Alcohol Addiction and Dependence: Meaning, Causes, Symptoms, Effects, and Treatment

Alcohol addiction happens when a person becomes dependent on alcohol to function normally. This dependency leads to severe physical, mental, and social consequences for the individual. According to McKay J. R. & et al. (2011), alcohol addiction is a chronic disease and is challenging to overcome without proper treatment.

Alcohol addiction occurs due to a combination of genetic, environmental, and psychological factors. Genetic predisposition, meaning a person’s family history of alcoholism, can increase their likelihood of developing an addiction. Environmental factors such as peer pressure and availability of alcohol can also play a role in the development of addiction. Psychological factors such as stress, trauma, and mental health disorders can also contribute to the development of alcohol dependence.

A person with alcohol addiction has an increased tolerance for alcohol, an inability to control or limit consumption, and withdrawal symptoms when not drinking. Other physical and behavioral changes that indicate addiction include blackouts, neglecting responsibilities or relationships, and using alcohol as a coping mechanism. Alcohol addiction causes health problems such as liver disease, heart disease, and cancer. It also causes mental health issues like depression and anxiety. Socially, alcohol addiction strains relationships with family and friends, leading to isolation and loneliness.

The National Institute of Alcohol Abuse 2014 suggests that treating alcohol addiction involves therapy, support groups, and medication. It is crucial to seek professional help from a psychiatrist, as quitting alcohol abruptly leads to severe withdrawal symptoms. Therapy helps individuals understand the underlying causes of their addiction and develop healthy coping mechanisms. Support groups provide a community of people going through similar struggles, offering emotional support and accountability. In some cases, medication is prescribed to manage withdrawal symptoms or cravings.

What is Alcohol Addiction?

Alcohol addiction is a chronic disease that involves an intense craving for alcohol and the inability to control consumption, according to Nehring SM, Chen RJ, and Freeman AM. Alcohol Use Disorder. 2024 StatPearls Publishing Journal. In 2022, 29.5 million people ages 12 and older (10.5% of this age group) in the United States had an alcohol use disorder, according to a report by the National Institute of Alcohol Abuse (2024).

When a person is addicted to alcohol, they feel a strong compulsion to drink and experience withdrawal symptoms when they try to stop or cut back. This leads to problems in relationships, work, and overall quality of life. This creates a vicious cycle where the person continues to drink despite negative consequences, causing their addiction to worsen.

The development of alcohol addiction involves progressive changes in the structure and function of the brain. These changes can compromise brain function and drive the transition from controlled, occasional use to chronic misuse. 

As the addiction progresses, individuals experience a diminished activation of the brain’s reward systems and an increased activation of stress systems. This leads to a cycle where the person no longer drinks for pleasure but to escape negative feelings, creating a powerful and often difficult-to-break pattern of dependence.

What Are the Symptoms of Alcohol Addiction?

The symptoms of alcohol addiction are increased tolerance for alcohol, inability to control or limit consumption, withdrawal symptoms when not drinking, blackouts, neglecting responsibilities or relationships, using alcohol as a coping mechanism, and developing an intense craving or urge for alcohol according to Simons, J. S., Carey, K. B., & Wills, T. A. (2009). Alcohol Abuse and Dependence Symptoms: A Multidimensional Model of Common and Specific Etiology. Psychology of Addictive Behaviors: Journal of the Society of Psychologists in Addictive Behaviors.

The 7 symptoms of alcohol addiction, according to the Journal of the Society of Psychologists in Addictive Behaviors, are given below.

1. Increased tolerance for alcohol: Alcohol tolerance refers to the body’s reduced sensitivity to the effects of alcohol due to repeated exposure. When someone develops an alcohol addiction, their body becomes accustomed to the effects of alcohol. As a result, they consume more significant amounts of alcohol to feel the same level of intoxication. This is known as increased tolerance and is a common symptom of alcohol addiction.
2. Inability to control or limit consumption: Inability to control or restrict consumption involves repeatedly drinking more alcohol or for more extended periods than intended. One of the defining characteristics of alcohol addiction is the inability to control or limit one’s consumption. Those struggling with this disorder often find themselves drinking more alcohol than they initially intended and are unable to stop even when faced with negative consequences such as health issues or strained relationships.
3. Withdrawal symptoms when not drinking: Withdrawal symptoms are the physical and psychological effects that occur when a person stops using or reduces their intake of a substance they have become dependent on. When someone with an alcohol addiction stops drinking or significantly reduces their alcohol intake, they experience withdrawal symptoms. These include anxiety, irritability, shakiness, and even seizures in severe cases. This is a clear indication that the body has become physically dependent on alcohol.
4. Blackouts: Blackouts are temporary periods of memory loss or amnesia after heavy drinking episodes. They occur when a person drinks excessive amounts of alcohol and experiences memory loss for specific events or periods. This is dangerous as it puts the individual at risk of engaging in risky behaviors without recollection.
5. Neglecting responsibilities or relationships: Neglecting responsibilities happens when someone becomes consumed by their drinking and prioritizes alcohol over essential obligations such as work, school, or family. This leads to strained relationships and financial issues.
6. Using alcohol as a coping mechanism: Many people turn to alcohol as a way to cope with stress, anxiety, or other challenging emotions. People with an addiction often rely on alcohol as their primary coping mechanism, which can further exacerbate the problem and create a vicious cycle.
7. Developing an intense craving or urge for alcohol: An intense craving or urge for alcohol is a strong desire or compulsion to consume alcohol that is difficult to control. Certain situations or emotions trigger this craving and are challenging to resist, even when the individual is aware of the negative consequences.

Knowing the symptoms of alcohol addiction is crucial for early detection and intervention. If you or someone you know is struggling with alcohol addiction, there is help available, and recovery is possible. 

What Causes Alcohol Addiction?

The leading causes of alcohol addiction are genealogy, environmental factors, mental health disorders, social influence, and stress, according to Nehring SM, Chen RJ, and Freeman AM. 2024 Alcohol Use Disorder. StatPearls Publishing.

The five main effects of drug addiction, according to StatPeals Publishing Journal, are listed below.

1. Genealogy: Genealogy is the study of family history and lineage. Genetics plays a significant role in the development of alcohol addiction. People who have family members with a history of alcohol abuse are more likely to develop an addiction themselves. This is due to inherited genetic traits that make some individuals more susceptible to developing addictive behaviors, including those related to alcohol consumption.

2. Environmental Factors: Environmental factors are the conditions and surroundings that influence the development of an individual. Specific environmental stressors such as poverty, trauma, or exposure to violence can increase an individual’s likelihood of turning to alcohol as a coping mechanism. Additionally, individuals who grow up in households where alcohol use is normalized or observed regularly are also at higher risk of developing an addiction.

3. Mental Health Disorders: Mental health disorders are conditions that affect an individual’s emotional and psychological well-being. Alcohol addiction often co-occurs with other mental health disorders such as anxiety, depression, or bipolar disorder. These conditions can lead to self-medicating behaviors, including excessive alcohol consumption. The presence of a mental health disorder can make it more challenging for individuals to quit drinking and seek help for their addiction.

4. Social Influence: Social Influence refers to the effect that individuals have on one another, either consciously or unconsciously. Individuals feel pressure from peers or friends to drink, especially in social settings where alcohol consumption is seen as a norm. This leads to feelings like the need to keep up with others’ drinking habits, which quickly spiral into addiction.

5. Stress: Stress is a physical, mental, or emotional factor that causes tension and strain on the body. People also turn to alcohol as a way to cope with stress and escape from their problems temporarily. However, using alcohol as a coping mechanism quickly leads to dependence and addiction, making it difficult for individuals to manage stress without turning to alcohol.

Understanding these contributing factors helps individuals recognize their risks for developing an addiction and seek appropriate support and treatment if needed.

What are the Effects of Alcohol Addiction?

The main effects of alcohol addiction are physical health consequences like liver damage, mental health disorders such as depression and anxiety, and social implications like strained relationships and loss of employment opportunities, financial difficulties, legal consequences, increased risk of accidents and injuries, decreased productivity and performance in daily life, and potential long-term effects, according to Hendriks HFJ. Alcohol and Human Health: What Is the Evidence? Annu Rev Food Sci Technol. 2020, PMID.

The 8 main effects of alcohol addiction, according to PubMed Journal, are listed below:

1. Physical Health Consequences: Physical health consequences are the effects of an illness, condition, or disease on a person’s physical body. Chronic alcohol consumption significantly impacts our body’s physical health. The liver, which is responsible for breaking down alcohol, becomes damaged over time and leads to severe conditions such as cirrhosis or alcoholic hepatitis. Alcohol also weakens the immune system, making individuals more susceptible to infections and illnesses.
2. Mental Health Disorders: Mental Health disorders affect a person’s emotions, behavior, and overall mental well-being. Alcohol addiction is closely linked to mental health disorders such as depression and anxiety, according to a study titled “Associations of common mental disorder with alcohol use in the Adult General Population” by Jo‐Anne Puddephatt (June 2022). The findings of this study indicate that individuals with common mental disorders have more than double the odds of experiencing an alcohol use disorder, with specific odds ratios for mood disorders and anxiety/phobic disorders being 2.00 and 1.94, respectively, highlighting a significant correlation between mental health issues and alcohol misuse

While alcohol initially provides temporary relief from these conditions, it worsens them in the long run. Alcohol alters brain chemistry and can lead to changes in mood, behavior, and cognitive function. It can also increase the risk of developing substance-induced psychiatric disorders.

3. Social Consequences: Social consequences are the effects that certain actions have on society, either positive or negative. Alcoholism leads to strained relationships with family and friends, as well as social isolation. Individuals prioritize alcohol over their loved ones, leading to conflicts and broken bonds.

Excessive drinking results in poor decision-making and reckless behavior, which damages personal and professional relationships.

4. Financial Difficulties: Financial difficulties are a common problem many individuals and families face. The economic impact of alcohol addiction goes beyond the cost of purchasing alcohol. As individuals become more dependent on alcohol, they lose control of their spending habits and accumulate debt.  They may also face difficulties maintaining employment and fulfilling financial obligations, leading to further financial strain.
5. Legal Consequences: Alcohol addiction results in legal consequences such as DUIs or violence. Individuals under the influence of alcohol engage in risky or illegal behavior, which leads to criminal charges and penalties. These legal issues affect the individual, their family, and their loved ones.
6. Increased Risk of Accidents and Injuries: The impairment caused by alcohol consumption significantly increases the risk of accidents and injuries. This includes motor vehicle accidents, falls, burns, drowning, and other accidents.

In addition, individuals with alcohol addiction engage in risky behaviors and may put themselves and others in danger.

7. Decreased Productivity: Decreased productivity refers to a decrease in the amount or quality of work produced by an individual or a team. Alcohol addiction impairs cognitive function and reduces productivity. This affects an individual’s performance at work or school, leading to poor grades, absenteeism, job loss, or demotion.
8. Long-term Effects: The long-term effects of alcohol addiction are concerning, as they can be irreversible and life-threatening. These include damage to various organs such as the brain, heart, and liver, increased risk of certain types of cancer, and potential development of alcohol-related dementia.

Alcohol addiction has far-reaching consequences on an individual’s physical and mental health, relationships, finances, and overall well-being. Seeking treatment and support is crucial in overcoming this severe issue and improving one’s quality of life. 

How is Alcohol Addiction Treated?

Alcohol addiction is treated with medication, psychological interventions, and support from family and friends, according to Wang, C., Chen, C., Chen, J., Lee, H., & Cheng, M. (2020). Alcohol Addiction, Gut Microbiota, and Alcoholism Treatment: A Review. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 

The three leading ways of alcohol addiction treatment, according to the International Journal of Molecular Sciences, are listed below:

1. Medication: Medication involves taking prescription drugs and over-the-counter medications in a way not intended by the doctor or for longer than necessary. The medications available to help individuals with alcohol addiction include disulfiram, naltrexone, and acamprosate. Disulfiram works by causing unpleasant symptoms when alcohol is consumed, making the individual less likely to drink. Naltrexone blocks the effects of alcohol and reduces cravings, while acamprosate helps with withdrawal symptoms.
2. Psychological Interventions: Psychological interventions are techniques used to improve mental health and well-being. Therapy and counseling are also essential components of treating alcohol addiction. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is effective in helping individuals identify and change their behaviors related to drinking. 
3. Support from Family and Friends: Having a solid support system is crucial for those recovering from alcohol addiction. Family and friends provide emotional support, help with accountability, and offer encouragement throughout the recovery process. They also attend therapy sessions and support group meetings with their loved ones to understand better and assist in their recovery.

Treating alcohol addiction requires a comprehensive approach that addresses both physical and psychological aspects. Individuals need to seek professional help and have a robust support system for successful recovery.

How does alcohol addiction impact mental health?

Alcohol addiction impacts mental health by causing negative impacts on mental health like worsening of existing mental health conditions, development of new mental health issues, changes in brain structure and function, increased risk of suicide and self-harm, disruption of neurotransmitter balance, the cycle of dependence and mental health issues, social and lifestyle consequences, withdrawal effects and interference with treatment, according to the Cleveland Clinic article on “Alcohol Use Disorder” (Nov 2024).

The impacts of alcohol on mental health addiction, according to the Cleveland Clinic, are listed below:

1. Worsening of existing mental health conditions: Alcohol addiction worsens symptoms of depression, anxiety, and other mental health disorders. While some people may use alcohol to self-medicate these conditions, excessive drinking often makes symptoms worse in the long run.
2. Development of new mental health issues: Long-term alcohol abuse leads to the development of mental health problems, according to the American Addiction Centers. This includes an increased risk of depression, anxiety, and other mood disorders.
3. Changes in brain structure and function: Chronic alcohol use can cause permanent changes to the brain, affecting cognitive abilities like memory, understanding, and logical thinking. This is sometimes referred to as alcohol-related brain damage, according to  Professor Evert, D. L., & Oscar-Berman, M. (1995). Alcohol-Related Cognitive Impairments.
4. Increased risk of suicide and self-harm: Increased risk of suicide and self-harm involves various factors like mental health disorders, substance abuse, and environmental stressors. Heavy drinking is linked to higher rates of suicidal thoughts and attempts, according to Crossin R, Cleland L, et al. The association between alcohol use disorder and suicidal ideation in a New Zealand birth cohort. Aust N Z J Psychiatry.
5. Disruption of neurotransmitter balance: Disruption of neurotransmitter balance refers to an imbalance in the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain. Alcohol interferes with the brain’s chemical messengers (neurotransmitters), affecting mood, behavior, and cognitive function. Over time, this leads to dependence and worsens mental health symptoms.
6. The cycle of dependence and mental health issues: The cycle of dependence and mental health issues is the harmful pattern of behavior that develops when someone becomes reliant on substances or behaviors to cope with mental health issues. Alcohol addiction and mental health problems create a vicious cycle where each exacerbates the other. People may drink to cope with mental health symptoms, which in turn worsens those symptoms, leading to more drinking.
7. Social and lifestyle consequences: Social and lifestyle consequences are the impact or effects of certain aspects of an individual’s life on their social interactions and overall way of living. Alcohol addiction leads to problems in relationships, work, and other areas of life, which can further impact mental health and self-esteem.
8. Withdrawal effects: Withdrawal effects are the symptoms that occur when a person stops taking a particular medication or drug after their body has become accustomed to it. When someone with alcohol dependence stops drinking, they may experience withdrawal symptoms that include anxiety, depression, and even hallucinations.
9. Interference with treatment: Alcohol addiction can make it more difficult to effectively treat co-occurring mental health conditions, as it can interact with medications and impair engagement in therapy.

Seeking professional help for alcohol addiction improves both physical and mental health outcomes. Treatment often involves addressing both the addiction and any co-occurring mental health issues simultaneously for the best results.

Can Someone Become Addicted to Alcohol after Just One Drink?

Yes. After one drink of alcohol, someone gets addicted, according to Becker, H. C. (2008). Alcohol Dependence, Withdrawal, and Relapse. Alcohol Research & Health.

One of the main reasons why some individuals can become addicted after one drink is because of their genetic makeup and family history. Genetics account for about half of a person’s risk of developing alcoholism. This means that if someone has a family history of alcoholism, they may have a higher likelihood of becoming addicted after just one drink.

Another factor that can contribute to someone becoming addicted after one drink is their environment and social circles. Suppose someone is surrounded by friends or family members who frequently drink or encourage drinking. In that case, they may be more likely to develop a dependency on alcohol after one experience with it.

Mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and trauma can also play a role in someone becoming addicted to alcohol after just one drink. These individuals may turn to alcohol as a coping mechanism and quickly become dependent on it for temporary relief from their emotional pain.

What Demographics Are More at Risk for Developing Alcohol Addiction?

The demographics most at risk for developing alcohol addiction are young adults aged 18-25, according to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism article titled “Risk Factors: Varied Vulnerability to Alcohol-Related Harm” (May 2022). 

Young adults are at a higher risk for developing alcohol addiction due to various factors such as peer pressure, stress, and easy access to alcohol.  College students are also at a higher risk for developing alcohol addiction due to the culture of heavy drinking on campuses.”

Can Someone Overcome an Alcohol Addiction without Professional Help?

Yes. Someone can get over an alcohol addiction without professional help. However, it is more challenging and requires a lot of personal determination and support from loved ones, according to Sobell, L. C., Cunningham, J. A., & Sobell, M. B. (1996). Recovery from alcohol problems with and without treatment: Prevalence in two population surveys. American Journal of Public Health, 86(7). However, seeking a professional dramatically increases the chances of successful recovery.

To get over an alcohol addiction, the individual must first acknowledge that they have a problem and be willing to make changes in their behavior. This can be a difficult step, as denial is common among individuals struggling with addiction.

Is relapse common in alcohol addiction recovery?

Yes. Relapse is common in alcohol addiction recovery and happens at any stage of the recovery process. According to Alcohol and Drug Addiction Foundation article titled “Relapse,.”

The factors that cause an individual to relapse are triggers, which can be internal or external. Internal triggers are emotions or thoughts that cause an individual to turn to alcohol as a coping mechanism. These include stress, anxiety, depression, or feelings of inadequacy. External triggers are environmental cues such as people, places, and situations that remind the individual of their past use of alcohol.

Other factors that contribute to relapse include lacking a support system, inadequate coping skills, co-occurring mental health disorders, and exposure to alcohol or other substances.

How Can Family And Friends Support Someone Undergoing Alcohol Addiction?

Family and friends can support someone undergoing alcohol addiction by showing empathy and understanding, educating themselves about alcoholism, and providing emotional support, according to McCrady BS, Flanagan JC. The Role of the Family in Alcohol Use Disorder Recovery for Adults. PMID.

Empathy is fundamental when supporting a loved one struggling with alcohol addiction. Understanding the emotional and psychological turmoil that accompanies addiction allows family and friends to approach the situation with compassion rather than judgment. This empathetic stance fosters a safe environment where individuals feel comfortable sharing their struggles without fear of criticism.

Moreover, expressing understanding can help reduce feelings of shame and isolation that the person may experience. Family and friends can validate their loved one’s emotions, emphasizing that seeking help is okay and that recovery is a journey filled with ups and downs. 

Education is a powerful tool for family and friends supporting someone with alcohol addiction. By learning about the nature of alcoholism, its effects on the brain and behavior, and the various treatment options available, supporters can better understand what their loved one is going through.

Emotional support is vital for anyone battling alcohol addiction. Family and friends can offer encouragement and reassurance throughout the recovery process, which can be fraught with challenges. Simple gestures, such as checking in regularly, expressing love and concern, and celebrating small victories, can significantly boost the morale of someone in recovery. These acts of kindness remind the individual that they are not alone and that their efforts are recognized and appreciated.