Alcohol Dependency

You may have an alcohol habit if you regularly consume excessive amounts of alcohol and feel the need to do so in order to feel “normal.” Find out more about how to overcome an alcohol dependency.

Misusing alcohol, like with any drug, can result in an alcohol problem – including alcohol dependency. Alcohol is a legal substance, although this does not mean that it doesn’t hold a risk to one’s health when misused. Many suffer from dependence on alcohol due to previous misuse in the past. Harmful misuse causes harm to your physical and mental health and can result in becoming alcohol dependent.

If you or someone you know has a worrying habit of drinking alcohol and you think they might be dependent, you’re in the right place. You can find out more below about alcohol dependency and how to help someone who may have an alcohol problem.

Alcohol Dependency

There are several reasons why someone may develop a dependency to alcohol. Some of these can include when people begin drinking from a particularly young age. Starting the habit of excessive drinking early can increase the risk of dependence in later life. A link has been found in a study that showed the correlation between drinking under the age of 15 and alcohol dependence.

Alcohol dependence involves the habit of drinking alcohol, without having the ability to stop and to make oneself feel ‘normal’, so that one can go about their everyday life. It’s the most severe form of alcohol use disorder.

It is possible to overcome alcohol dependency. With the help of experts to support you through the process, you will have everything you need in order to abstain from alcohol and lead a new life free from alcohol.

It won’t be easy to overcome an alcohol problem. Withdrawing from alcohol can have some unpleasant and nasty alcohol withdrawal symptoms as well as mental ones too. The urge to drink alcohol during the withdrawal stage is likely, but you must resist it to pull through the other side and become a stronger version of yourself.

Many people have overcome their dependency on alcohol and you can too. If you are reading this, you are already on your journey to becoming sober and alcohol-free – that in itself is something to be commended for. You are not alone in this and we will help you get the right support and treatment for you.

The Damages of Alcohol Dependency

Consuming alcohol every day in the bid to feel ‘normal’ is not a sustainable way to live life. Many people are dependent on alcohol and have to have a drink in order to function properly.

Alcohol dependence can result in losing grip on reality, whilst causing damage to all aspects of one’s life including work life, social life, as well as physical and mental well-being.

If you want to stop drinking alcohol and you have alcohol addiction or dependency, then attempting withdrawal on your own can be very dangerous. Alcohol laying heavily in your bloodstream can result in severe withdrawal symptoms.

This can include tremors, depression, nausea and serious seizures in some cases. This is why having the help of an expert team is essential – we can help put you in touch with the right addiction treatment centres today.

Alcohol Dependence or Addiction?

Alcohol dependence and alcohol addiction are terms that are often used interchangeably. Alcohol dependence usually refers to physical dependence including physical withdrawal symptoms whilst addiction refers to the behaviours associated with alcohol usage.

Alcohol dependence is the craving for alcohol as well as having an increased tolerance to alcohol due to constant and frequent drinking. Prolonged side effects of alcohol dependence include liver disease, depression – and long-term abuse of alcohol can be fatal.

Signs of Alcohol Dependency

Dependency on alcohol is caused by increased cravings in the brain which are hard to control.

Some of the signs that show someone is alcohol dependent include:

The strong urge to drink daily
Spending a lot of time drinking
Physical shakes when they are not drinking
Money problems
Work problems
Family/relationship problems
Trouble cutting back from alcohol
Can’t think of anything else but alcohol
Stopping things one once enjoyed
Memory problems
Feeling depressed or anxious
Having to drink more than usual for the desired effect

It’s important to note that these signs alone do not indicate addiction. However, if you notice a few of these warning signs in yourself or someone you know then contact AnorMed today.

Alcohol Rehab

Alcohol rehabilitation is an effective solution to withdraw from alcohol completely. Alcohol rehab like many other forms of rehabilitation clinics involves a process, which usually has a series of stages.

Alcohol detox
Rehab therapy
Aftercare/secondary treatment

Detoxing will involve the elimination of alcohol from the body. Some will require to be supervised medically during this stage if withdrawal symptoms happen to be particularly nasty. How long this part of the process takes will depend on the individual. Everyone is different and factors like height and weight can affect the process, along with how much alcohol is in their system.

Therapy involves tackling the route of your alcohol problem – trained professionals will help you learn to help and overcome your dependency. There are many different types of therapy out there, with different rehab centres having different ones available to you. For example, CBT (cognitive behavioural therapy), group therapy, family therapy, counselling, and many more.

After rehab, treatment does not stop there. This is where you will receive the aftercare part of the rehab process and continue to receive support as you return to society as your new improved self.

AnorMed Can Help

Contact AnorMed today. We are expert advisors and offer a referral service so we can put you in touch with a rehabilitation centre that suits you in your local area. Through AnorMed, you will have access to all the best facilities and receive expert care. We can help you get your addiction or alcohol dependency under control and prevent relapse in the future.

Many have been through the journey you are about to take, and have successfully come out the other side, you can too. If you are struggling with alcohol dependence then remember that you are not alone, let us help guide you to your road of recovery.

With any addiction or dependence AnorMed can help, so reach out to us today and get the advice and support that you need in order to live a healthy life.

Frequently Asked Questions

Understanding alcohol dependency is essential for recognising its impact and seeking appropriate support. To shed light on common inquiries surrounding this complex issue, we have compiled a list of frequently asked questions along with their informative answers:

What is alcohol dependency, and how does it differ from alcohol abuse?

Alcohol dependency, also known as alcoholism or alcohol addiction, is a chronic condition characterised by the physical and psychological need for alcohol. Unlike alcohol abuse, where harmful drinking patterns may occur intermittently, alcohol dependency involves an ongoing compulsion to drink despite adverse consequences, leading to a profound disruption in daily life and functioning.

What are the signs and symptoms of alcohol dependency?

The signs of alcohol dependency may vary, but common symptoms include an inability to control drinking, increased tolerance, withdrawal symptoms when not drinking, neglecting responsibilities, and continued alcohol use despite negative effects on health and relationships. Over time, alcohol dependency can lead to serious health issues and significant life disruptions.

Can alcohol dependency be self-diagnosed, or is a professional evaluation necessary?

While self-awareness is valuable, self-diagnosis of alcohol dependency can be challenging due to the complex nature of addiction. Seeking a professional evaluation from a healthcare provider, addiction specialist, or counsellor is crucial. A qualified assessment can determine the presence and severity of alcohol dependency and guide appropriate treatment.

Can alcohol dependency be effectively treated, and what are the available treatment options?

Yes, alcohol dependency can be treated effectively. Treatment options may include medical detoxification to manage withdrawal, followed by counselling, therapy, and support groups to address psychological and emotional aspects of addiction. Personalised treatment plans can aid individuals in achieving sobriety and building the skills needed for long-term recovery.