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Alcohol addiction
We offer comprehensive and personalised treatment for individuals struggling with alcohol addiction. Our dedicated team of professionals understands the complexities of alcohol addiction and is committed to guiding you towards lasting recovery.
Understanding alcohol addiction
Alcohol addiction is a significant issue that affects individuals and communities throughout the United Kingdom. The accessibility and cultural acceptance of alcohol have contributed to its widespread use and, in some cases, misuse. In the UK, alcohol addiction is a complex problem with far-reaching consequences.
Many individuals struggling with alcohol addiction may not realize the severity of their condition or may feel hesitant to seek help due to the stigma associated with addiction. However, it is crucial to understand that alcohol addiction is a chronic disease that requires professional treatment and support.
Our team is always on hand to offer you support no matter the time or day.
Signs & symptoms of alcohol addiction
Alcohol addiction, also known as alcohol use disorder, can manifest through various signs and symptoms. It is important to recognise these indicators as early intervention and treatment can greatly improve the chances of successful recovery. Here are common signs and symptoms of alcohol addiction:
- Increased Tolerance: Needing to consume larger amounts of alcohol to achieve the desired effect or experiencing diminished effects with the same amount.
- Withdrawal Symptoms: Experiencing physical and psychological symptoms when attempting to reduce or stop drinking. These symptoms may include tremors, sweating, anxiety, irritability, nausea, insomnia, or seizures.
- Loss of Control: Being unable to control or limit the amount of alcohol consumed, often drinking more than intended or for a longer period than planned.
- Cravings: Experiencing strong and persistent urges or cravings for alcohol.
- Neglecting Responsibilities: Prioritising alcohol use over important obligations and responsibilities at work, school, or home. This can lead to a decline in performance, conflicts, or neglect of personal relationships.
- Continued Use Despite Consequences: Persisting in drinking despite experiencing negative consequences such as health problems, legal issues, damaged relationships, or financial difficulties.
- Neglecting Activities: Losing interest in activities or hobbies that were once enjoyable and engaging due to alcohol consumption taking priority.
- Social Isolation: Withdrawing from social activities and isolating oneself from family and friends to avoid scrutiny or judgment related to drinking habits.
- Increased Risky Behavior: Engaging in risky behaviors while under the influence of alcohol, such as drunk driving, unprotected sex, or confrontational situations.
- Unsuccessful Attempts to Quit or Cut Down: Making repeated efforts to quit or reduce alcohol consumption without long-term success.
It is important to remember that the presence of one or more of these signs does not definitively indicate alcohol addiction. However, if you or someone you know is exhibiting these symptoms, it may be an indication of a problematic relationship with alcohol. Seeking professional help and support is crucial for proper assessment and guidance towards recovery.
Pattern of alcohol abuse
Tolerance levels to alcohol differ from person to person and should take into account how much food a person has eaten, their weight, the amounts consumed and by how frequently. The origins and routes to alcohol addiction also need to be understood on an individual basis, which often follows a pattern of alcohol abuse…
- Binge drinking – a difficulty to regulate or stop consuming large quantities of alcohol, often within a relatively short period of time, and followed by periods of abstinence or normal drinking in between. A typical pattern would be binge drinking at the weekend or over a period of days but remaining sober during the week or for several weeks at a time.
- Problem drinking – the next step from binge drinking involving consuming large amounts of alcohol with the deliberate intention to get drunk. At this stage, problem drinking can quickly progress into alcoholism or alcohol dependency.
- Alcohol addiction – a physical and/or mental dependence upon alcohol. At this stage alcohol abuse has become alcoholism, the user starts to experience obsessive cravings for alcohol, a loss of control of drinking and withdrawal symptoms when not drinking. There are varying degrees of alcohol addiction and not all alcoholics drink all day, every day.
- Physical dependency – drinking frequent copious amounts of alcohol soon builds up a tolerance. To avoid the unpleasant effects of 'withdrawal', a level of alcohol must be constantly consumed.
- Mental dependency – the need for alcohol as a means of support to face events, situations, uncomfortable feelings or simply to relax or sleep. May not always be accompanied by a physical dependency on alcohol.
- Further alcohol abuse - drugs or medications, such as Vallium or sleeping tablets mixed with alcohol to obtain an enhanced effect and for a longer period of time.