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Published: July 25, 2024
Reviewed by Matthew N. Parker, MD
Alcohol addiction (now known as Alcohol Use Disorder or AUD) is a widespread issue among Americans that can have disastrous effects and even be life-threatening for some. While it is up to the individual to treat and manage their AUD, external support and intervention from friends and family members can make all the difference in a recovery journey.
Scroll on to learn all about alcohol dependence including how to identify it, how to help someone with alcohol use disorder (AUD), and treatment options.
Alcohol dependence is a medical condition that occurs when someone cannot control their alcohol consumption and relies on the substance to regularly function.
Anyone can develop alcohol dependence, but it’s important to understand common causes and risk factors associated with the condition.
Risk factors for alcohol addiction can include:
In alcohol dependence, the body and brain rely on the presence of alcohol to carry out regular functions. This is because alcohol causes several chemical changes in the body, particularly increasing and decreasing the effects of certain neurotransmitters. Physical dependence and psychological dependence on alcohol make it difficult to quit and can lead to negative consequences such as withdrawal symptoms when you stop drinking.
There are countless signs and symptoms of alcohol dependence that can help identify AUD. Though dependence presents differently in everyone, the following signs can indicate a need for further intervention. If you suspect alcohol misuse or dependence in a loved one, keep the following health problems in mind.
Some of the easier signs of alcohol dependence to observe are physical signs. The effects of alcohol and also the lack of alcohol in an alcohol-dependent person can create many unpleasant physical symptoms.
Physical signs include:
There are countless other physical alcohol problems people experience like headaches, high body temperature, abnormal heart rate, or high blood pressure, though these can be difficult to observe in someone else.
Alcohol dependence also has many long-term health consequences. Understanding these effects can also help you identify an alcohol dependence.
Long-term health effects include:
An individual’s behaviors and behavioral habits can also be impacted by alcohol dependence. Being aware of behavioral effects can be a great way to identify possible alcohol dependence.
Behavioral signs of alcohol addiction include:
Alcohol dependence can greatly alter one’s demeanor, so if you suspect a drinking problem in someone you know, keep an eye out for any behaviors you would consider out of character.
Emotional well-being is also affected by alcohol dependence and alcohol misuse. Some of these signs can be a bit harder to identify compared to physical and behavioral symptoms, but they’re still important to understand.
Emotional signs can include:
Alcohol dependence can also create legal and financial issues for many individuals. This is because alcohol can lower inhibitions and impair decision-making abilities.
Legal issues related to alcohol dependence can include:
Financial issues related to alcohol dependence can include:
Suppose your loved one has experienced any of these issues. In that case, it may be helpful to address these consequences directly when holding an intervention to provide concrete evidence of their alcohol dependence.
When it comes to alcohol dependence, the earlier you can intervene the better. A less severe alcohol dependence can be easier to treat, though it is still a serious matter and should not be taken lightly.
The sooner AUD is identified and diagnosed, the sooner someone can access treatment and start the road to recovery.
Additionally, early intervention can prevent the development of long-term or permanent consequences from alcohol dependence. It can also decrease the risk of serious threats such as alcohol overdose or death.
Approaching someone about AUD can be difficult and intimidating, but it’s important to remember why you’re doing so. Keep in mind that you’re concerned for this person’s health, well-being, and livelihood. There are several tactics you might use when approaching someone about their alcohol dependence, which we will cover later on.
Often the hardest part of intervention is starting the conversation. In general, try to create a supportive and non-judgmental environment when approaching someone about alcohol dependence. Here are some tips for getting started.
Keep in mind you don’t have to do this alone either. Many people choose to hold interventions with a group of friends and family members to share the responsibility.
Once you’ve started a conversation about alcohol dependence, you may want to encourage your loved one to seek treatment and help from a healthcare professional.
A great way to do this is by telling the individual the benefits of treatment and professional intervention.
A few benefits you can mention include:
It’s also important to be familiar with treatment options when you hold an intervention. Being able to list treatment options can make recovery more tangible and make the individual feel like they have a choice in their recovery journey.
Treatment options include:
Before treatment options, you may suggest something as simple as talking to a doctor. Having a health professional evaluate the individual for addiction can affirm for the individual that their addiction is serious and requires medical assistance.
While intervention is an immensely important part of recovery, it’s essential to provide ongoing support throughout the individual’s AUD recovery journey.
While someone is in treatment, it can be helpful to offer emotional support as needed and even practical support. For example, if they are in inpatient treatment, make an effort to visit them or bring them things they may need throughout their treatment.
Another outlet of support you may encourage your loved one to pursue is support groups or other community resources. While having support from friends and family is vital, it can be helpful to have support from peers or individuals who have dealt with similar struggles.
There are countless support group options for alcohol addiction, perhaps the most infamous being Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). Joining a support group can remind the individual that they are not alone, provide an additional sense of accountability, and encourage new friendships.
Unfortunately, AUD recovery is not a linear process, and for many, that means relapse is part of the journey.
Even after treatment, some people will relapse and fall back into habits that foster substance dependence. This can occur for many reasons including triggers, external pressures, and mental obstacles. That being said, it’s important to understand that relapse is part of recovery.
If your loved one relapses during recovery, make sure to continue providing support. Avoid being judgmental or placing the blame on them for relapsing and, instead, remind them that you are here for them and they are not alone. Try to encourage them to seek treatment using the same tactics outlined above. Make sure to emphasize the positive impacts of treatment and let them know that you care for them.
Now that we’ve addressed how to help the individual with alcohol dependence, it’s essential to address how you can take care of yourself during this difficult time. It is easy to forget the mental and emotional toll this process can take on caregivers as well.
On top of worrying about your loved one, you may push aside your own needs while encouraging the individual to seek help. That being said, it’s important to take a step back every once in a while and prioritize your needs. One way to do this is by practicing self-care.
This can look different for everyone, but some ideas include meditation, yoga, going on a hike, or doing something you love.
There are also great resources and support for caregivers of an individual with an AUD.
Here are a few caregiver resources:
AUD presents differently in every individual, however, there are a few defense mechanisms commonly used when an individual is approached about their alcohol dependence. These include denying that they have a problem, projecting their problems onto someone else, or rationalizing their behaviors.
The most effective AUD treatment varies between individuals. That being said, inpatient treatment provides the highest level of care as it offers 24/7 support in a controlled environment.
Family history or genetics can increase an individual’s risk for alcohol dependence. However, this does not mean they will inevitably develop an Alcohol Use Disorder. There are several other risk factors including mental health disorders and trauma.
Several mental health issues occur alongside AUD. Some of the most common ones include anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and bipolar disorder.
Many Americans know someone who has dealt with or is currently dealing with AUD. It can be hazardous to every area of an individual’s life without intervention. Luckily, with support and early intervention, AUD can be effectively treated and managed.
Need more advice on helping your loved one with their Alcohol Use Disorder? Call our helpline today for additional guidance.
Cleveland Clinic. “Alcohol Use Disorder: What It Is, Risks & Treatment.”
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA). “Alcohol’s Effects on Health.”
NIAAA. “Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) in the United States: Age Groups and Demographic Characteristics.”
NIAAA. “Understanding Alcohol Use Disorder.”
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. “Alcohol Use: Conversation Starters.”
Medically reviewed by
Matthew N. Parker, MD Medical Advisor
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