People frequently use the term alcoholic to describe someone who drinks too much or too often. But having a problem with alcohol doesn’t necessarily mean someone meets the clinical criteria for alcoholism. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders outlines the diagnostic criteria for this condition. Many people are surprised to learn what actually qualifies as alcoholism, also known as alcohol use disorder.
Across the nation, millions of Americans struggle with alcohol use disorders to varying degrees of severity. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, more than seventeen million American adults over the age of 18 have an alcohol use disorder. Close to one million more Americans between the ages of twelve and seventeen struggle with an adverse relationship with alcohol.
When considering seeking help, it’s important to remember that alcoholism isn’t a problem that develops overnight. It develops out of long-term alcohol abuse. That’s exactly why comprehensive addiction treatment plays such a key role in the journey to sobriety.
Is Alcohol Addictive?
Yes. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism notes that alcohol is the most commonly used addictive substance in the United States. Both physical and psychological factors make it addictive. When you drink, alcohol triggers the release of dopamine and endorphins in the brain. These chemicals produce feelings of pleasure while also acting as natural painkillers in the body. Studies have also shown that genetic factors influence how someone’s body reacts to alcohol, along with their overall risk of developing an addiction.
Like other addictions, alcohol abuse often grows out of behavior, thought patterns, and unhealthy coping mechanisms. Many people who struggle with chronic pain or symptoms of an undiagnosed or diagnosed mental health condition turn to alcohol to dull their symptoms. Unfortunately, this form of coping can lead straight into substance abuse and addiction. Many people don’t realize that alcohol itself contributes to many of the same symptoms they’re trying to manage.
What Are the Signs of Alcoholism?
Treatment providers use eleven factors to assess whether someone has an alcohol use disorder. These factors address both the physical and psychological elements of the condition. When someone struggles with alcohol use disorder, they’ll likely experience effects on both fronts.
Without treatment that addresses the root causes of someone’s relationship with alcohol, chronic alcohol abuse can quickly turn severe and life-threatening. That’s why understanding the warning signs matters so much for early access to treatment and mental health support. Some of the most common signs of alcohol abuse include:
- Wanting to drink alone or making excuses for “needing” to drink
- Increased voluntary isolation from family and friends
- Sudden mood changes or frequent mood swings
- Choosing alcohol over essential obligations, such as work and family
- Changes in physical appearance and hygiene
- Cognitive difficulties, such as blackouts or memory problems
How Alcohol Rehab in Redwood City, CA Can Help You Heal
Seeking addiction treatment at an alcohol rehab in Redwood City, CA, can help you learn more about addiction. It can also help you understand how changing your thoughts and beliefs about alcohol leads to sobriety and recovery. At California Recovery Center in Redwood City, our compassionate team of addiction treatment professionals will work with you to build a treatment plan designed around your specific needs and goals.
Alcohol addiction can be difficult, and sometimes dangerous, to try to overcome alone. If you’re ready to begin your journey to sobriety, contact our admissions team today to learn more about how we can help you get started.
