What is Alcoholism?

Alcoholism is a brain disease which is chronic, relapsing, and progressive. It is characterized by an impaired ability to stop or control drinking despite adverse consequences. Left untreated, alcoholism commonly causes personal wreckage, including damaged personal relationships, derailed careers, financial stress, spiritual emptiness, and a myriad of mental and physical problems. The WHO (World Health Organization) reported that alcohol contributes to over 200 diseases and injury-related health conditions.

What Are the Risk Factors for Alcohol Use Disorder?

Although there is usually not a single cause for developing the disease, several risk factors are known.

Family history of alcoholism/addiction, especially involving a first-degree relative such as a parent
Onset of drinking at an early age, such as early teens
More than 15 drinks per week for males or more than 12 drinks per week for females
Five or more drinks daily at least once weekly (binge drinking)
Associated mental health problems, such as anxiety, depression, ADHD, or bipolar
Childhood trauma (mental, physical, sexual)
PTSD
Family or peer group where alcohol use is common and encouraged
Peer pressure, low self-esteem, and elevated level of stress
Other substance abuse

Diagnosis and Signs of Alcohol Use Disorder / Alcoholism

Genetic, psychological, social, and environmental factors impact how drinking alcohol affects your body and behavior.

The following behavior suggests the diagnosis of AUD:

Inability to limit drinking
Drinking alone
Lying or making excuses related to drinking
Continuing to drink despite adverse consequences (health, social, legal, work-related, financial)
Developing a high tolerance that requires increased alcohol to achieve the same effect
Becoming preoccupied with drinking and experiencing a strong need or craving to drink
Wanting to cut down or stop drinking, or have tried, but could not
Given up or cut back on activities that were enjoyed just so that you can continue to drink
Felt guilty about drinking
Felt annoyed when others questioned your drinking
Experienced withdrawal symptoms upon stopping drinking
Drinking in the morning to feel better (“eye-opener”)