Do you recognize these signs? You could save a life from alcoholism

What is alcoholism?

Alcoholism is not simply manifested by frequent drinking, but represents a chronic and complex condition involving various aspects of a person's life. The main features of this disease are:

• Physical dependence: The body develops a physiological need for alcohol, with withdrawal symptoms when consumption is interrupted.
• Loss of control: The person is unable to limit the amount of alcohol consumed.
• Negative impact: Alcohol consumption interferes with work, relationships and other daily activities.

Criteria for diagnosing alcoholism

To determine whether a person has alcoholism, mental health professionals rely on specific criteria, such as those defined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). According to the DSM-5, a person can be diagnosed with Alcohol Use Disorder(AUD) if he or she meets at least two of the following eleven criteria within a 12-month period:

1. Consumption of alcohol in larger quantities or for a longer period of time

One of the most obvious signs of a problematic relationship with alcohol is difficulty in adhering to the consumption limits the person had set for himself or herself. This behavior is often not isolated, but becomes part of a repeated pattern. The person may justify these situations by attributing them to social pressure, a particularly stressful day, or the relaxed atmosphere of the event.

2. Constant craving and difficulty in reducing or controlling alcohol consumption

Another of the hallmarks of an alcohol use disorder is the presence of a persistent, almost obsessive desire to consume alcohol, accompanied by an inability to effectively reduce or control one's consumption.

3. Spending an excessive amount of time on alcohol consumption and related activities

Another hallmark of alcohol use disorder is the excessive investment of time and energy in alcohol consumption and related activities. This behavior involves not only the act of drinking, but also encompasses all the daily actions and choices that gravitate around alcohol, such as procuring it, organizing events to consume it, or managing the negative effects of its abuse.

4. Craving

Craving represents one of the most distinctive and debilitating signs of an alcohol use disorder. It is a compelling and uncontrollable desire to drink, which often overrides every other thought or priority in the person's mind. This urge is not simply a craving, but a need perceived as urgent and unavoidable, capable of profoundly influencing behavior.

5. Inability to fulfill obligations due to alcohol

One of the most serious effects of alcohol use disorder is the inability to manage daily responsibilities, such as work, studies or family commitments. Excessive alcohol consumption can impair a person's ability to perform adequately, causing problems in various areas of life.

6. Continued alcohol consumption despite social problems

A characteristic aspect of alcohol use disorder is the tendency to continue drinking despite the obvious negative impact on social and interpersonal relationships. Difficulties in relationships can manifest themselves in a variety of ways, such as family conflicts, problems in the workplace, the breakdown of friendships, or the deterioration of emotional ties. Despite these negative effects, the person often continues to consume alcohol, minimizing or ignoring the consequences on his or her social interactions and close relationships.

7. Reduction or abandonment of social or work activities.

Another indicator of an alcohol use disorder is the increasing decrease or abandonment of meaningful activities in daily life, both social and professional, due to excessive alcohol consumption. This behavior suggests that alcohol is becoming a central element in the person's life, to the point of interfering with his or her responsibilities and interpersonal relationships. The person may be sacrificing work commitments, recreational activities, or family relationships to devote more and more time to alcohol consumption, neglecting priorities and compromising his or her overall well-being.

8. Recurrent consumption in dangerous situations

Another characteristic aspect of alcohol use disorder is the behavior of drinking in high-risk situations, where consumption may compromise one's own safety or that of others. This type of behavior evidences a loss of judgment and self-control, with the person who, despite being aware of the dangers, continues to drink without stopping.

9. Persistence in consumption despite physical or psychological problems

One of the most obvious aspects of alcohol use disorder is the continued intake of alcohol, despite its serious consequences for physical and mental health. People who suffer from alcoholism often ignore or minimize the signs of harm, continuing to drink even when obvious problems such as physical illness, psychological disorders or social difficulties occur.

10. Increased tolerance

A clear indicator of alcohol dependence is tolerance, which develops when, due to regular and prolonged consumption, a person needs to progressively increase the amount of alcohol to achieve the same desired effects, such as euphoria, relaxation, or feeling groggy. This phenomenon occurs because the body slowly adapts to alcohol: the brain, as it becomes accustomed to the substance, reduces its response to the effects it causes, thus requiring increasing doses to achieve the same result.

11. Symptoms of withdrawal

The appearance of withdrawal symptoms is a clear indicator of alcohol dependence. When a person reduces or stops drinking, the body, which has adapted to the constant presence of alcohol, reacts physiologically and psychologically to the sudden withdrawal of the substance. This causes a range of reactions that vary in intensity depending on the severity of the addiction. Withdrawal symptoms are the result of an adaptation of the nervous system and the body, which, in the absence of alcohol, tries to rebalance itself.

Disturbance classification

The extent of the disorder is classified as:

• Mild: 2-3 criteria met.
• Moderate: 4-5 criteria met.
• Severe: 6 or more criteria met.

Conclusion

Alcoholism is a complex and debilitating condition that affects millions of people worldwide. Although it poses a significant challenge for those affected, it is a disease that can be successfully addressed and treated, especially if it is recognized early and managed with the right intervention. The support of professionals, family members, and friends is critical to begin the recovery process.

Beginning the path to recovery with the right psychotherapeutic support, the support of self-help groups, and in some cases, with drug treatment, allows those suffering from alcoholism to gradually regain control over their lives. Treatment not only helps manage the addiction, but also treats the psychological and physical issues that alcoholism often entails.

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