Alcohol addiction, described clinically as alcohol use disorder, is a chronic and relapsing condition that makes it almost impossible for someone to control their drinking, even when it provokes severe adverse outcomes. Data from SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) show that rates of alcohol addiction have slightly declined over the past year. That said, 28.8 million U.S. adults were addicted to alcohol in 2023.
Unlike moderate social drinking, alcohol addiction involves an unmanageable compulsion to drink, loss of control over consumption, and withdrawal symptoms upon discontinuation. Alcohol use disorder presents on a continuum, ranging from mild to severe, and it typically worsens without professional intervention. That said, it’s treatable with the proper evidence-based therapies. Read on to learn more about alcohol addiction and how to kickstart your recovery.
Alcohol affects the brain’s reward system, triggering relaxation and euphoria. The brain adapts over time, making a person crave alcohol more while needing increasing amounts to deliver the same effects—this is known as tolerance.
Long-term misuse of alcohol brings about physical and chemical changes in the brain. These changes make it tricky for someone to make rational decisions about drinking, pushing them into a cycle of dependence and addiction. Even when they are aware of the harm caused by alcohol, they may feel powerless to stop.
Alcohol addiction affects people differently, but certain warning signs often point to a problem developing. If drinking is disrupting daily life, relationships, or health, it might be time to seek a professional evaluation.
Some classic red flags for alcohol addiction include:
If you notice a cluster of these signs in yourself or a loved one, timely intervention can make treatment smoother and easier.
Alcohol use disorder is diagnosed according to the following symptoms outlined in DSM-5-TR (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fifth revised edition):
Alcohol addiction is diagnosed according to the number of symptoms present as mild (2 or 3), moderate (4 or 5), or severe (6 or more).
Alcohol addiction is associated with a host of physical and mental health complications.
Excessive alcohol use can provoke fatty liver, hepatitis, cirrhosis, and liver failure. The liver struggles to process alcohol, leading to inflammation and scarring over time.
Heavy drinking increases the risk of cardiovascular complications like high blood pressure, irregular heartbeats, stroke, and cardiomyopathy.
Alcohol addiction routinely co-occurs with mental health disorders like anxiety, depression, and PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder). Drinking may numb emotional pain temporarily, but it worsens mental health long-term and does nothing to address the underlying issues.
Chronic alcohol abuse compromises the immune system, rendering the body more vulnerable to infections, chronic illnesses, and pneumonia.
Alcohol is a known carcinogen. It’s linked to cancers of the liver, mouth, throat, breast, and esophagus.
Alcohol impairs judgment, coordination, and reaction times, raising the risk of car accidents, falls, and injuries. Alcohol abuse may also lead to reckless decision-making, including unsafe sex and aggressive or violent behaviors.
Alcohol addiction can affect anyone, but certain factors affect the risk, such as:
The good news is that alcohol addiction is treatable, and many people achieve sustained recovery with the proper support.
For those with severe dependence, detox under medical supervision helps manage withdrawal symptoms safely. This is especially important for those at risk of DTs (delirium tremens), seizures, or severe dehydration.
People with severe alcohol addictions or co-occurring mental health conditions may need residential treatment (inpatient rehab) to help them address the physical and psychological aspects of alcohol addiction. Those with milder addictions may find that outpatient treatment provides sufficient structure and support while enabling them to continue with their everyday obligations.
Therapies like CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy), DBT (dialectical behavior therapy), and MI (motivational interviewing) help people change their behaviors and find healthier ways to cope.
FDA-approved medications like naltrexone, acamprosate, and disulfiram can reduce cravings and help prevent relapse. MAT is most effective when combined with counseling and behavioral therapy.
Programs like AA (Alcoholics Anonymous) and SMART Recovery provide community, accountability, and encouragement for those dealing with alcohol addictions.
Watching a loved one fight alcohol addiction can be painful, but it’s possible to help them move from active addiction to ongoing abstinence. Keep these tips in mind:
If you need help for yourself or a loved one addicted to alcohol, reach out to Tree House Recovery right away. Like all progressive conditions, treatment for alcohol use disorder is more complicated the longer it remains unchecked.
When you choose an outpatient or intensive outpatient program at our beachside facility, you can access a personalized combination of evidence-based therapies and holistic interventions, as well as an aftercare component that encourages ongoing abstinence.
For compassionate and effective alcohol addiction treatment that’s covered by health insurance, call (855) 202-2138 and kickstart your recovery right away.
Talk to a Treatment Advisor Today
Talk to a Treatment Advisor Today