What is Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD)
Alcohol use disorder, also referred to as alcoholism or alcohol addiction, is a chronic disease that causes an intense craving to drink alcohol and not being able to stop drinking. 
The condition even alters brain function, causing people with alcohol addiction not to control their actions. People with AUD often continue drinking even if they are aware of its disastrous impact on their social and family life, physical and mental health, and work.
What’s important to note is that numerous factors can cause alcohol problems. Multiple factors can contribute to alcohol dependence, whether they are psychological, genetic, or behavioral.
Symptoms can also vary from one person and another. In most cases, alcohol addiction is reflected in a person binge drinking and not being able to stay sober.
The Four Stages of Alcohol Addiction
Understanding the progression of alcohol addiction can help individuals recognize the signs and seek appropriate help. Here are the four stages of alcohol addiction:
1. Experimentation
In this initial stage, individuals may drink alcohol out of curiosity, social pressure, or a desire to fit in. This experimentation is often characterised by moderate consumption and occasional binge drinking. While it may seem harmless, it can set the foundation for more problematic drinking behaviours.
2. Regular Use
As drinking continues, individuals may begin to consume alcohol more frequently. At this stage, drinking becomes a regular activity, often associated with social events or coping mechanisms. While individuals may still maintain control over their drinking, they may start to experience consequences, such as impaired judgment, hangovers, or conflicts with friends and family.
3. Risky Use
In the risky use stage, individuals start to ignore the negative consequences of their drinking. They may engage in dangerous behaviours, such as drinking and driving or mixing alcohol with other substances. Relationships, work, and health may begin to suffer, and individuals may experience cravings and withdrawal symptoms when not drinking.
4. Dependence and Addiction
The final stage is characterised by a physical and psychological dependence on alcohol. Individuals may feel compelled to drink despite severe negative consequences, such as health issues, legal problems, or relationship breakdowns. At this point, alcohol consumption becomes a primary focus of life and attempts to quit or cut back often lead to withdrawal symptoms, reinforcing the cycle of addiction.
Alcohol Use Disorder Symptoms
Alcohol addiction can be very difficult to diagnose. The exact symptoms can vary between one person or another, and given how widely used alcohol is, it’s an integral part of many people’s lives. How to recognise whether a person has an alcohol use disorder?
The typical signs of alcohol addiction,include:
Drinking larger amounts of alcohol more often than intended
Increased tolerance and minimal hangover symptoms experienced
Inability to cut down or control alcohol consumption
Constant craving and urge to consume alcohol present
Continued drinking despite negative health or relationship effects
Reducing social, family activities, or work obligations for alcohol
Reducing social, family activities, or work obligations for alcohol
Experiencing intense withdrawal symptoms like nausea and sweating
Consuming alcohol in hazardous situations, eg. driving or swimming
The more symptoms exhibited, the more serious the alcohol issue;
2 to 3 symptoms indicate mild Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD)
4 to 5 signs suggest a moderate Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD)
Six or more symptoms signify a severe Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD).
Alcohol Abuse Health Risks
Alcohol use disorder can cause numerous short and long-term health risks. Indeed, the substance has been linked to over 200 health conditions and disorders. Among the most severe health effects associated with alcohol abuse and alcoholism we can include:
- Liver diseases, including liver cirrhosis, can develop
- Stomach ulcers can arise from excessive alcohol intake
- Increased risk of developing diabetes is notable
- High blood pressure can result from chronic alcohol use
- Pancreatitis is a serious condition linked to alcohol abuse
- Brain and nerve damage may occur due to alcohol consumption
- Anxiety and depression can be exacerbated by alcohol use
- Higher cancer risk is associated with prolonged alcohol abuse
- Various digestive problems can emerge from heavy drinking
- Reduced immune system functionality can result from alcohol
- Dementia risk is heightened due to alcohol-related issues
- Heart disease can be a severe consequence of alcoholism
What’s worse, alcohol use disorder doesn’t only negatively affect the person abusing, but their close ones as well. Heavy drinking often leads to abuse and violence. It’s also associated with an increased risk of suicide and homicide.
Also, according to the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), drunk drivers take 28 lives each year in the US alone.
What’s also vital to note here is that the effects of alcohol use disorder only become more severe as the disease progresses.
ALCOHOL ABUSE AND ADDICTION
ALCOHOL IS NOT THE ANSWER. IT ONLY MAKES YOU FORGET THE QUESTION
If you feel trapped by addiction, remember: the path to living alcohol free, starts with a single step. At Hadi Rehab Centre, our holistic and personalized approach fosters a sense of empowerment, helping you take that crucial step towards a healthier, happier life.
How to Treat Alcohol Use Disorder
Treating alcohol use disorder can be a very challenging process. However, the sooner it begins, the higher the chances of curing the disease.
For that, the person must stop drinking and get sober. That can’t be pushed, though.
For example, if you believe your close friend or a family member abuses alcohol, you can’t make them stop using it. It has to be their decision to start the treatment.Your job is to show your loved one how abusing alcohol affects their lives and the lives of those around them.
Another vital thing to understand is that treating alcoholism is not a one-time thing. It requires a lifetime commitment. In fact, many claims that alcohol use disorder is never fully cured, even going as far as referring to themselves as non-drinking alcoholics.
Withdrawal and Detoxification
The first step toward sobriety is acknowledging the problem and stopping drinking.
Alcohol withdrawal for a person with AUD can be the most challenging step. That’s because it can often bring unpleasant withdrawal symptoms, which, in many cases, can become quite severe.
During the stay at our facility, you or your loved one will be provided with all the tools, resources, and help needed to achieve your withdrawal goals.These can include heart palpitations, seizures, nausea, vomiting, insomnia, and even hallucinations. The most severe form of alcohol withdrawal is called delirium tremens, which can be fatal without proper treatment and monitoring.
That is why it’s recommended to undergo alcohol use disorder treatment in a skilled rehabilitation facility, such as our Hadi residential rehab facility.
Get Your Life Back on Track with Hadi Rehab
If you suspect you or your loved one might be overusing alcohol, it’s vital to start the treatment as soon as possible. Alcohol use disorder is a progressive disease and its symptoms only become more severe with time. Here’s where Hadi Rehab can help. We specialize in alcohol addiction treatment, providing our patients with all the help and support they need during their withdrawal and treatment process.
During the alcohol rehab program, you or your loved one will receive top-quality treatment provided by skilled professionals.
Our alcohol abuse treatment program includes substance therapy, counselling sessions, as well as medical and emotional support to help during the safe transition to sobriety.
Get in touch with us today, book your stay, and make the first step to your new, addiction-free life.
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