Alcohol dependence and alcoholism are now both referred to as alcohol use disorders or AUDs. An AUD means that a person has a physical need to consume alcohol despite the fact it is ruining their lives. Close personal relationships, professional career paths and previously enjoyed pastimes all fall by the wayside when a person is in the grips of an AUD.
According to the National Institute of Health (NIH), there are around 15 million Americans struggling with alcohol use. This illustrates an important fact that an individual suffering from an AUD is not alone. There are also numerous alcoholism treatment programs available to enable people to overcome an AUD, allowing them to restore balance in their lives without the need for alcohol.
What is an AUD?
An alcohol use disorder or AUD refers to a long-term dependence on alcohol that has become more severe over time. People with AUDs do not know how to stop drinking and it is not unusual for them to make several unsuccessful attempts to quit. This is because AUDs are characterized by a compulsion to consume alcohol that is beyond the control of the individual.
Another warning sign a person has an AUD is that they become preoccupied with obtaining and using alcohol. They are very likely to drink themselves into oblivion as they are unable to exercise moderation when under the influence of an AUD.
The symptoms a person will present if they have an AUD are as follows:
- Using alcohol alone or concealing use
- Being unable to limit how much alcohol is consumed
- Experiencing blackouts and not being able to remember events clearly
- Including alcohol in rituals, for example before, during or after meals
- Becoming confrontational when challenged on alcohol use
- Losing interest in previously enjoyed pastimes or hobbies
- Cravings start when the person isn’t drinking
- Becoming irritated if there is an obstacle to them drinking
- Financial, legal and relationship problems
- Using alcohol as a way of feeling better
- Needing to consume more alcohol to get the desired effects
- Withdrawal symptoms when not drinking such as nausea, sweating or shaking
Causes
An AUD is a very personal experience that is different for everyone. For that reason, there are many variables causing a person to initially start abusing alcohol such as peer pressure, exposure to alcohol from a young age and mental health condition like depression and PTSD.
AUDs do not develop overnight and not everyone is at the same stage of the illness. This means that each individual has their own set of treatment needs that should be addressed by a personalized rehab program in an alcohol treatment center.
Some of the possible risk factors for developing an AUD include the following:
Genes: There are some genetic factors that can give people a propensity to develop addiction, which could be indicated in a person’s family history.
The age of the first alcoholic drink: Research shows that the earlier a person is exposed to alcohol, the more likelihood they have of developing an AUD in later life.
Easy access: There is a strong correlation between AUDs and alcohol-related deaths and accessibility of alcohol. When alcohol consumption is made easy, or actively encouraged, it creates an environment that is accepting of alcohol abuse.
Stress: Many people use alcohol to help them cope with stress and hormonal activity when a person is experiencing emotional difficulty drives them to drink even more.
Peer drinking: Peer pressure is a considerable factor in a person’s potential for an AUD. When an individual is surrounded by others who regularly drink, they are much more likely to use alcohol to excess on a regular basis.
Low self-esteem: People who have a low opinion of themselves have been shown to be more likely to abuse alcohol than others with more self-esteem.
Mental Health: Individuals who are suffering from a mental health condition such as depression, anxiety, panic disorder or PTSD are vulnerable to developing an AUD as they attempt to self-medicate their symptoms.
Effective Treatment for Alcohol Use Disorder
Because of our better understanding of alcohol dependence and alcoholism as an illness, there are more effective routes to recovery than ever before. The most effective alcoholism treatment programs take into account the personal needs of the individual, with a personalized program devised specifically for them after assessment.
People have different reasons for initially turning to alcohol and very often, they need to find their own way to recovery that helps them to respond to difficulties in healthier ways. Everyone is unique which is why there is no “one size fits all” approach used by alcohol treatment centers. The best alcohol treatment centers offer alcoholism treatment programs that include evidence-based and complementary therapies to provide several options for each individual.
