Alcohol use disorder

Alcohol use disorder can manifest as mild, moderate, or severe, depending on the number of symptoms experienced. Common signs and symptoms include:

• Difficulty in limiting the amount of alcohol consumed
• Desire to cut down on alcohol intake or unsuccessful attempts to do so
• Devoting significant time to drinking, obtaining alcohol, or recovering from its effects
• Strong cravings or urges to consume alcohol
• Neglecting important responsibilities at work, school, or home due to repeated alcohol use
• Continued alcohol consumption despite awareness of physical, social, occupational, or relationship problems it causes
• Sacrificing social, work, and recreational activities in favour of alcohol use
• Engaging in unsafe situations, such as drinking while driving or swimming
• Developing tolerance to alcohol, requiring increased amounts to achieve the desired effect or experiencing reduced effects from the same quantity
• Experiencing withdrawal symptoms, such as nausea, sweating, and shaking, when attempting to abstain from alcohol or consuming alcohol to alleviate these symptoms.

Alcohol use disorder encompasses periods of alcohol intoxication and symptoms of withdrawal.

• Alcohol intoxication occurs as the concentration of alcohol in the bloodstream increases. The severity of effects is directly related to the blood alcohol concentration. Intoxication can lead to behavioural problems and mental changes, including inappropriate behaviour, mood instability, impaired judgment, slurred speech, attention and memory difficulties, and coordination problems. Blackouts, where events are not remembered, can also occur. High blood alcohol levels can result in coma, permanent brain damage, or even death.
• Alcohol withdrawal can arise when heavy and prolonged alcohol use is abruptly stopped or significantly reduced. It can manifest within hours to several days after cessation. Withdrawal symptoms include sweating, rapid heartbeat, hand tremors, sleep disturbances, nausea and vomiting, hallucinations, restlessness and agitation, anxiety, and, in some cases, seizures. These symptoms can be severe enough to impair functioning at work or in social situations.

What is considered 1 drink?

The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism provides the following definitions for one standard drink:

• 12 ounces (355 millilitres) of regular beer typically contains about 5% alcohol.
• 8 to 9 ounces (237 to 266 millilitres) of malt liquor typically has an alcohol content of about 7%.
• 5 ounces (148 millilitres) of wine typically contains about 12% alcohol.
• 1.5 ounces (44 millilitres) of hard liquor or distilled spirits typically have an alcohol content of about 40%.

It is important to note that these measurements represent standard drink sizes and alcohol content percentages commonly found in these beverages. It is essential to be aware of the alcohol content of different drinks and to consume alcohol responsibly.

If you occasionally consume excessive amounts of alcohol, experience difficulties as a result of your drinking, or if your family expresses concerns about your alcohol consumption, it is advisable to discuss these concerns with your healthcare provider. Seeking assistance from a mental health professional or joining a support group such as Alcoholics Anonymous or a similar self-help group can also be beneficial.

Denial is a common response to alcohol-related issues, and you may not recognise the extent of your drinking or its impact on various aspects of your life. It is important to listen to the observations and concerns expressed by your relatives, friends, or co-workers when they raise the topic of your drinking habits. Their perspectives can provide valuable insights and catalyse self-reflection.

Additionally, consider seeking guidance from individuals who have successfully overcome their struggles with alcohol. Their experiences and advice can offer valuable support and encouragement as you evaluate your own drinking habits and make decisions about seeking help. Remember, reaching out for assistance is a sign of strength and a proactive step towards improving your overall well-being.

If your loved one needs help

Many individuals with alcohol use disorder may hesitate to seek treatment due to a lack of recognition or acceptance of their problem. In such cases, an intervention led by loved ones can be effective in helping them realise the need for professional help. If you are concerned about someone who is struggling with excessive drinking, it is advisable to seek guidance from a professional experienced in alcohol treatment. They can provide valuable advice and strategies on approaching the person and encourage them to seek the necessary support and treatment. Remember, interventions should be conducted with empathy, understanding, and a focus on supporting the individual’s well-being.

Genetic, psychological, social, and environmental factors can all contribute to how  alcohol affects your body and behaviour. It is believed that certain individuals may have a heightened vulnerability to the effects of alcohol, which can increase the risk of developing alcohol use disorder.

Excessive and prolonged alcohol consumption can profoundly impact  the normal functioning of specific brain regions involved in pleasure, judgement, and self-control. Over time, these changes in brain function can lead to a cycle of craving alcohol to regain pleasurable sensations or alleviate negative emotions.

The brain’s reward system, responsible for experiencing pleasure, can become dysregulated due to alcohol misuse. This dysregulation can result in an increased desire for alcohol and a diminished ability to control drinking behaviour. Additionally, the areas of the brain responsible for judgement and self-control may be impaired, further contributing to the development of alcohol use disorder.

Alcohol use can begin during adolescence, but alcohol use disorder is more commonly observed in individuals in their 20s and 30s, although it can develop at any age.

Several risk factors contribute to the development of alcohol use disorder, including:

• Steady drinking over time: Consistently consuming excessive amounts of alcohol or engaging in regular binge drinking can lead to alcohol-related problems or alcohol use disorder.
• Early initiation of drinking: Individuals who start drinking, particularly engaging in binge drinking, at an early age are at a higher risk of developing alcohol use disorder.
• Family history: Having a parent or close relative with alcohol-related problems increases the risk of developing alcohol use disorder, potentially influenced by genetic factors.
• Co-occurring mental health disorders: People with mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, or bipolar disorder are more likely to experience difficulties with alcohol or other substances.
• History of trauma: Individuals with a history of emotional or other types of trauma have an elevated risk of developing alcohol use disorder.
• Bariatric surgery: Some research suggests that individuals who undergo bariatric surgery may have an increased risk of developing alcohol use disorder or experiencing relapse after recovering from the disorder.

Social and cultural factors: Having friends or a close partner who regularly drinks alcohol can increase the risk of developing alcohol use disorder. Additionally, the glamorisation of excessive drinking in the media may convey the message that it is acceptable to consume alcohol excessively. The influence of parents, peers, and other role models can also impact an individual’s attitudes and behaviours towards alcohol.

Early intervention plays a crucial role in preventing alcohol-related problems in teenagers. As a parent, it is essential to be vigilant and attentive to signs and symptoms that may indicate a problem with alcohol in your teenager. These signs include:

• Loss of interest in activities and hobbies and a decline in personal appearance.
• Physical signs include red eyes, slurred speech, problems with coordination, and memory lapses.
• Difficulties or changes in relationships with friends, such as joining a new crowd.
• Declining grades and problems in school.
• Frequent mood changes and defensive behaviour.

As a parent, there are several steps you can take to help prevent teenage alcohol use:

• Set a good example: Be mindful of your own alcohol use and demonstrate responsible behaviour. Your actions can significantly influence your child’s attitudes and choices.
• Open communication and quality time: Foster open and honest communication with your child. Spend quality time together and actively engage in their life. This can strengthen your relationship and provide opportunities for discussing important topics, including alcohol use.
• Communicate expectations: Let your child know what behaviour you expect regarding alcohol use and the potential consequences for not following the rules.

By implementing these strategies, you can play an active role in preventing teenage alcohol use and promoting a healthy and responsible approach to alcohol consumption.