Alcohol Abuse
Introduction
It is estimated that about 29% of the U.S population has experienced some degree of alcohol use disorder in their lifetime. It is a widespread mental health concern that is heavily stigmatized, which can prevent people from reaching out to a professional for help.
If you are struggling with unhealthy alcohol consumption, know that you are not alone – and you are not trapped. With the right treatment, you can overcome alcohol abuse and addiction.
Causes
Alcohol releases a chemical in your brain called dopamine. Dopamine is a feel-happy chemical and results in feelings of pleasure. However, when an outside source (like alcohol) creates an increase of dopamine levels in the brain, the brain begins to decrease its self-produced amount of dopamine. Then, to continue achieving the same level of happiness/satisfaction, the brain begins to crave what brought about the surge of dopamine in the first place: alcohol.
This is the foundation of addiction, and when combined with external factors (such as other mental health issues, family issues, financial burdens, stressful/traumatic events, etc.), alcohol abuse can form. Genetics also play a role: Those who have family members who struggle with alcoholism or addiction are more likely to abuse alcohol themselves.
Addiction to alcohol is not something you can just “get over.” It does not make you weak or in any way less of a human. Most importantly, recovery is possible. Take the steps towards freedom today and reach out to a RIVIA psychiatrist.
Symptoms
Drinking is a popular social activity, so when do you know it’s gone too far? Symptoms of alcohol abuse include:
- Trying to stop drinking but being unable to
- Spending excess money on alcohol
- Diverting attention from work, family, and friends to spend drinking
- Keeping your drinking habits secret from the people around you, and hiding your drinking
- Risky behavior surrounding drinking (drunk driving, spending excess cash while drunk, mixing alcohol with other drugs, etc.)
- Denial around the extent to which alcohol is negatively impacting your life
- Becoming distressed, angry, or depressed when access to alcohol is blocked
Diagnosis
Receiving an alcohol use disorder (AUD) diagnosis can be a scary first step. But remember, many thousands of people every year receive this diagnosis and go on to fully recover from alcohol abuse. You can’t solve a problem you don’t know is there, but a proper diagnosis can give you the information you need so a treatment plan can be formulated with you.
Alcohol Abuse Treatment
Treatment for alcohol use disorder often involves three main factors:
- Medication – Different medications can help reduce heavy drinking, manage cravings, support abstinence, and block breakdown of alcohol (causing unpleasant symptoms that deter some people from drinking). Medication isn’t for everyone, so talk to your therapist about whether this is something you want to explore.
- Behavioral Treatment – Alcohol abuse is usually a symptom of a larger problem – so unless that larger problem is addressed, relapsing is likely. A therapeutical approach will help you identify and manage your triggers, explore your relationship to alcohol, and deal with the negative thoughts and emotions that might be pushing you towards alcohol in the first place.
- Support Groups – Alcohol use can cut you off from your friends and family, leaving you feeling isolated and alone. These feelings can then spur you towards more alcohol and away from your goal of recovery. Support groups are scientifically proven to be helpful in recovering from alcohol abuse and other types of addiction. Look into local support groups, or talk to your therapist today about your options.
Substance Abuse Therapists at RIVIA
Alcohol abuse can be all-consuming and veer your life off course, but it is possible to recover and regain control. Your life is not over because you struggle with alcohol. The dreams and goals alcohol forced you to put on hold are still out there, and with the proper treatment and recovery, they are yours for the taking.
