Most of us can empathize with knowing someone who has faced difficulties with alcohol or is presently struggling with alcohol addiction themselves. Alcohol occupies a significant space in our society, often representing enjoyment, pleasure, or relaxation, and its accessibility is widespread. Regrettably, it is also excessively available to adolescents and teens. I vividly recall my initial exposure to alcohol – the allure, the temptation, fueled by the excitement of friends and social gatherings.
At first, drinking may appear harmless and pleasurable, but for some individuals, it can swiftly escalate into addiction. Factors such as a history of trauma, early stages of brain development, family history, and genetic predisposition markedly heighten the likelihood of addiction. During my college years, I noticed a shift in the frequency, intensity, and impulsiveness of my drinking, prompting concerns about potential alcohol addiction. These behaviors serve as clear indicators of an impending addiction. Fortunately, this was not my journey, and instead, I redirected those addictive tendencies toward “healthier” and socially acceptable options such as exercise, work, and dare I say coffee!
This post is dedicated exclusively to one of the most pervasive and widespread addictions: alcohol addiction. I’m writing this blog post to honor my loved ones who have been deeply affected by this disease – those who have survived and are now actively recovering, as well as those who are on the journey to find their way there. I firmly believe that there is hope for anyone living this struggle, as well as for their families and friends who stand by them during their darkest moments.
April marks Alcohol Awareness Month, an important opportunity to raise awareness, provide knowledge, offer encouragement, and extend support to those in need. It is important to address how certain words used to describe alcohol-related issues and those affected by them can perpetuate stigma. I will make a conscious effort to integrate non-stigmatizing terminology as I take the time to share with you clear identifiers of alcohol addiction, potential causes, health risks, and available resources. By consistently employing person-first language, we can help diminish the stigma associated with alcohol-related conditions.
Before delving into identifiers and resources, it’s important to address some misconceptions surrounding alcohol misuse:
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Alcohol addiction is commonly misunderstood as a choice when, in reality, it is recognized as a disease.
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It is crucial to recognize that someone grappling with alcohol addiction is not defined by the label of “alcoholic.” This disease does not define their identity; it is something they are experiencing.
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Individuals struggling with alcohol addiction often also face challenges with their mental health, such as depression, trauma, or low self-esteem.
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Alcohol misuse frequently serves as a coping mechanism to conceal, suppress, or numb uncomfortable emotions and feelings.
Understanding these misconceptions is essential for fostering empathy, compassion, and effective support for individuals dealing with alcohol addiction.
Now that we recognize and refute the misunderstanding that alcohol addiction is a matter of choice, it is essential to understand the core nature of addiction. Addiction can develop in anyone, given the “right” combination of circumstances and life events. Alcohol addiction, like other forms of addiction, is a brain disease characterized by physical changes that occur through repetitive use.
Addiction emerges when the brain’s pleasure circuits become overwhelmed and undergo actual changes. Through continuous alcohol consumption, the substance stimulates the brain’s reward system, initiating dopamine production and forming a strong connection between the addictive substance and feelings of pleasure. Over time, this can result in physical dependence, where an individual’s brain and body adjust to alcohol’s presence and come to depend on it for normal functioning.
Scientists have not fully grasped why addiction impacts some individuals but not others. Addiction manifests in various forms, ranging from the obvious to the more subtle and discreet. In its early stages, addiction might appear as behavior motivated by positive intentions, making it challenging to identify for both the individual and their loved ones.
According to the website of the American Addiction Centers, here are some of the most common identifiers of alcohol addiction:
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A desire to cut down on drinking or have made repeated unsuccessful attempts to control alcohol use.
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Craving, or experiencing a strong desire or urge to use alcohol.
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Other people have been criticizing your drinking
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Feeling guilty or bad about your drinking
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The need to have a drink first thing in the morning to steady nerves or get rid of a hangover
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Using alcohol in larger amounts or over a longer period than originally intended.
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Spending a great deal of time in activities necessary to obtain alcohol or use alcohol
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Failing to fulfill role obligations at work, school, or home because of recurrent alcohol use.
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Continuing to use alcohol despite having persistent or recurrent social or interpersonal problems caused by or worsened by the effects of alcohol.
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Giving up or reducing the number of important social, occupational, or recreational activities because of alcohol use.
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Using alcohol in situations in which it is physically hazardous to do so.
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Continuing alcohol use despite knowledge of having persistent or recurrent physical or psychological problems likely caused by alcohol misuse.
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Experiencing tolerance, meaning an increase in amounts of alcohol to achieve intoxication or the desired effect
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Going through withdrawal – experiencing symptoms (such as insomnia, hand tremors, nausea, or vomiting) when drinking stops
As previously mentioned, some signs of alcohol addiction may be less conspicuous than others. If you have a gut feeling or concern about yourself or someone you know, it’s safer to take action rather than ignore it. Only intervene if you believe it is appropriate and your intentions are to assist someone you care about. It’s better to err on the side of caution than to wait until it is too late. In the latter part of this blog, I’ll discuss positive approaches and available resources.
Seeking immediate help for yourself or your loved one is crucial. If alcohol addiction is left untreated, it can lead to various underlying health concerns. The CDC identifies the following short-term and long-term side effects of excessive alcohol consumption:
The short-term risks of alcohol misuse include:
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Injuries, such as motor vehicle crashes, falls, drownings, and burns.
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Violence, including homicide, suicide, sexual assault, and intimate partner violence.
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Alcohol poisoning, a medical emergency that results from high blood alcohol levels.
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Risky sexual behaviors, including unprotected sex or sex with multiple partners, which can result in unintended pregnancy or sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV.
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Miscarriage and stillbirth or fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs) among pregnant women
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Accidents and injuries requiring hospital treatment, such as a head injury
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Violent behavior and being a victim of violence
People who binge drink (drink heavily over a short period of time) are more likely to behave recklessly and are at greater risk of being in an accident.
The long-term risks of alcohol misuse include:
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High blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, liver disease, and digestive problems.
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Cancer of the breast, mouth, throat, esophagus, voice box, liver, colon, and rectum.
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Weakening of the immune system, increasing the chances of getting sick.
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Learning and memory problems, including dementia and poor school performance.
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Mental health problems, including depression and anxiety.
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Social problems, including family problems, job-related problems, and unemployment.
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Alcohol use disorders, or alcohol dependence.
In addition to causing severe health issues, prolonged alcohol misuse can also result in social problems for certain individuals, including unemployment, divorce, domestic abuse, and homelessness.
While the topics discussed thus far are crucial to understanding addiction, they do not delve into its root causes. The factors contributing to addiction are unique to each individual. If you speak with someone living with alcohol addiction, you will likely hear a different story from each person. However, a common thread among them is the sense of disbelief, as none of them ever imagined they would face addiction.
Here is a general list of factors that increase someone’s risk:
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Steady drinking over time or binge drinking on a regular basis.
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Starting at an early age.
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Family history.
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Depression and other mental health problems, such as anxiety, depression, schizophrenia or bipolar disorder
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History of emotional trauma or other trauma.
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Social and cultural factors.
Just as vital as treating the disease itself is addressing the underlying issues that lead someone to turn to alcohol as a coping mechanism.
Addressing alcohol addiction is rarely a one-size-fits-all. It takes a level of willingness, readiness, and acceptance to commit to the path of recovery. It also requires patience and compassion but there is undoubtedly hope for recovery. Here at F.L.O.W., we have a team of highly qualified therapists specializing in addiction counseling. If you or someone you know needs guidance and support, we are here to help.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at F.L.O.W. for support at 267.209.0449 or https://flowwellnesscenter.org/contact-us
In addition to our practice, there are numerous resources available for both immediate assistance and long-term support.
Immediate Resources:
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National Helpline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357) – SAMHSA’s National Helpline provides 24/7, free, and confidential treatment referral and information service for individuals and families facing mental and/or substance use disorders.
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Crisis Text Line: Text “HELLO” to 741741 – This text-based crisis support service provides immediate support for individuals in crisis, including those struggling with addiction.
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Local Emergency Services: Contact your local emergency services or go to the nearest emergency room if you or someone you know is in immediate danger due to alcohol use.
For long-term support and treatment options, consider these resources:
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Outpatient Treatment Programs: These programs offer structured therapy sessions and support groups for individuals seeking ongoing treatment for alcohol addiction while maintaining their daily routines.
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Inpatient Rehabilitation Centers: Inpatient rehab facilities provide intensive treatment and support in a residential setting, typically lasting several weeks to months.
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Support Groups: Groups like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and SMART Recovery offer long-term support, accountability, and camaraderie for individuals in recovery from alcohol addiction.
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Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT): MAT programs combine medication with counseling and behavioral therapies to address alcohol addiction effectively.
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Aftercare Programs: After completing primary treatment, aftercare programs offer continued support, relapse prevention strategies, and assistance with transitioning back into daily life.
To anyone who may be feeling hopeless, lost, or afraid, I want to convey a message of hope and solidarity – you are not alone. I am inspired by the many remarkable individuals I know who have not only survived but now thrive in their recovery journeys. There is a path to freedom from addiction, and while each journey is unique and may not always follow a linear path, I firmly believe that by connecting with your inner self, listening attentively, and following where it leads, you can and will find your own way.
<3 J
Jocelyn V. Ulrich, M.A.
RESOURCES
Yale University – How and Addicted Brain Works
https://www.yalemedicine.org/news/how-an-addicted-brain-works
National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism – Alcohol Awareness Month
https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/news-events/announcement/april-alcohol-awareness-month
American Addictions Centers – Signs and Symptoms of Alcohol Addiction
https://americanaddictioncenters.org/alcohol/signs-symptoms
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – Alcohol Use Fact Sheet