In This Blog
- Alcohol abuse and its classification
- Alcohol abuse disorder and mental illness connection
- Why do some people develop alcohol addiction
- Symptoms of alcohol abuse
- Alcohol abuse medications
- Alcohol abuse vs alcohol dependence
- How addiction treatment differs from mental health treatment
When to seek professional help
Understanding Alcohol Abuse
Alcohol abuse is a habit that has negative consequences, including impaired performance or emotional breakdown through drinking. Drinking too much is not excessive drinking, but it is drinking so that it disrupts health, relationships, work, and sanity.
Problem drinking is categorized by medical organizations like the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) and the American Psychiatric Association as Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD), which encompasses alcohol abuse and alcohol dependence.
Alcohol abuse could begin with social or recreational drinking, but habits of repeated use to alleviate stress or loneliness, or emotional distress can easily progress into a chronic condition that would need professional intervention.
FACT: Heavy drinking changes over 100 brain pathways connected to mood and impulse control. – (NIAAA)
Is Alcohol Abuse a Mental Illness?
Yes, alcohol use disorder is a mental disorder.
According to the AUD definition of the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders), AUD is a Substance-Related and Addictive Disorder and thus:
- It influences the behavior and brain chemistry.
- It interferes with the emotional and thought processes.
- It changes the impulse control, judgment, and stress responses.
Alcohol abuse is also commonly comorbid with mental illnesses, including:
- Depression
- Anxiety disorders
- PTSD
- Bipolar disorder
- Personality disorders
This relationship is referred to as co-occurring disorders or dual diagnosis.
Why They Co-Occur
- Alcohol works as a temporary anesthetic.
- There is a long-term alteration of the brain chemistry by alcohol.
- There are common genetic and biological determinants of risk.
- Both are caused by trauma and chronic stress.
- The withdrawal symptoms resemble mental illness.
This overlap should be understood since treating either of these without the other may result in relapse.
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Why Some People Become Addicted to Alcohol
Alcohol addiction is not a matter of willpower; it is a complicated interplay of biological, psychological, and environmental factors.
1. Genetics
Studies indicate that genetics is a cause of 40-60 percent of alcohol addiction. Family history is a great predisposing factor.
2. Brain Chemistry Changes
Constant exposure to alcohol amplifies dopamine and changes the reward systems. Gradually, the brain needs alcohol to get normal.
3. Mental Health Conditions
People struggling with depression, anxiety, trauma, or high stress may use alcohol to cope. Self-medication often leads to dependence.
4. Environment & Upbringing
- Brought up in a family of heavy drinkers.
- Traumatic or neglectful exposure.
- Peer pressure
- Lack of emotional support
All increase the possibility of alcohol abuse disorder.
5. Early Drinking
The earlier a person begins to use alcohol when they are still at an early age, the higher the chances of becoming an addict in adulthood. It is a medical rather than a moral failure that is alcohol addiction.
Alcohol Abuse Symptoms
The symptoms can be identified in time, and the development of complete dependency is avoided.
Behavioral Symptoms
- Drinking more than intended
- Failed attempts to cut down
- Consuming against odds.
- Lying or hiding alcohol use
- Neglecting responsibilities
Physical Symptoms
- Blackouts
- Frequent hangovers
- High tolerance
- The shaking of hands or sweating without drinking.
- Sleep problems
Emotional & Mental Symptoms
- Irritability
- Anxiety or depression
- Poor impulse control
- Mood swings
- Can no longer relax without alcohol.
In case the symptoms remain over a period of at least 12 months, the individual qualifies under the DSM-5 criteria of Alcohol Use Disorder.
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Alcohol Abuse Medication & Treatment Options
Alcoholism cannot be cured with medications, but when supplemented with therapy, medications will help a great deal in enhancing the recovery process.
1. FDA-Approved Medications
- Naltrexone: Naltrexone blocks the rewarding action of alcohol and decreases cravings.
- Acamprosate: Helps in the normalization of neurotransmitters during the first sobriety.
- Disulfiram: This is a medication that causes an unpleasant taste whenever one consumes alcohol.
2. Detox Programs
Medically supervised detoxing prevents severe withdrawal symptoms such as seizures or delirium tremens.
3. Behavioral Therapies
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).
- Motivational Enhancement Therapy (MET).
- Trauma-informed therapy
- Relapse-prevention counseling
4. Supportive Programs
- 12-step programs
- SMART Recovery
- Group therapy
- Family therapy
5. Long-Term Treatment
The additional care, i.e., the outpatient care, sober living, and constant maintenance of sobriety implemented by the outpatient care, is also an important element of the sobriety care.
Alcohol Abuse vs Alcohol Dependence
The medical difference is important, despite the two being used more or less interchangeably:
Alcohol Abuse
- Drinking causes risky behavior (e.g., DUIs)
- Consuming alcohol disrupts school or work or family life.
- Affective or behavioral effects.
Alcohol Dependence
- Physical cravings
- Withdrawal symptoms
- High tolerance
- Loss of control
Under recent changes in the DSM-5, the two are both classified as Alcohol Use Disorder with mild, moderate, or severe levels of severity.
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Addiction Treatment vs Mental Health Treatment — What’s Different?
Although the two are dealing with behavioral health, the approach to treatment is very different.
Category | Addiction Treatment | Mental Health Treatment |
Primary Focus | Reducing or stopping substance use, managing craving, and preventing relapses. | Stabilizing mood, reducing symptoms of mental illness, and improving emotional functioning |
Core Goal | Rewire brain pathways affected by alcohol/drugs and rebuild sober routines | Improve coping skills, regulate emotions, and treat underlying psychological conditions. |
Initial Phase | Medical detox, withdrawal management, and safety monitoring | Psychiatric evaluation, stabilization, and medication adjustment if needed |
Therapies Used | CBT, MET, Relapse-prevention therapy, trauma therapy, group recovery sessions | CBT, DBT, Trauma therapy |
It may be that alcohol is playing havoc with your life or that of a loved one, but professional help is closer than you think. Orlando Treatment Solutions is an evidence-based, compassionate care provider that tries to heal the clarity, stability, and confidence of the people. Call us at (321) 415-3213 today and start the process of long-term recovery.
Key Takeaways
- Alcohol use disorder is one of such mental disorder, and it has been made official.
- Genetic factors, the environment, trauma, and alterations to the brain are the risk factors associated with addiction.
- The symptoms include changes in behavior and physical and emotional changes.
- Drugs and treatment are quite advantageous in the recovery.
- Another form of Alcohol Use Disorder is alcoholism.
- Mental illness presents a dual diagnosis.
Medical Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.
FAQs
Is alcoholism a form of mental illness?
Yes. Alcohol Use Disorder comes under the DSM-5 as a mental health disorder since it causes impairments in the brain functions and judgment, emotional stability, and behavior. It is also frequently comorbid with other psychological disorders, such as anxiety, depression, and PTSD, which may need combined therapy to heal over time.
Is alcohol addiction physical or mental?
Alcohol addiction is both. It not only leads to physical dependence due to withdrawal syndrome and tolerance but also changes brain chemistry that deals with decisions, impulse regulation, and emotional regulation. Treatment is effective, as it treats the biological and psychological aspects of the disorder.
What are the symptoms of alcohol brain damage?
These may be signs of memory loss, lack of concentration, lack of coordination, confusion, mood fluctuations, and inability to learn new information. Extreme chronic injury can result in the Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome. Symptoms can be greatly minimized or prevented by early treatment and cessation of alcohol.
Is addiction a mental illness?
Yes. Addiction is a chronic disorder of the brain characterized by a disorder of reward pathways, reaction to stress, and control of impulses. It is a mental illness much like the rest, and needs constant treatment, behavioral therapies, and at times drugs. With the help of regular support and evidence-based care, it is possible to recover.
Do alcoholics ever recover?
Absolutely. The detox, therapy, medication-assisted treatment, and support groups, as well as lifestyle modification, help many people to reach long-term sobriety. Recovery is not linear, and with the help of the professionals and frequent support, individuals can recover, stabilize, and have improved emotional conditions.
What is the hardest mental illness to live with?
This is contrary; whereas the disorders have been cited as extremely difficult, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and trauma-related disorders have been stated as predominantly extremely challenging. Its symptoms may be even more severe in parallel with the alcohol use disorder, and a synthesized, holistic intervention is needed to achieve the state of stability and recovery.
References
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA). Alcohol Facts and Statistics.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Alcohol and Public Health.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). Substance Use Disorders.
- World Health Organization (WHO). Alcohol Consumption and Health Risks.
