Understanding Alcohol Addiction: Causes, Symptoms, and Risk Factors

People consume alcohol for various reasons. Some are social drinkers who drink a beverage at a party or to complement their meal. Other people drink alcohol to “treat” underlying mental health conditions like depression or anxiety.

Where social drinking encroaches on alcoholism is when an individual excessively consumes alcohol, endangering those around them. If you or a loved one has challenges with drinking, our addiction rehab in Ontario can help.

When Social Drinking Becomes a Problem

Typically, two drinks daily for men and one for older people/women are harmless if they are healthy. In this context, a “drink” is defined as 5 oz of wine, 1.5 oz of spirits, and 12 oz of beer. All these measurements contain 0.5 ounces of alcohol. Moderate consumption exists at one end of the spectrum, followed by alcohol abuse and then alcohol dependence.

Alcohol Abuse

Alcohol abuse involves a drinking pattern resulting in recurrent and significant negative consequences. These individuals fail to complete work, school, or family commitments. They may experience drinking-related legal issues like repeated DUIs from intoxicated driving. Alcohol abuse affects relationships as well.

While severe alcohol dependency receives the most attention, those who abuse alcohol mildly to moderately can still experience adverse effects.

Alcoholism (Alcohol Dependence)

People in this category are not in control of alcohol consumption. The amount consumed and beverage type are irrelevant because those who are alcohol-dependent find stopping difficult.

The dependence level is marked by the body’s tolerance (the “need” to drink more alcohol to achieve the same effect) and withdrawal once they cease drinking. Characteristic withdrawal symptoms consist of sweating, nausea, irritability, restlessness, convulsions, tremors, and hallucinations.

What increases your risk?

The risks of having an alcohol use disorder depend on the frequency, consumption level, and how fast the person drinks alcohol. Misuse (including heavy consumption or binge drinking) over an extended period can increase your risk. Additional factors include the following:

• Starting to drink at an early age: Statista reports that 75% of people aged 15 and older in Canada drink alcohol. The average consumption is 97.5 litres. Drinking in younger people is a concern because they are vulnerable to a higher risk for alcohol-related harm.
• Genetics and family history: Genetics may be a factor in alcohol abuse. However, the extent to which the environment and genes contribute to excessive consumption is still up for debate. A parent’s drinking habits may directly influence the likelihood their child will drink.
  
  Yet, some take the opposite approach and decide not to drink based on seeing the effects of alcohol on their family. Furthermore, some people drink in the absence of a negative family environment.
• History of trauma and mental health: A multitude of psychiatric conditions (PTSD, depression, and ADHD) can be masked by substance abuse. Those with childhood trauma are also at an increased risk for excessive consumption. In this scenario, the person uses alcohol to self-medicate.
• Psychological traits: Low self-esteem, impulsiveness, and a deep need for approval may create inappropriate drinking patterns. High-stress levels may also be a factor.

Once people begin to consume alcohol excessively, the problem becomes a vicious circle. Heavy consumption generates physiological changes, making the only way to avoid discomfort is to drink more alcohol. Those with an alcohol dependence may drink to decrease or prevent withdrawal symptoms.

Symptoms

The symptoms of alcohol addiction have a basis in the physical and behavioural outcomes that happen as a result of the addiction. Some indicators may be:

• Excessive drinking to feel alcoholic effects (higher tolerance).
• Drinking by yourself.
• Becoming angry or violent when questioned about drinking.
• Neglecting hygiene.
• Poor eating habits.
• Being absent from school or work due to drinking.
• Unable to control alcohol consumption.
• Making an excuse to have a drink.
• Not attending important work, social, or recreational events because of alcoholism.
• Continuing drinking despite social, legal, or financial issues.

The physical attributes include:

• Withdrawal when not drinking (nausea, shaking, and vomiting).
• Involuntary shaking (tremors) in the morning after consuming too much alcohol.
• Craving alcohol.
• Blacking out after drinking.
• Sickness (cirrhosis and alcoholic ketoacidosis).

The Effects of Alcohol Addiction

Consuming small amounts of alcohol may benefit cardiovascular health. However, heavy consumption generates many health issues. In the short term, alcoholism creates hangovers, memory loss, and blackouts. The long-term impact causes heart issues, stomach ailments, brain damage, cancer, liver cirrhosis, and significant memory loss.

When people drink heavily, their mental health suffers as well. Excessive drinking can worsen current depression problems or invoke new issues like depression, anxiety, and memory loss.

Furthermore, alcoholism doesn’t only affect the person involved. The family of heavy drinkers can incur violence, and children may experience sexual and physical abuse, develop psychological issues, and suffer neglect.

Women who excessively drink while pregnant risk harming their unborn child. Friends, strangers, and relatives can be seriously hurt or killed in alcohol-related assaults and accidents.

When should an individual receive help?

Many times, those experiencing alcohol dependency will either hide their drinking, deny there is a problem, or claim they are in control of the situation. Indicators of a problem include:

• Having those close to you express concern.
• Becoming annoyed when people mention your drinking.
• Feeling remorseful about drinking and mean to cut down, but are unable to.
• Requiring a drink when you awaken to relieve hangovers or unsteady nerves.

Some people diligently work to resolve their addiction. Those with a supportive social network can recover by themselves. However, people with alcohol dependence may be unable to refrain from drinking through sheer willpower alone. Many people require help to be successful.

Some need medically supervised detoxification to prevent certain life-threatening withdrawal symptoms (such as seizures). Once stabilized, they may need assistance resolving existing psychological issues regarding drinking.

While there are many options for helping those with alcohol dependence, there is no one guaranteed approach. Thus, it is essential to find one that works best for the individual.

Contact New Dawn Medical for Addiction Rehab in Ontario

New Dawn Medical is an addiction rehab in Ontario. If you are concerned about a loved one or your own welfare, allow our doctors to assist you in getting back your life. Our treatment programs are offered in all facilities. We can provide same-day treatments and assessments. All our plans are generated, reviewed, and changed to reflect our clients’ changing requirements.

You may need assistance if you answer yes to the following questions:

• Do you feel guilty about your drinking?
• Do you need to drink more to feel the alcoholic effects?
• Are you violent or irritable when drinking?
• Does drinking cause issues at work or school?
• Do you think things would be better if you reduced drinking?

For more information, contact us at 647-625-8799 or toll-free at 1-833-456-DAWN. You can also email us at info@newdawnmed.com to schedule an appointment or address any concerns.

New Dawn Medical provides various programs to treat alcohol addiction, substance use, opioid programs for chronic pain, and benzodiazepine programs at locations throughout Ontario.