabilitation: Detox is just the first step in alcohol addiction treatment. Recovery and rehabilitation involve addressing the psychological and behavioral aspects of addiction and typically extend well beyond the detox period. This phase can last for months or years, depending on the individual’s progress and needs.

It’s crucial to emphasize that detox is only the initial phase of alcohol addiction treatment. While some individuals may complete detox in a matter of days, the overall process of achieving and maintaining sobriety often requires ongoing support, therapy, and lifestyle changes. Seeking professional help and medical supervision during detox is essential for safety and increased chances of long-term recovery.

What withdrawal symptoms are associated with Alcohol addiction?

Withdrawals from any kind of medication or stimulant can be challenging, especially without the help and supervision of an expert. It can result in dangerous consequences that may last long and become medical emergencies. However, these symptoms can be expected as you go through detoxification.

• Anxiety
• Nausea and Vomiting
• Tremors (Shakes)
• Sweating
• Insomnia
• Increased Heart Rate
• Mood Swings
• Headaches
• Seizures
• Hallucinations
• Delirium Tremens (DTs)

Final thoughts on Alcohol addiction

In conclusion, alcohol addiction is a pervasive and multifaceted problem that affects individuals, families, and communities. It’s a condition that demands understanding, empathy, and accessible treatment options. While it presents significant challenges, recovery is achievable with the right resources, support, and a commitment to change. Remember, seeking help is a sign of strength, and there is hope for a healthier, sober life.