This page has been reviewed by Lester Morse, Director of Rehabs UK.
Alcohol addiction, also known as alcoholism, is a disease that affects people from all walks of life. The disease causes chemical changes in the brain that affect impulse control. Alcohol addiction can present in a variety of ways. The severity of the disease, the frequency of consumption and the amount of alcohol consumed vary from person to person. Irrespective of the form the addiction takes, someone typically has an alcohol addiction if they rely heavily on alcohol and are unable to moderate their intake. If you or loved one has an addiction to alcohol it is likely a physical dependency has developed.
According to a report 'following long-term, chronic alcohol consumption virtually all brain neurotransmission seems to be affected, making it difficult to define which of the systems contributes the most to the transition from controlled to compulsive alcohol use.'
There are a variety of dangers of alcohol withdrawal and the individual involved may suffer from post acute withdrawal syndrome if the substance is removed without guidance. For those who are dependant, a medical detox is necessary and this can either be done via an alcohol home detox depending on suitability or in a residential rehab.
To find out more about the most effective treatments for alcoholism or how to help someone enter rehab for alcohol addiction reach out to our fully trained Treatment Advisors for a free assessment.
Unlike illicit substances, alcohol is widely available and accepted. Often central to social situations, drinking is part of life for many people. As such, it can often be difficult to tell the difference between someone who enjoys a few drinks and a person with a genuine problem.
Alcoholism is characterised by a strong, often uncontrollable urge to drink. The more you drink, the more your body becomes used to its effects and the more you have to drink to maintain the high. Over time, dependence on alcohol develops and can often spiral into addiction.
Alcoholism usually refers to a physical dependence on alcohol but it can also include a psychological addiction. Being aware of the warning signs of alcohol abuse can help you to recognise if your alcohol consumption, or that of a loved-one, has crossed the line.
Alcoholism is a disease. It causes chemical changes in the brain that affect impulse control. While the severity of the disease varies from person to person, someone typically has an alcohol addiction if they rely heavily on alcohol and are unable to remain sober for an extended period of time.
Alcoholism invariably involves more than just consuming alcohol. While someone can appear to function normally, it doesn’t mean that they don’t have a problem. If their life is being adversely affected and they're unable to reduce or stop drinking on their own, it’s time to address the issue and seek help. It can be challenging to approach someone who suffers from alcohol addiction so its worth speaking to one of our Treatment Advisors for tips on alcohol intervention.
From consuming alcohol to cope with stress or self-medicating to mask mental health problems or trauma, residential rehab provides the opportunity to address the root of the pain that’s encouraging the individual to drink. An alcohol clinic setting boasts qualified and approachable staff trained to deal with alcohol addiction. From medical monitoring throughout the detox and withdrawal process to consistent, round-the-clock care, rehab allows space away from everyday life and creates an environment that focuses on recovery. Invariably, offering a two-pronged approach to treatment, rehab deals with both the physical aspect of addiction and the mindset towards alcohol.
Alcohol is addictive primarily due to its powerful effects on the brain’s reward system. When consumed, alcohol increases the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and reward. This creates feelings of euphoria and relaxation, reinforcing the desire to drink. Over time, the brain begins to associate alcohol consumption with positive feelings, making it difficult to resist the urge to drink. Additionally, alcohol alters the balance of neurotransmitters like GABA and glutamate, leading to calming effects and reducing anxiety. However, with repeated use, the brain adapts by becoming less sensitive to alcohol, requiring more of it to achieve the same effects—this is known as tolerance. As tolerance builds, physical dependence can develop, where the brain relies on alcohol to function normally, making quitting difficult due to withdrawal symptoms.
Genetic and psychological factors also play a significant role in alcohol addiction. Individuals with a family history of alcohol addiction may be more genetically predisposed to developing it themselves. Psychologically, alcohol can become a coping mechanism for dealing with stress, anxiety, or trauma, leading to habitual use. Social and environmental influences, such as peer pressure and the normalization of drinking, further contribute to the risk of addiction. Together, these factors create a cycle where the pleasurable effects of alcohol, combined with increasing tolerance and dependence, make it highly addictive.
There may be an increase in tolerance and due to this the craving and consumption of booze to get the same buzz may have grown. Over time, the brain adapts to alcohol and becomes less sensitive to its effects. Alcohol can cause a variety of sleep problems from insomnia to impacting natural sleep and these can be a sign of dependency.
Further to this drinking alcohol may have started to change the individuals behaviour and edge out into activities that they used to enjoy. It may even prevent the individual from keeping up with responsibilities at home, work or school and they may appear as completely unmanageable.
In the combined datasets of the 2012/13 and 2013/14 CSEW, 70% of violent incidents occurring at the weekend, and 70% of violent incidents occurring in the evening or night, were alcohol-related.
70% of violent incidents which took place in a public space were alcohol-related compared with 40% of incidents that occurred in the home and 43% of incidents that happened in and around the workplace
Tension in relationships may also have grown and the individual involved may be engaging in risky behaviour which may be really difficult to understand for those around them. It may have even caused arguments confrontation and threats of relationships ending but they still continue to drink.
When the effects of alcohol wear off, they may experience a range of withdrawal symptoms. Alcohol changes brain chemistry and long term use can increase the likelihood of conditions such as wet brain (Wernicke–Korsakoff syndrome) and depression. When someone drinks over a long period of time, the brain tries to adapt. If that person then stops drinking, the brain has to readjust the chemical imbalance, thereby, creating uncomfortable physical and emotional sensations.
Alcohol consumption can cause a variety of health conditions such as kidney damage, high blood pressure, headaches/ migraines and stomach problems.
If you are concerned about a loved one you may wonder how to spot the signs of alcoholism?
Speak to one of our fully trained Treatment Advisors today for advice and support.
