Alcoholism, often called alcohol use disorder (AUD), is a serious problem affecting millions of people worldwide. In the last few decades, experts have been debating whether or not alcoholism is considered an illness. Some believe that it’s only a habit problem, while others suggest that it is a disease that causes major changes in the brain.
In this blog post, we explore alcoholism, why it should not be ignored, and why it is considered to be a chronic disease.
Is Alcoholism A Mental Health Disorder?
The quick answer is yes. Alcoholism is classified as a mental illness, a designation that has been established since the 1980s when the American Psychiatric Association recognized it as a primary mental health disorder. It was then later renamed as alcohol use disorder (AUD) and included in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM).
This classification of alcoholism as a mental health condition is grounded in its impact on thoughts, moods, changes in behaviour, and significant impairment in major areas of life.
Understanding Alcoholism
Alcohol acts as a sedative, typically making people feel tired or relaxed. However, those with alcoholism may react differently, and people tend to experience increased energy which can lead to poor choices and risky behaviour.
Alcoholism as a disease impacts both the body and the brain. It is marked by the inability to control drinking, even when it leads to serious health problems and affects important areas of life, such as relationships, family, social life, work, or education.
While drinking occasionally may not result in addiction, it becomes a problem when it creates conflicts and disrupts many parts of a person’s life. In such cases, a diagnosis of AUD may be given, which can range from mild to severe.
Alcohol Addiction As A Chronic Disease
Alcoholism is a chronic condition similar to other illnesses. Some of the common features or characteristics of this condition that align with the criteria of being chronic include the following:
- It is genetic
- It develops slowly over time
- Relapse can occur
- Requires ongoing care
- No definite cure
- It can be managed with medication and lifestyle changes
How Does Alcoholism Develop?
Alcoholism is a disease that takes time to develop. People usually go through different stages before they have a diagnosable alcohol problem. Recognising the signs and symptoms of each stage can help individuals decide when to seek help, preventing their issues from escalating into dependence and addiction. Here are the four stages of alcoholism you need to be aware of:
Pre-Alcoholic Stage
The pre-alcoholic stage starts when a person tries alcohol out of curiosity or peer pressure. They might drink again to help them relax or sleep better. People in this early stage often don’t see the negative effects of alcohol because they enjoy the feeling of being tipsy or drunk. However, as they seek these good feelings, they may begin to rely on alcohol to deal with anxiety, stress, and other difficult emotions.
The intensity of this early stage can differ from person to person, but if you find yourself drinking more often than before, you may be moving toward early-stage alcoholism.
Early Alcoholic Stage
The early stage, known as the prodromal phase, marks the beginning of the alcohol misuse problem. People start to drink more often and in larger amounts. Drinking becomes a regular activity and is frequently justified by social events. They might also use alcohol to deal with problems caused by their drinking.
During this time, both the mind and body start to adapt to alcohol’s effects. Some may begin to experience concerning symptoms. People may become overly focused on drinking, and they might have frequent blackouts during drinking sessions. This stage is crucial in determining if they will develop alcohol use disorder (AUD).
Middle Alcoholic Stage
The amount of alcohol people drink and how often they drink increases significantly. This troubling behaviour becomes noticeable to family and friends. As a result, individuals may try to hide their drinking or lie about how much they consume.
In the middle stage, the body and brain start to adapt to alcohol, leading to withdrawal symptoms when they don’t drink. This can result in serious problems that affect many areas of life, including school or work performance, home duties, and family roles. They might also lose interest in activities they once loved.
Having lost control over their drinking and becoming dependent, they may try to justify their behaviour, make excuses, or blame others. Some may want to quit drinking, but they often find it very difficult to succeed.
Late Alcoholic Stage
Late stage alcoholism, or the chronic phase, is when the problem with alcohol becomes difficult to manage. At this point, drinking is no longer just for celebrations; it has become a daily habit. This leads to serious health issues and affects work, money, relationships, and overall health.
The long-term effects of heavy drinking are clear and difficult to hide, showing a decline in both physical and mental health. Individuals may find that their need for alcohol has increased, and even a small amount can lead to drunkenness. They often do not feel relief or happiness from drinking anymore, but stopping can cause dangerous withdrawal symptoms.
Risk Of Alcoholism Relapse
A relapse happens when someone experiences symptoms of an illness again after feeling better for a while. In the case of alcoholism it occurs when a person who has been sober starts drinking heavily again. Relapses are quite common among those recovering from alcohol addiction. Hence, data from research and clinical practice demonstrated several factors that put an individual at risk of experiencing alcoholism relapse.
Some triggers that can cause a relapse include people, environment, feelings, or stress. It is important to note that by recognizing your triggers, you can prepare to handle them better. Relapse typically occurs gradually. The sooner an individual identifies the early warning signs of potential relapse, the greater their likelihood of implementing strategies to prevent it.
Treatment For Alcoholism
Treatment options for alcoholism involve several strategies. Generally, the focus is not just on cutting down alcohol use but on helping the individual as a whole. Some of the standard treatments include:
Detox
Detoxification, commonly referred to as detox, constitutes a vital component of the treatment method and often represents the most challenging phase of the recovery journey of people with alcohol addiction. During this process, healthcare professionals provide comprehensive support to individuals, as they may encounter severe withdrawal symptoms in the initial days when they attempt to stop alcohol consumption.
Residential Treatment
Residential treatment is a level of care that offers a structured setting to help people deal with alcohol problems. It requires individuals to stay at the facility for a period ranging from days to months based on their specific needs. This type of care provides continuous support and assistance from trained staff around the clock.
Residential rehab is usually suggested for those who struggle to manage their recovery independently, do not benefit from outpatient care, or live in environments lacking proper support. Overall, this treatment helps individuals prepare for life after rehab, focusing on handling triggers, understanding the importance of sobriety programs, and preventing relapse.
Therapy
People with alcohol addiction or any substance use disorder have regular one-on-one therapy sessions with mental health experts. The main aim of these sessions is to help them recognize the underlying causes that might lead to excessive drinking, like peer pressure, family issues, job conflicts, or other situations. Additionally, these therapies provide skills to manage urges and cravings for alcohol. Common methods used to help people with alcohol abuse include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). These approaches also help with co-occurring mental health issues that are commonly observed among people with addiction.
Begin Your Alcohol Addiction Treatment With Us
Alcohol addiction undeniably impacts an individual’s overall health and well-being negatively. At The Orchid, we adopt a collaborative intervention in addressing this condition and other substance use disorders. By embracing a multifaceted approach, we facilitate holistic recovery and effective treatment that recognises the social, psychological, and physiological dimensions of addiction.
If you or a loved one are seeking treatment for alcoholism, we encourage you to arrange a consultation with us to explore the available options tailored to your needs.
