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Alcoholism and alcohol abuse cause major social, economic and public health problems in the United States. Its possible to have a problem with alcohol, but not display all the characteristics of alcoholism. This is known as “alcohol abuse,” which means you engage in excessive drinking that result in health or social problems, but you arent dependent on alcohol and havent fully lost control over the use of alcohol. Most alcoholics deny that they have a drinking problem. Other signs of alcoholism and alcohol abuse include:
Drinking alone or in secret
Not remembering conversations or commitments — sometimes referred to as “blacking out”
Making a ritual of having drinks before, with or after dinner and becoming annoyed when this ritual is disturbed or questioned
Losing interest in activities and hobbies that used to bring pleasure
Feeling a need to drink
Irritability as usual drinking time nears, especially if alcohol isnt available
Keeping alcohol in unlikely places at home, at work or in the car
Gulping drinks, ordering doubles, becoming intoxicated intentionally to feel good or drinking to feel “normal”
Having legal problems or problems with relationships, employment or finances
Building up a tolerance to alcohol so that you need an increasing number of drinks to feel alcohols effects
Experiencing physical withdrawal symptoms, such as nausea, sweating and shaking, if you dont drink
People who abuse alcohol may experience many of the same signs and symptoms as people who are dependent on alcohol. However, alcohol abusers dont feel the same compulsion to drink and usually dont experience physical withdrawal symptoms when they dont drink. A dependence on alcohol also creates a tolerance to alcohol and the inability to control your drinking.
Alcohol addiction — physical dependence on alcohol — occurs gradually as drinking alcohol alters the balance of some chemicals in your brain, such as gamma-amino butyric acid (GABA), which inhibits impulsiveness, and glutamate, which excites the nervous system. Alcohol also raises the levels of dopamine in the brain, which is associated with the pleasurable aspects of drinking alcohol. Excessive, long-term drinking can deplete or increase the levels of some of these chemicals, causing the body to crave alcohol to restore good feelings or to avoid negative feelings.
Other factors can lead to excessive drinking that contributes to the addiction process. These include:
Genetics. Certain genetic factors may cause a person to be vulnerable to alcoholism or other addiction. If you have an imbalance of brain chemicals, you may be more predisposed to alcoholism.
Emotional state. High levels of stress, anxiety or emotional pain can lead some people to drink alcohol to block out the turmoil. Certain stress hormones may be associated with alcoholism.
Psychological factors. Having low-self esteem or suffering from depression may make you more likely to abuse alcohol. Having friends or a close partner who drinks regularly, but who may not abuse alcohol could lead to excessive drinking on your part. It may be difficult for you to distance yourself from these “enablers” or at least from their drinking habits.
Social and cultural