Alcohol Addiction Treatment

What Causes Alcohol Use Disorder?

The Impact of Alcohol Consumption and Heavy Drinking

Alcoholism is caused by a combination of biological, genetic, psychological, environmental and social risk factors, including:

Frequency of use,
Age at which alcohol was first consumed,
Demographics such as age, gender, and genetic background,
Family history of alcoholism (a person is much more likely to become an alcoholic if a parent was an alcoholic),
Prenatal exposure to alcohol,
Overall health,

Is Alcoholism a Disease?

Alcoholism, like other drug dependencies, is medically defined as a chronic, progressive, and potentially fatal disease. Those suffering from alcoholism experience an incessant craving for, increased tolerance of, and physical dependence on alcohol. They continue to abuse alcohol despite the many negative consequences their destructive habits have on their lives and the lives of their loved ones.

Warning Signs of Alcohol Use

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a chronic relapsing brain disease characterized by a compulsive need to drink, loss of control over drinking, and negative consequences due to alcohol. Warning signs of AUD may include

Strong cravings for alcohol
Prioritizing drinking over other activities
Having difficulty controlling or reducing drinking
Allowing drinking to interfere with work, school, and relationships
Continuing to drink despite problems caused or worsened by alcohol
Developing a tolerance for alcohol
Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when not drinking

Side Effects of Excessive Alcohol Use

The long-term effects of excessive alcohol use include mental health conditions, liver disease, schizophrenia, substance use disorder, stomach ailments, heart problems, cancer, brain damage, serious memory loss, and liver cirrhosis.

Withdrawal Symptoms of Drinking Alcohol

When a person has been drinking alcohol for a long period of time and suddenly stops, they may experience withdrawal symptoms. Common signs of alcohol withdrawal include

Insomnia or trouble sleeping
Anxiety
Depression
Irritability and mood swings
Nausea and vomiting
Tremors or shakes
Sweating
Rapid heart rate
Headache
Fatigue
Confusion

More severe withdrawal symptoms may include seizures, delirium tremens, and other health problems which can be life-threatening.

Speak to an Expert About Alcohol Treatment with Caron’s Treatment Programs

The impact of your drinking habits such as binge drinking can drastically change your life. At Caron Treatment Centers, our healthcare professionals can help you or a loved one on the road to recovery from alcohol dependence. This process can include inpatient or outpatient treatment options, detox, support groups, and more. To learn more about our alcohol-related treatment call 1-800-854-6023 or fill out our online form.