Understanding Alcohol Dependence
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Yearly hundreds of adults as well as teenagers suffer due to Alcohol use disorder (AUD) or Alcohol dependence. It is a serious condition that involves complete dependence on alcohol despite knowing its adverse consequences. Regular drinking can lead to a variety of serious health problems, including liver disease and cancers, highlighting the significant health risks associated with alcohol dependence. Many people are facing alcohol dependence because they’re unable to beat the never-ending cycle of addiction.
Breaking free from alcohol dependence requires more than just determination—it takes a structured and, most importantly, a supportive plan. The Perry Clayman Project (PCP) offers programmes that guide individuals through every stage of recovery. We help individuals reclaim their lives and build a healthier future with expert care.
What is Alcohol Dependence?
Alcohol dependence, also known as alcoholism or alcohol addiction, is a chronic and relapsing brain disorder characterized by the inability to control alcohol consumption despite negative consequences. This complex condition affects millions of people worldwide, leading to significant harm to their physical and mental health, relationships, and overall well-being. Individuals with alcohol dependence often find themselves trapped in a cycle of drinking that they cannot break on their own. However, it is important to remember that alcohol dependence is a treatable condition. Seeking professional help is the first and most crucial step towards recovery, offering a pathway to reclaiming one’s life and health.
Alcohol Dependence and PCP's Role in Recovery
In Alcohol dependence, or Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD), a person loses the ability to control his alcohol consumption. They are well aware of how this habit could land them in a never-ending cycle yet they continue to engage in the activity. Even on the days when he is considering quitting, the withdrawal symptoms and increased tolerance may hold him back. The challenges associated with trying to stop drinking, such as recognizing physical dependence and the need for medical support, are significant and should not be underestimated.
In many cases, alcohol dependence gets so severe that self-treatment becomes dangerous or even fatal. At The Perry Clayman Project, we ensure a comprehensive approach to treating alcohol dependence. We, as a team of professionals, understand every individual is unique, and so is their path toward recovery.
Main Factors Involved in Alcohol Dependence
There can be several factors involved in developing alcohol dependence yet three of the most evident ones are:
Genetic Factors
Genetic makeup can also play a major role in making a person addicted to alcohol. People who have alcohol addiction running in their family might also develop the same habit later on. This is because their genetic makeup is trained for this.
Besides, the genetic map also decides how a certain substance is metabolised by the body. For instance, if a person inherits traits of metabolising alcohol he might continue indulging in it. On the other hand, if an individual’s body reacts negatively to alcohol he might then try avoiding drinking alcohol.
Psychological Factors
Many people start drinking just because they are going through emotional stress. Alcohol dependence can lead to the development of mental disorders, as outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. They want an instant escape which alcohol provides them but for just the time being. What they forget is that this temporary relief might cost them a lot later on. It can cause them to face alcohol dependence and more psychological distress which then gets intense with time.
Family and Peer Pressure to Binge Drink
Even if consuming alcohol isn’t part of an individual’s genetic makeup, if one of their parents drinks, he or she may tend to adopt the same habits. Growing up children look after their guardians and try to imitate what they are doing. A child growing up observing his parents being alcohol addicts might as well become addicts when they grow up.
Similarly, peer pressure can also play a major role in influencing the drinking habits of a person. For example, if an individual has a friend circle that drinks heavily and encourages others to do so might as well walk on the same path. Or an individual might just start consuming alcohol so he gets accepted by his friend’s circle or avoids getting bullied.
Signs of Alcohol Dependence
Recognising the signs of alcohol dependence is essential for seeking timely help. Common indicators include:
Drinking more than intended or for longer periods than intended.
Needing to drink more to feel the same effects.
Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when not drinking, such as tremors, nausea, or anxiety.
Continuing to drink despite physical or mental health problems.
Needing to drink to feel normal or to cope with stress or emotions.
Spending a lot of time drinking or recovering from drinking.
Giving up activities or hobbies to drink.
Continuing to drink despite relationship problems or other negative consequences
Patterns of Drinking
If you are dependent on alcohol, you may notice specific patterns in your drinking habits, such as:
Drinking every day or in large quantities.
Using alcohol to cope with stress or emotions.
Drinking to socialize or fit in with others.
Consuming alcohol to relax or unwind.
Drinking in secret or hiding your drinking habits from others.
Feelings and Behaviours
Alcohol dependence can also manifest in various feelings and behaviors, including:
Feeling anxious or irritable when unable to drink.
Experiencing mood swings or depression.
Having difficulty sleeping or concentrating.
Feeling tired or lethargic.
Struggling with decision-making or experiencing memory problems.
Feeling hopeless or having suicidal thoughts.
Impact of Alcohol Dependence
Alcohol dependence takes a toll on every aspect of life. It can result in neglecting essential responsibilities, avoiding self-care, and much more. However, the areas most affected by alcoholism are our health, mental well-being, social circle, and of course finances. Below is a more elaborate section on how each of these domains can be impacted by alcohol abuse
Deteriorated Health and Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms
The human body suffers the most from alcohol dependency. Some of these impacts might be as mild as having an upset stomach while others can be so severe that they may damage vital organs such as:
● Liver Failure: Alcohol addiction can interfere with the liver’s function of filtering toxins from the body. This might not impact the body at first however with time it can cause serious conditions such as fatty liver, hepatitis, fibrosis, and cirrhosis.
● Heart Problems: Over-dependence on alcohol can increase the rate at which the heart pumps blood. This might make your heart rate irregular at first or sometimes palpitations or high blood pressure.
● Low Immunity: Increased alcohol consumption can disturb your body’s immunity toward infections or viruses. As a result, individuals may find themselves struggling with diseases more than often. And even if these people don’t fall sick frequently when they do so their recovery is a challenge.
● Digestive Issues: The body part that suffers the most while drinking is undoubtedly the stomach. Because alcohol is acidic, it can inflame the stomach lining and limit the secretion of digestive juices. The consequence? Food is undigested which results in inflammation, reflux, ulcers, and bloating.
Disturbed Mental-Wellbeing
Besides vital organs, alcoholism can also disturb a person’s mental and emotional state. People with alcohol dependency often report a rise in psychological disorders ranging from:
● Anxiety and Depression: Consistent drinking patterns can trick your brain into feeling happiness only comes from consuming alcohol. This temporary high can often alter the brain chemistry and result in mental health issues such as anxiety and depression.
● Loss in Cognition: Alcohol is extremely toxic to brain cells. Heavy drinking can even shrink the brain tissues and damage nerve cells eventually impairing a person’s ability to remember things. In many cases prolonged alcohol consumption can even result in severe memory issues such as memory loss, dementia or inability to concentrate.
Social Consequences
People with alcoholism usually don’t have a social life. The reason? Because they usually have mood disorders and aren’t able to maintain healthy relationships. This can also be due to the fear of being judged for drinking by others. As a result, people with high alcohol dependence get to spend most of their time alone, away from essential responsibilities.
Physical Dependence and Alcohol Withdrawal
Physical dependence on alcohol occurs when the body adapts to the constant presence of alcohol and requires it to function normally. When alcohol consumption is stopped or reduced, the body experiences withdrawal symptoms, which can range from mild to severe. Common symptoms of alcohol withdrawal include:
Tremors or shaking.
Nausea or vomiting.
Headaches.
Fatigue.
Insomnia.
Anxiety or panic.
Seizures or delirium tremens (in severe cases).
Alcohol withdrawal syndrome is a serious condition that requires medical attention. If you are experiencing withdrawal symptoms, it is essential to seek professional help to ensure a safe and comfortable detoxification process. Medical supervision can help manage these symptoms effectively, reducing the risk of complications and supporting a smoother transition to sobriety.
Diagnosis and Assessment of Alcohol Dependence Using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual
Many individuals may not realise they are dependent on alcohol until they evaluate their habits. If a person exhibits any of the following indicators, they may already be experiencing Alcohol Use Disorder:
● Inability to control the consumption of alcohol.
● Having strong cravings to drink.
● Suffering from withdrawal symptoms.
● Ignoring daily life duties.
If you or your loved one notice any of the above symptoms seek professional help without any second thought. Expert support at this stage is crucial and at The Perry Clayman Project (PCP) we ensure every individual receives that without any discrimination.
Credible healthcare practitioners know how to assess the level of alcohol dependence. They can arrange diagnostic tools or diagnostic manuals to assess the severity of your condition. The best part? Everyone gets a personalised treatment plan that makes the recovery easier and possible. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders outlines the criteria for diagnosing alcohol dependence.
Treatment and Recovery Options for Alcohol Addiction
Treatment and recovery options for alcohol dependence can range from:
Medical Detox and Rehabilitation
Medical detox helps the body safely eliminate alcohol while managing withdrawal symptoms. The process is regulated under medical supervision to avoid any life-threatening consequences.
PCP’s Rehab Today provides medically supervised detox programmes, including:
● 24/7 medical support to manage withdrawal symptoms.
● Medication-assisted detox to reduce discomfort.
● A more gentle transition plan to move from detox into rehabilitation.
Following detox, rehabilitation programmes offer effective plans to further make the recovery process smooth. Most rehabs offer either in-patient or out-patient programmes that one can choose according to their preferences.
Psychological Therapies
In addition to getting rid of alcoholism, avoiding relapse must also be a part of a person’s recovery plan. For this purpose, it is important to get to the root cause of why alcohol abuse started in the first place.
Therapeutic options such as CBT or family therapy can provide valuable support. These approaches identify triggers and help individuals to develop healthy coping strategies to maintain long-term sobriety.
Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)
The worst part of overcoming alcohol dependence is experiencing withdrawal symptoms. Severe anxiety, nausea, tremors, or seizures are a few of the withdrawal symptoms many people getting rid of alcoholism might experience. In extreme cases, this can even result in fatal consequences such as delirium tremens that might be just impossible to control without proper medications.
Some commonly prescribed withdrawal medications may include:
● Disulfiram
● Naltrexone
Warning!
It’s a good thing to assess yourself and understand your alcohol dependence but, self-prescribing medications isn’t a safe thought. Please consider consulting a healthcare professional before using any of the above medications to avoid complications.
Your Recovery Starts Today!
Breaking free from alcohol dependence is not just about quitting drinking. It’s about regaining control of your life, your health, and your future. We can understand recovery may seem overwhelming at first, but with the right support and treatment, long-term sobriety is possible.
At Rehab Today by PCP, we believe everyone deserves a second chance. Whether you’re taking the first step or looking for continued care, we are committed to helping you build a future that is free from alcohol dependence.
Recovery starts today. Contact us now and take the first step toward a new beginning.