Alcohol Addiction
Alcohol consumption is a causal factor in more than 200 diseases, injuries and other health conditions. Drinking alcohol is associated with a risk of developing health problems such as mental and behavioral disorders, including alcohol dependence, and major noncommunicable diseases such as liver cirrhosis, some cancers and cardiovascular diseases.
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Source: WHO
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What is Alcoholism, or Alcohol Use Disorder?
Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a medical condition characterized by an impaired ability to stop or control alcohol use despite adverse social, occupational, or health consequences.
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Stages of Alcoholism
The development of alcoholism can be broken down into three distinct stages: early stage, middle stage, and end stage.
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Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms
The symptoms associated with alcohol withdrawal vary on a person-to-person basis, and often include:
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Severe headaches.
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Body tremors/uncontrollable shaking.
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Severe stomach cramping.
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Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
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Loss of appetite.
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Insomnia and other sleep-related issues.
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Profuse sweating/night sweats.
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Increased heart rate and blood pressure.
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Seizures.
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Disorientation and confusion.
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Hallucinations (often associated with delirium tremens).
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Anxiety and panic attacks.
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Depressed mood/suicidal ideation.
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Because withdrawal symptoms can be both physical and psychological in nature, and because more severe withdrawal symptoms can be lethal when left untreated, entering into a professional medical detox program always comes recommended.
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Treatment Options
The best treatment options for alcohol addiction depend on your unique case. When it comes to professional treatment, several factors should be taken into close consideration, including:
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The severity of the alcohol use disorder. If the alcohol use disorder is moderate or severe, entering into a long-term treatment program is likely a good idea.
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The potential of withdrawal symptoms. Because the physical and psychological symptoms associated with alcohol withdrawal can be unpredictable, it is important for anyone who has been suffering from alcohol addiction to enter into a professional medical detox program for short-term monitoring.
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The presence of any co-occurring disorders. If a person has been simultaneously suffering from an alcohol use disorder and a mental illness, entering into a longer-term dual diagnosis treatment program might be necessary.
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In most cases, it is recommended that a person who has been suffering from a diagnosable alcohol use disorder of any severity enter into a multi-staged treatment program, which begins with medical detox and transitions into the next appropriate level of care.