Alcoholism, or alcohol use disorder (AUD), is a complex and often misunderstood condition. It’s not just about how often someone drinks or how much they consume. It’s a multifaceted disorder with a spectrum of symptoms and behaviors. In this article, we’ll delve into the characteristics of alcoholism, blending general observations with the diagnostic criteria outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM).
Understanding Alcoholism
Alcoholism isn’t defined merely by an occasional binge or enjoying a few drinks at social events. It’s a chronic condition characterized by an inability to manage drinking habits despite negative consequences. Let’s look at some of the characteristics often associated with alcoholism:
General Characteristics of Alcoholism
- Increased Tolerance: Needing more alcohol to feel the same effects, a sign that the body is adapting to regular alcohol use.
- Withdrawal Symptoms: Experiencing physical symptoms like nausea, sweating, shaking, and anxiety when not drinking.
- Drinking to Cope: Using alcohol as a primary method to deal with stress, anxiety, or other emotional issues.
- Neglecting Responsibilities: Failing to meet professional, social, or family obligations due to drinking habits.
- Social and Recreational Sacrifices: Giving up activities once enjoyed, or withdrawing from social situations, in favor of drinking.
- Continued Use Despite Awareness of Harm: Persisting in drinking even when aware of the physical and psychological harm it’s causing.
DSM Criteria for Alcohol Use Disorder
The DSM-5 provides specific criteria for diagnosing AUD. A diagnosis is based on the presence of at least two of the following symptoms within a 12-month period:
- Drinking More or Longer Than Intended: Often drinking more alcohol, or for a longer duration, than planned.
- Unsuccessful Attempts to Cut Down: Persistent desire, or unsuccessful efforts, to reduce or control alcohol use.
- A Great Deal of Time Spent in Activities to Obtain, Use, or Recover From Alcohol: Allocating substantial time to drinking or recovering from its effects.
- Cravings: Strong urges or cravings to drink alcohol.
- Recurrent Alcohol Use Resulting in a Failure to Fulfill Major Role Obligations: Consistently failing to meet responsibilities at work, school, or home due to drinking.
- Continued Use Despite Persistent or Recurrent Social or Interpersonal Problems: Drinking despite it causing relationship troubles or social issues.
- Important Social, Occupational, or Recreational Activities Given Up or Reduced: Abandoning activities or hobbies because of alcohol use.
- Recurrent Alcohol Use in Situations in Which It Is Physically Hazardous: Consuming alcohol in situations where it’s physically unsafe, such as driving.
- Alcohol Use Continued Despite Knowledge of Having a Persistent or Recurrent Physical or Psychological Problem: Awareness of the detrimental effects of alcohol on health but continuing to drink.
- Tolerance: As previously mentioned, needing more alcohol to achieve intoxication or a desired effect.
- Withdrawal: The presence of withdrawal symptoms when the effects of alcohol wear off.
What Causes Alcohol Addiction?
Let’s dive into the science behind alcohol addiction and explore what physically drives this condition.
The Brain and Alcohol
The story of alcohol addiction begins in the brain. Alcohol affects the brain’s reward system by increasing the release of certain neurotransmitters, particularly dopamine, which is often associated with the pleasure and reward centers. Here’s how it unfolds:
1. Altered Neurotransmitter Levels
- Dopamine Surge: When you drink alcohol, there’s an increase in dopamine levels, leading to feelings of pleasure and satisfaction. This reinforces the behavior, making the person want to repeat the experience.
- Other Neurotransmitters: Alcohol also affects other neurotransmitters like gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and glutamate, which play roles in relaxation, inhibition, and excitability.
2. Brain Adaptation and Tolerance
Over time, the brain starts to adapt to the regular presence of alcohol. This leads to tolerance, where you need more alcohol to achieve the same effects. The brain’s chemistry adjusts to the point where it functions more ‘normally’ when alcohol is present than when it’s not.
3. Dependency and Withdrawal
As the brain becomes accustomed to alcohol, physical dependency can develop. This means that when alcohol use is stopped, the neurotransmitter imbalance can lead to alcohol withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms can be both physically and emotionally distressing, driving the individual to drink again to alleviate them.
Genetic Factors in Alcohol Addiction
Genetics also play a significant role in alcohol addiction. While there’s no single “alcoholism gene,” a combination of genetic factors can increase a person’s susceptibility to developing an addiction. These factors can affect how the body metabolizes alcohol and how the brain responds to it.
The Role of Environmental Factors
Although not purely physical, it’s important to mention environmental factors. Stress, trauma, and the availability of alcohol can interact with biological predispositions to influence the risk of developing alcohol addiction.
A Complex Disorder with Various Characteristics of Alcoholism
Recognizing the characteristics of alcoholism is crucial, both for understanding the condition and for seeking appropriate help. It’s important to remember that alcoholism is not a choice or a moral failing; it’s a medical condition that requires understanding, treatment, and support.
If you or someone you know is exhibiting these characteristics, it’s essential to seek professional help. Treatment options vary from counseling and therapy to medication and support groups, but it all begins with an alcohol detox. Recovery is a journey, and it’s one that doesn’t have to be walked alone. For a free consultation or to find out what an alcohol detox might look like for you or a loved one, call Saddleback Recovery today: (877) 843-5724.
