Alcohol dependence is a condition in which a person continues to drink uncontrollably and finds it difficult to stop despite experiencing negative consequences from alcohol use.
Symptoms of alcohol dependence
The main symptoms of alcohol dependence can generally be listed as follows:
- Impaired ability to control alcohol use: The person struggles to limit or stop drinking and often continues to drink excessively.
- Giving alcohol use greater priority than other activities: Alcohol becomes more important than social, work and personal responsibilities; other activities and relationships take a back seat.
- A strong desire to use alcohol, reflected in continued use despite harm or negative consequences: The person disregards the negative effects of alcohol on their health, family, work or social relationships and continues drinking.
- Often drinking more alcohol or for longer than intended: The person drinks for longer or consumes more than they expected, but cannot control this.
- Alcohol gradually losing its previous effect (development of tolerance): More alcohol is needed to achieve the same effect; in other words, alcohol has less of an effect on the body.
- Repeated alcohol use in potentially dangerous situations: Alcohol use continues even in potentially dangerous situations (such as driving or doing hazardous work).
These symptoms are signs of alcohol dependence, and treatment and intervention are necessary. Recognising alcohol dependence early is critical to starting an effective course of treatment.
What is alcohol withdrawal?
Alcohol withdrawal is a condition that develops when people with alcohol use disorder stop or reduce their alcohol intake after prolonged heavy drinking. Symptoms of alcohol withdrawal usually begin 6-8 hours after blood alcohol levels start to fall, most often within the first 24 hours. Alcohol withdrawal causes psychological and physical problems as the body reacts to the absence of alcohol.
Symptoms of alcohol withdrawal
Typical symptoms of alcohol withdrawal include the following:
- Tremor (shaking)
- Anxiety, restlessness
- Sweating, headache
- Nausea, vomiting
- Rapid heartbeat, high blood pressure
- Drowsiness or hyperarousal
- Confusion, hallucinations
These symptoms may initially be mild in someone who stops drinking, but in some cases they can become serious, progressing to severe withdrawal conditions such as potentially fatal delirium tremens (DT). Delirium tremens causes serious symptoms such as shaking, high fever, palpitations, confusion and hallucinations and requires emergency medical attention.
Alcohol withdrawal can cause serious health problems if left untreated. For this reason, when treating alcohol dependence, alcohol should be stopped gradually and in a controlled manner under specialist supervision.
What health problems can alcohol dependence cause?
Alcohol dependence can cause many serious health problems. Its main effects include:
- Liver Problems: Alcohol can cause liver diseases (alcoholic hepatitis, cirrhosis, fatty liver).
- Heart Problems: High blood pressure, heart disease and irregular heart rhythms can develop.
- Brain and Nervous System: Alcohol can cause cognitive impairment, memory loss and neuropathy.
- Digestive System: Conditions such as stomach ulcers, gastritis and pancreatitis can occur.
- Cancer Risk: It increases the risk of mouth, throat, liver, colon and breast cancer.
- Immune System: It weakens the immune system, increasing susceptibility to infections.
- Psychological Problems: Depression, anxiety and mood changes are common.
- Sexual and Reproductive Problems: Reduced sexual desire and erectile dysfunction in men can occur.
Alcohol dependence causes serious physical, psychological and social problems.
Types of treatment for alcohol dependence
Treatment for alcohol dependence includes various methods to manage the condition and support recovery. Treatment is usually tailored to the person's circumstances, the severity of their dependence and any other health conditions.
- Medical Treatment
- Detoxification: People trying to stop drinking may undergo detoxification in a hospital to help clear alcohol from the body. Alcohol withdrawal symptoms are managed during this process.
- Medication: Certain medications can be used to help prevent a return to drinking. For example:
- Disülfiram (Antabuse): It causes unpleasant reactions such as severe nausea and vomiting when alcohol is consumed, with the aim of deterring the person from drinking.
- Naltrekson: It reduces the pleasurable effects of alcohol, helping the person limit their alcohol consumption.
- Acamprosat: It reduces the emotional distress that occurs after stopping alcohol and helps prevent a return to drinking.
- Psychotherapy and Counselling
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT): This is a type of therapy aimed at changing the thoughts and behaviours that contribute to alcohol dependence. The person learns to recognise their triggers for drinking and develops ways to cope with them.
- Motivational Interviewing: This is a type of therapy aimed at increasing the person's motivation to reduce or stop drinking.
- Family Therapy: It is used to address the negative effects of alcohol dependence on family relationships. Family members are involved in treatment for alcohol dependence.
- Support Groups
- Alcoholics Anonymous (AA): This widely available international 12-step programme helps people address alcohol dependence and recover with support from others.
- Other Support Groups: Various local and online support groups are available for people struggling with alcohol dependence.
- Advanced Treatment
- Residential Treatment Programmes: In cases of severe alcohol dependence, patients may be admitted to a rehabilitation centre. These centres provide intensive therapy and support to help people stop drinking.
- Hospital Admission: Hospital admission may be necessary because of physical health problems. Hospital admission may be needed particularly when alcohol withdrawal symptoms are very severe.
- Lifestyle Changes and Social Support
- Reducing Alcohol Consumption: Some people may prefer to reduce their alcohol consumption rather than stop drinking completely. In this case, psychological support and treatment are tailored to the person's goals.
- Healthy Lifestyle: Developing healthy habits is important for recovery from alcohol dependence. Habits such as exercise, healthy eating and stress management can be incorporated into treatment.
- Psychoeducation and Awareness
- Education about the physical, psychological and social effects of alcohol dependence is also an important part of treatment. This education can help people develop healthier attitudes towards alcohol.
Preventing alcohol dependence and the treatment process
Treatment for alcohol dependence is a personal journey, and each person may need a different approach. Treatment requires both physical and psychological support. Successful treatment is possible through an early start, professional support and the person's own motivation.
Psychologist Edanur Altay
