Alcoholism or alcohol use disorder is a serious condition in which an individual has a physical need or desire to consume this alcohol, even though they know it will have a significant adverse effect on their life. In the past, people with this problem were referred to as alcoholics.
But this is increasingly seen as a negative and unhelpful label. Health care professionals now say that people have an AUD or alcohol use disorder. According to the NIH or National Institute of Health, a million American adults, or at least 6% of the country’s population, had this kind of problem. According to the WHO (World Health Organization), globally, at least 3 million deaths every year result from this substance’s destructive use.
Check out this site for more details about AUD.
Definition
NIAAA or the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism describe this disorder as a drinking issue that becomes serious or severe. An individual with this problem does not know how or when to stop. They spend a lot of money, time, and energy thinking about their next fix, and they can’t control how much they drink, even if it is causing them serious issues at work, home, and financially.
Substance abuse can be used to talk about inappropriate or excessive consumption of liquor, but not automatically dependence. Moderate consumption doesn’t generally cause any physical or psychological harm. But if a person enjoys social drinking increases their regular consumption more than what is recommended, Alcohol Use Disorder may eventually develop.
Symptoms
An individual who drinks a lot of liquor will usually not be the first individual to realize that this is so. Some symptoms and signs of AUD include:
Having a routine and getting irritated if a person comments on these routines. For instance drinking after work or drinking before, during, or after every meal
Feeling pretty irritable when drinking times starts, especially if liquors are not or may not be readily available
Having issues with relationships, finances, work, or the law that stem from drinking
Experiencing sweating, shaking, or nausea when not consuming liquors
Blacking or passing out and not being able to remember most of it
Not being able to limit the amount of liquor being consumed
Losing interest in things that were previously enjoyed
Storing alcoholic drinks in unlikely places
Need more liquors to feel its effect
Consuming liquors just to feel good
Drinking by yourself or in secret
Some individuals experience some of these symptoms and signs but are not dependent on this substance. Consumption becomes an issue when it takes over all other important activities. Dependence can take a couple of years to develop fully. The issue linked to dependence is pretty extensive. The effects can be social, psychological, and physical.
To find out more about common withdrawal symptoms, visit https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/campaign/tips/quit-smoking/7-common-withdrawal-symptoms/index.html to find out more.
Causes
Dependence on this substance can take from a couple of years to a couple of decades to fully develop. It can happen really quickly for some, especially vulnerable individuals, within months at most. Over time, regular consumption can disrupt the balance of:
Glutamate
GABA or Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid in the brain
Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid controls impulsiveness. The glutamate will stimulate the body’s nervous system. Dopamine levels in the patient’s brain rise after they consume liquors. Dopamine levels may make the experience more gratifying. Over the medium- or long term, excessive consumption can significantly alter the levels of people’s brain chemicals. It causes the body to crave the substance to feel good, as well as avoid feeling bad.
Risk factors
Some risk factors may also be connected to excessive consumption of liquors.
Genes
Some particular genetic factors may make some individuals more likely to develop addictions to substances. There may be a family history. Facilities like Skyward addiction treatment, as well as programs, greatly emphasize this factor because it is the only factor that people cannot control.
The age of the first drink
According to research, people who started drinking before they reached 15 years old may be more likely to have alcohol issues later in their lives.
Easy access
There appears to be a connection between the easy to alcohol like cheap prices and liquor-related deaths and abuse. One research registered a considerable drop in substance-related deaths after one state increased booze taxes. The effect was found to be two to four times that of other known prevention strategies, like media campaigns or school programs.
Stress
Some hormones related to stress are linked with booze abuse. If anxiety and stress levels are very high, individuals may consume booze to blank out their experiences and upheavals.