Alcohol dependence
What is alcohol?
Alcohol (Also known as ‘Ethanol’ or ‘Ethyl alcohol’) is a central nervous system depressant. This indicates that it's a substance that reduces brain activity, potentially altering your mood, behavior, and self-regulation. It may lead to difficulties with memory and clear thinking, as well as impairing coordination and physical control.
Alcoholic drinks are beverages that contain alcohol and come in various types, made through different methods and with a range of ingredients. Their alcohol content strength varies, leading to greater levels of impact on the body. However, they generally fall into the following categories:
beer and cider
wine
spirits (such as vodka, gin or whiskey)
What is Alcohol dependence?
Also known as Alcohol use disorder is a medical condition characterized by an impaired ability to stop or control alcohol use despite adverse social, occupational, or health consequences. It is characterized by fundamental changes in the brain's reward and stress systems that manifest as withdrawal symptoms when alcohol consumption is stopped or substantially reduced. These changes also are believed to fuel motivation to reengage in excessive drinking behavior.
Diagnostic features
Alcohol use disorder is defined by a cluster of behavioral and physical symptoms, such as withdrawal, tolerance, and craving.
Withdrawal
When an individual dependent on alcohol abruptly stops or significantly reduces their intake, they experience a distinct withdrawal syndrome. These withdrawal symptoms are generally the opposite of the effects of intoxication and typically arise 4 to 12 hours after reducing alcohol intake following prolonged heavy drinking. Common clinical signs of alcohol withdrawal include:
Fast heartbeat, high blood pressure, excessive sweating, and shaking.
Motor seizures.
Hallucinations and delirium tremens in the most severe form of withdrawal.
Withdrawal involves not just physical signs but also emotional symptoms like irritability, anxiety, and unhappiness, along with sleep issues and feelings of achiness.
Tolerance
A diminished response to alcohol that may occur after previous exposure to alcohol. A larger dose of alcohol may be needed to produce the level of response seen after the initial exposure.
Craving
Craving for alcohol is indicated by a strong desire to drink that makes it difficult to think of anything else and that often results in the onset of drinking. Drinking can negatively impact school and job performance, lead to neglect of responsibilities, and result in alcohol-related absences. Individuals may also put themselves in dangerous situations, such as driving or using machinery while intoxicated.
Associated Features
Repeated high alcohol intake can damage nearly all organ systems, particularly the gastrointestinal and cardiovascular systems, leading to issues like gastritis, ulcers, liver cirrhosis, and cancer risk. It can cause peripheral neuropathy, characterized by muscle weakness and reduced sensation, and central nervous system effects, including severe memory impairment and cerebellar degeneration, often related to alcohol's direct effects or vitamin deficiencies, especially B vitamins.
Alcohol use disorder is an important contributor to suicide risk during severe intoxication and in the context of a temporary alcohol-induced depressive or bipolar disorder. There is an increased rate of suicidal behavior as well as of suicide among individuals with the disorder.
treatment
At Mind Clinic, we unite the expertise of psychiatrists and psychologists to craft customized treatment plans that address the unique needs of each individual, empowering them to achieve the best possible outcomes for their treatment and overall well-being.
Our psychologists would offer different therapy methods, this includes:
cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
social behavior and network therapy
mindfulness-based therapies
These will help you to understand why you drink, and how drinking affects your behavior and social life.
Psychiatrists at Mind Clinic meet with individuals to gain a deeper understanding of their circumstances and create a tailored treatment plan to help them overcome their drinking habits. Additionally, they may prescribe medications to facilitate a safe withdrawal and alleviate symptoms.
We may need to refer individuals to a residential rehabilitation unit for those experiencing physical and mental health symptoms, along with social problems such as housing and financial issues.
It is important to slowly reduce your drinking. It is also safest to do this with help, especially if you have been drinking a lot for a long time.
References
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition
Royal College of Psychiatrists. (2024, February). Alcohol, mental health and the brain | Royal College of Psychiatrists. http://Www.rcpsych.ac.uk. https://www.rcpsych.ac.uk/mental-health/mental-illnesses-and-mental-health-problems/alcohol-mental-health-and-the-brain
Becker, H. C. (2008). Alcohol dependence, withdrawal, and Relapse. Alcohol Research & Health : The Journal of the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, 31(4), 348–361.
Medline Plus. (2010). Alcohol. Medlineplus.gov; National Library of Medicine. https://medlineplus.gov/alcohol.html
Alcohol Tolerance – an overview | ScienceDirect Topics. (n.d.). http://Www.sciencedirect.com. https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/veterinary-science-and-veterinary-medicine/alcohol-tolerance
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. (2020). Understanding Alcohol Use Disorder. National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/brochures-and-fact-sheets/understanding-alcohol-use-disorder