A sobering look into alcohol addiction

When we are in the thick of a difficult situation, it can be very hard to gain perspective. This lack of perspective can be especially dangerous in high-risk circumstances, such as during a mental health crisis or a period of very heavy drinking. Addiction, in a sense, feeds itself. The longer we struggle, the bigger it can grow, leaving us feeling like we are living in a dark shadow.

It can take a lot of energy and commitment to break away from addiction. For many people in the throes of the drinking problem, the reality of addiction does not process in the same way. This is because when we become addicted to something, we feel that we need it. This sense of need can drive us to what therapists call cognitive dissonance – an experience where we do not see addiction for what it is. One way to counteract this is by informing ourselves of the true nature of alcohol dependency. This includes honestly addressing what excessive drinking does to our bodies, brains, and social life elements. With this in mind, this blog aims to provide a sobering look into alcohol addiction.

Defining addiction

The NHS defines addiction as ‘not having control over doing, taking or using something to the point where it could be harmful to you.’ The core essence of addiction is that it undermines our sense of control and leaves us feeling overwhelmed. Drinking can lead us to be over-reliant on alcohol, using it even when we know that it is likely causing us harm.

When we are in this state, however, it can be difficult to delineate for ourselves when heavy drinking turns into alcohol abuse.

Fortunately, researchers and professionals have provided useful guidelines on what ‘problem’ drinking can look like.

Unhealthy drinking can look like:

• Regularly drinking over 14 units a week
• Binge drinking (over 8 units for males, over 6 units for females
• Drinking at ‘socially unacceptable’ times of day
• Drinking most days of the week

If these behaviours are paired with strong feelings (such as low mood, anxiety or even anger) and obsessive thoughts, then it is likely that you are experiencing dependency. This suggests the presence of alcohol addiction.

Alcohol addiction: key stats

A lot of the time, we can adopt a ‘that won’t happen to me’ attitude. This kind of thought pattern is often an unconscious defence mechanism and is something our brain does naturally to help us deal with fear and concern. But sometimes, we need to shrug off this sense of denial and assess the reality of our situation. One way of doing this is by looking at objective data on the risks associated with alcohol addiction.

Global

Addiction is experienced around the world. By looking at global data we can get a clear sense of the way it affects varying populations in very significant ways.

• In 2019, there were 2.5 million deaths related to alcohol world-wide
• Men are more likely to die for alcohol-related reasons than women
• Around 400 million people (7% of the whole population) live with alcohol use disorders
• In 2019, 401,000 deaths (4.4%) from cancer were attributed to alcohol
• 474,000 deaths from cardiovascular diseases were linked to heavy drinking in 2019
• Younger people are ‘disproportionately negatively affected by alcohol consumption’

UK

• Around 602,391 people in England are dependant on alcohol
• Only 18% of dependent drinkers are in active treatment
• Alcohol abuse is ‘the biggest risk factor for death, ill-health and disability among 15–49-year-olds in the UK’
• Alcohol dependence is especially high in the North West and North East of England
• According to 2022 data, 30% of men and 15% of women drink over the recommended weekly amount

These stats indicate that hazardous drinking is very widespread and also begin to give us an insight into the various dangers it causes.

However, not everyone who drinks frequently is considered to have a problematic relationship with alcohol. So, why are some people perhaps more likely to develop a drinking dependency than others? Are there specific factors that can increase someone’s risk of alcohol addiction?

Predictive factors

Whilst anyone can experience addiction, certain factors may make a person more likely to struggle with substances. Clinical professionals and researchers in the field have identified these factors.

They include:

• History of substance abuse in the family
• Early onset of alcohol use
• Experience of mental health conditions
• Exposure to abuse
• Experience of trauma
• Experience of chronic stress
• Experience of socioeconomic difficulties
• Experience of bereavement or significant loss

People with the above experiences may be considered at a greater risk of developing alcohol difficulties. But that does not mean that addiction will absolutely happen. It also does not mean that addiction is forever – like other chronic conditions, with the appropriate treatment, addiction can be treated and managed.

The Biggest risks

Of course, addiction’s impact can leave a mark on both our bodies and our minds. Ranging all the way from increased blood pressure to fatal overdose, alcohol carries a huge burden of risks.

Mental health

As a depressant, alcohol interacts with our central nervous system. This means that heavy drinking can lead to longer-term emotional and cognitive effects.

This subsequently heightens the risk of:

• Anxiety
• Aggression
• Depression
• Panic disorders
• Paranoia
• Alcohol-induced psychosis
• Alcohol-induced dementia
• Cognitive difficulties
• Memory impairment
• Impulsivity
• Limited ability to risk assess
• Difficulty sleeping

Physical health

Alcohol is linked to the development of over ‘60 medical conditions.’ These conditions can be both life-long and life-limiting.

They include, but are not restricted to:

• Increased risk of cancers (specifically ‘mouth, throat, stomach, liver and breast cancer’)
• Weakened heart
• Risk of stroke
• Risk of heart attack
• Hypertension
• Liver failure
• Kidney failure
• Gastrointestinal complications
• Reduced bone density
• Muscle wasting
• Pancreatitis
• Trauma and accident-related injury
• Severe weight change

Some of these conditions can be managed and may abate with appropriate treatment. Other symptoms may be more persistent and may stay with you for a much longer time.

Social health

Alcohol addiction risks not only the health of our bodies, but also of our social, professional and socioeconomic lives. Addiction can be debilitating, often leading to a reduced capacity to see to our social, moral and occupational responsibilities.

This can lead to inadvertent social difficulties, such as:

• Debt
• Financial strain
• House insecurity
• Job loss
• Reduced academic performance
• Social isolation
• Estrangement from loved ones
• Relationship dissolution
• Splitting of the household
• Aggressive or abusive behaviour
• Legal issues

When our social circumstances become tough, we may find that we turn to our crutches – such as alcohol – in order to soothe ourselves. But when alcohol has already led us down this path, this can become a very vicious cycle and can ultimately leave us feeling very trapped and alone.

Get help today

Addiction is a tough reality to face, but you do not have to do so alone. From outpatient programmes to supported detoxes and residential care, treatment for drinking problems comes in all forms. At UKAT, there is an appropriate route to recovery for everybody.  Contact us today to seek judgement-free, specialist advice from a member of our consultation and admissions team.