Everything You Need to Know About Alcoholism and Alcohol Use Disorder

Binge drinking is responsible for nearly 500 deaths in the US every day, making alcohol abuse the fifth-leading cause of preventable deaths in the US [1]. In the past year, 28.9 million people in the US ages 12 and older reported having an alcohol use disorder (AUD), and this number is likely higher when accounting for those who struggle to identify their alcohol abuse [2]. In the US, alcoholism is a widespread and deadly public health problem that requires our immediate attention and treatment. 

What is Alcoholism?

You may struggle with alcoholism if you neglect responsibilities at home, work, or school, including neglecting chores and cleaning, not doing homework, missing work due to being intoxicated or going through withdrawal symptoms. You might withdraw from your relationships to use alcohol more frequently.

When you are struggling with alcohol use disorder (AUD), you will continue to use alcohol despite the consequences on your mental and/or physical health. Lastly, when you are struggling with alcohol use disorder, you will have severe withdrawal symptoms [4].

What is Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD)? 

AUD is characterized by an impaired ability to stop or limit alcohol use despite negative consequences to your social life, home environment, work performance, or physical health [3]. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, Text Revision (DSM-5-TR), the criteria for alcohol use disorder includes: drinking excessive amounts of alcohol (6-8 drinks per day), trying to stop drinking but cannot, experiencing intense cravings for alcohol and thinking about alcohol all the time, planning your day around drinking habits, obsessing over your next drink, engaging in risky behaviors (drinking and driving), and needing to consume more alcohol to feel the same effect (tolerance) [4].

Related: What is Drug Addiction — and How Can it be Treated?

Mild Alcohol Abuse vs Severe Alcoholism 

Alcohol Use Disorder is a spectrum and can be classified as mild, moderate, or severe. AUD encompasses the conditions commonly referred to as alcohol abuse, alcohol dependence, or alcoholism. The term alcohol addiction or alcoholism refers to the moderate to severe end of the AUD spectrum.  

When evaluating whether you or your loved one is struggling with mild alcohol abuse or severe alcoholism, consider the consequences and signs of physical dependence. While someone who binge drinks occasionally may engage in risky behaviors, the consequences can be relatively short-lived. When someone struggles with severe alcoholism, however, the addiction will negatively impact most facets of their life for a sustained period of time. A person who struggles with alcohol abuse might be able to stop drinking for a significant period of time, with little to no withdrawal symptoms. However, someone who struggles with alcoholism will often have severe withdrawal symptoms, including tremors, shakiness, and even seizures [4].

Related: Why Do People Drink Alcohol?   

Causes and Risk Factors of Alcoholism

Genetic predisposition is an important factor in the risk of alcoholism. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), having a family history of alcoholism significantly increases your risk of developing an alcohol use disorder [5]. Certain personality traits associated with alcoholism are also genetic, including a tendency to be impulsive, take risks, seek extreme sensations, and have difficulty coping with stress and/or anxiety.  

Your environment also plays a major role in the risk of developing AUD. Your upbringing could have a major impact on the development of AUD, especially if you grew up with parents abusing alcohol in the home. If your home life was stressful, and you watched your parent drink alcohol to manage stress, there is a high likelihood that you will model that behavior as you grow up [5]. Additionally, if you lack parental supervision or structure, you are more likely to succumb to peer pressure and develop substance abuse habits early in life. 

Another contributing factor to alcoholism can be co-morbid diagnoses. For example, in a recent study, it was found that 20.5% of adults suffering from alcohol use disorder were also diagnosed with ADHD, compared to 2.5% in the general population of adults. With higher rates of ADHD observed in inpatient facilities for treatment-seeking SUD patients [6].

The Impact of Alcoholism on Families 

Alcohol abuse can put a major strain on family dynamics. If you or your loved one struggles with alcohol abuse, you might withdraw from relationships, miss family functions, increase financial instability, and put your children in danger. Those living with people who are struggling with alcoholism can struggle with their own anxiety, depression, and feelings of helplessness. Due to repeated broken promises, dishonesty, and erratic behavior, alcohol abuse causes a severe lack of trust in intimate relationships. Children are also deeply affected by alcohol abuse as they often blame themselves, feel ashamed, and suffer from trauma and emotional neglect because of their relative’s drinking [7]. 

Recognizing Alcoholism: Signs and Symptoms 

If you think that you or a loved one might be struggling with alcohol dependence, look out for these common symptoms: 

• Increased consumption of alcohol
• Higher tolerance of alcohol
• Sneakiness or drinking alone
• Health issues (i.e. liver disease or damage, gastric issues, high blood pressure, heart problems, and memory problems)
• Drinking in risky situations (i.e. drinking and driving, drinking at work)
• Neglecting social or occupational responsibilities due to alcohol use

To determine how severe one’s alcohol addiction might be, it’s important to identify alcohol withdrawal symptoms, which can include [7]:

• Shaking or tremors
• Sweating
• Nausea or vomiting
• Headaches
• Anxiety or irritability
• Difficulties sleeping (insomnia)
• Seizures (in severe cases) 

Alcoholism’s Impact on Mental Health 

Many people who struggle with their mental health also suffer from alcoholism as they try to manage their mental health symptoms by using alcohol or substances such as drugs. Substance use, however, only causes temporary relief. A person might use alcohol to reduce anxiety or numb feelings of sadness or hopelessness, but over time, too much alcohol can actually worsen these symptoms, leading to a vicious cycle of substance abuse.

Additionally, someone might use alcohol to suppress memories and/or uncomfortable feelings associated with trauma. PTSD often co-occurs with AUD, and AUD can actually worsen symptoms of PTSD by causing you to engage in additional risky behaviors. Dual diagnosis treatment, which addresses both mental health problems and substance use, is critical for effective recovery of your mental health disorder and substance use disorder [8]. 

Alcohol Use Disorder Treatment 

Despite the serious negative consequences of AUD, only a small percentage of people affected receive treatment; in 2023, 2.3 million people with AUD received treatment, accounting for 7.9% of people with AUD. Receiving proper treatment is also rare among teens; in 2023, 73,000 youth with AUD received treatment, accounting for only 9.7% of youth with AUD [1]. 

AUD Treatment Options at Clear Behavioral Health 

At Clear Behavioral Health, we are dedicated to the treatment of alcohol use disorder as well as other substance use disorders. Our expert team of psychiatrists, therapists, and counselors assist you when you are seeking treatment in identifying the underlying causes of alcoholism, gaining skills to achieve long-term sobriety, and building a community to support ongoing sobriety. Clear Behavioral Health offers the full spectrum of alcohol addiction treatments including detox, residential rehab, partial hospitalization programs, and intensive outpatient programs, ensuring that you receive the appropriate level of care when you need it. 

Medical Detox  

When you are struggling with alcoholism, it’s important to detox safely, as detoxing on your own can lead to serious adverse effects, including seizures and even death. When you are struggling with alcoholism, we strongly encourage you to seek 24/7 medical supervision to obtain safe detoxification from alcohol withdrawal, which often includes taking detox medication including benzodiazepines, which can counteract the effects and symptoms of withdrawal.

Clear Behavioral Health offers detox services in Gardena, CA and Redondo Beach, CA, where our dedicated team of nurses and doctors will help you or your loved one detox from alcohol in a safe, controlled, and comfortable environment.

Related: How Long Does It Take To Detox From Alcohol

Residential Rehab Treatment 

Residential rehab treatment, which also provides 24/7 supervised care, is a helpful next step after detox. In rehab, clients typically address their alcoholism through therapy, make connections with others who struggle with the same condition through group therapy, learn about the 12 steps of Alcoholics Anonymous, and gain alternative coping and life skills to manage their alcohol cravings and underlying causes of their excessive alcohol use. 

Partial Hospitalization Program and Intensive Outpatient Program (PHP/IOP) 

After residential detox and rehab treatment, most clients transition to our Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) and Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) care. Both PHP and IOP are integrated programs that work with you to translate skills learned in residential treatment to your home environment.

You are required to attend 12 step meetings and are recommended to engage in alternative recovery methods, including Celebrate Recovery and SMART Recovery, to further build a community of like-minded individuals that can help support you on your path to sobriety. 

The Benefits of Our Alcohol Treatment Approach 

Clear Behavioral Health uses a wide variety of treatment modalities including group therapy, individual therapy, CBT, DBT, trauma-informed care, and other holistic therapy approaches. We offer yoga, breathwork, sound baths, and alternative therapies, including drama and art therapy, to engage you and teach skills necessary for long-term sobriety. Alcohol treatment plans are focused on your individual needs and are consistently updated to ensure that as your condition evolves, so does your treatment.

Recovery is Possible at Clear 

While alcoholism is a serious and life-threatening condition, there is hope for you or your loved one. It is important to know the signs and symptoms of the disease and seek help for long-term sobriety. Wherever you are in your sobriety journey, Clear Behavioral Health is here to help you. 

If you, or your loved one, is seeking help for AUD (or other substance use disorders) please reach out today to learn more about our alcoholism treatment programs in Los Angeles, CA, and the surrounding areas, including medical detox, alcohol rehab, outpatient addiction treatment, and dual diagnosis programs. To help you find the right level of care, reach out to our intake team today at 866-973-2216. 

Sources 

1. American Addiction Centers. (2024). “Alcohol and Drug Abuse Statistics.” Accessed at: https://americanaddictioncenters.org/addiction-statistics 
2. National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. (2024). “Alcohol Use Disorder in the US.” Accessed at: https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/alcohols-effects-health/alcohol-topics/alcohol-facts-and-statistics/alcohol-use-disorder-aud-united-states-age-groups-and-demographic-characteristics
3. National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. (2024). “The Cycle of Alcohol Addiction.” Accessed at:https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/cycle-alcohol-addiction 
4. American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5). Accessed at: https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/alcohol-use-disorder 
5. National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA). Accessed at: https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/ 
6. Science Direct. (2024). Detecting the comorbidity of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in a population of outpatients with alcohol use disorder (AUD): the role of personality traits, age at first alcohol use and level of craving. Accessed at: https://sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0741832924001745
7. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). Accessed at: https://www.samhsa.gov/ 
8. Al-Anon Family Groups. Accessed at: https://al-anon.org/