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Alcohol Addiction – Causes, Effects, and Treatment Options

By Gaurav on March 15, 2025
Alcohol Addiction – Causes, Effects, and Treatment Options

What Is Alcohol Addiction?

Alcohol addiction, sometimes called alcohol use disorder (AUD), is a chronic, relapsing brain disease that causes people to consume alcohol despite its negative consequences. According to the National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, alcohol addiction includes:

  • Compulsive drinking
  • Dependence
  • Withdrawal symptoms when alcohol use is reduced or stopped
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AUD varies from mild to severe and affects millions of people worldwide, and is compounded by the wide acceptance and promotion of alcohol in many societies.

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Are Alcohol Addiction and Alcohol Abuse the Same?

The medical community now refers to both Alcohol Addiction and Alcohol Abuse as Alcohol Use Disorder which is a spectrum disorder ranging from mild to severe.
Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) reflects the understanding that problematic alcohol use exists on a continuum, rather than being a binary condition. AUD is characterized by an impaired ability to control or stop alcohol consumption despite adverse social, occupational, or health consequences

Severity and Diagnosis

The severity of AUD is determined based on the number of diagnostic criteria met within 12 months, as outlined in the DSM-5:

  • – Mild: 2–3 criteria
  • – Moderate: 4–5 criteria
  • – Severe:6 or more criteria
Symptoms include drinking more than intended, unsuccessful attempts to cut down, spending excessive time on alcohol-related activities, cravings, and continued use despite negative consequences. AUD can also involve tolerance (needing more alcohol for the same effect) and withdrawal symptoms when not drinking.
Dependence develops when the brain and body adapt to alcohol, and causes withdrawal symptoms when the individual stops drinking, including anxiety, tremors, and seizures. Those withdrawal symptoms range from uncomfortable to potentially fatal, which is why many people with severe alcohol addiction can’t quit drinking unassisted.

Alcohol affects the brain’s reward system by increasing dopamine levels, reinforcing compulsive drinking behavior. Research indicates that approximately 28.9 million people in the U.S. suffer from AUD, according to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA).

What Causes Alcohol Addiction?

Alcohol Use Disorder is caused by a complex combination of genetic, environmental, psychological, and biological factors.
  • Genetic Factors: Genetic variations influence susceptibility to AUD. Studies show that individuals with a family history of alcoholism are at higher risk due to inherited traits affecting brain chemistry and impulse control. Research has shown that about 50% of the predisposition to struggle with alcohol is genetically determined.
  • Environmental Factors: Social pressure and cultural acceptance of drinking also contribute to alcohol addiction. Early exposure to alcohol or growing up in an environment where heavy drinking is normalized increases risk.
  • The more normalized heavy drinking is, the more likely it is that someone will also drink heavily.
  • Psychological Factors: Mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, and PTSD often co-occur with alcohol addiction. Many individuals use alcohol as a coping mechanism, leading to dependence.
  • Stress and trauma, particularly related to events surrounding alcohol – a parent who struggled with alcohol addiction, for instance – can increase the chances that someone will develop alcohol addiction.
  • Biological Factors: Alcohol alters neurotransmitter function, particularly dopamine, glutamate, and GABA, disrupting brain function and reinforcing addiction.
Repeated exposure to increased dopamine levels makes the body crave whatever stimulus caused the release in the first place (alcohol affects the brain’s reward system).
Low gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) levels in the prefrontal cortex are associated with alcohol addiction, as well as other addictions, and are linked to behaviors like poor impulse control and decreased executive function (alcohol disrupts normal brain function). Those are in turn linked to addiction characteristics.
However, some people are more likely than others to develop alcohol addiction, even given the same set of preexisting conditions, such as early exposure to heavy drinking, traumatic events, and a genetic predisposition to alcohol addiction.

Who Is Most Affected by Alcoholism?

Alcoholism affects certain groups of people more than others, particularly young men from disadvantaged backgrounds.
According to the CDC, men are more likely than women to develop AUD, while young adults (ages 18-25) have the highest prevalence of binge drinking. Socioeconomic factors, such as poverty and limited access to healthcare, also increase vulnerability. Other factors also play varying roles.

According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA):

  • Exposure to alcohol consumption during adolescence affects brain development, making it more likely that someone will develop alcohol addiction regardless of socioeconomic background or gender. Heavy drinking during adolescence can predict future alcohol use disorder.
  • Some people who drank heavily during their youth “mature out” of heavy drinking as they take on adult roles, including full-time jobs, parenthood, and marriage.
  • Seniors (people aged 65 and up) have the lowest incidence of heavy drinking, but the rate has been increasing. The NIAAA found that one in eight men had five or more drinks (men) or four or more drinks (women) at least once per month.
  • In the past, men were more likely to develop alcohol addiction. While men are still more common, the gap in heavy drinking is narrowing. This is concerning because women suffer more harm from lower alcohol levels than men do, including decreased cognition, increased risk of breast cancer, and an increased risk of liver disease.
  • The NIAAA also found that women of a sexual minority status had a higher chance of developing alcohol addiction. There is a substantially increased risk for lesbian women than for heterosexual women. In contrast, the risk for AUD in gay men is similar to that in heterosexual men.
  • According to the NIAAA, between 50 and 60% of an individual’s vulnerability to AUD is inherited. Genetic factors also affect things like a person’s inherited ability to tolerate alcohol to higher extents than others, an inherited alcohol metabolism that increases the chance of esophageal cancer, and an inherited vulnerability to different addiction-related changes to the brain’s neurotransmitter systems.

What Are the Effects of Alcohol Addiction?

Alcohol addiction causes serious physical effects, including cirrhosis of the liver, increased risk of cancer of the entire digestive tract, heart damage, and brain damage, as well as causing mental effects, such as anxiety and amplifying depression, and social effects, such as relationship damage, job loss, and more.
Physical Effects: Alcohol damages the liver (cirrhosis), heart (cardiomyopathy), brain (cognitive impairment). Chronic alcohol use weakens the immune system and increases the risk of cancers, particularly of the breast, liver, and all areas of the digestive tract including head and neck, throat, esophagus, stomach, bladder, intestines, and colon.

According to data from the NIAAA:

  • Of the 96,610 liver disease deaths of people 12 and older in 2023, over 44% involved alcohol. The rate was higher for men than women.
  • Of the 56,975 deaths from cirrhosis in 2023, over 50% were related to alcohol. Men were more likely than women to suffer from alcohol-related cirrhosis and more men (28,632) died than women (19,443).
  • The number of people listed for liver transplants due to alcohol-associated liver disease increased by 63% between 2007 and 2017.
  • Alcohol-associated liver disease surpassed hepatitis C as the leading cause of liver transplants in 2016.
  • 5.6% of all cancer cases and 4% of all cancer deaths are related to consuming alcohol.
  • Alcohol consumption is directly associated with an increased risk of drowning, injuries from falls and violence, and being involved in car accidents.
Mental Effects: Alcohol addiction amplifies existing mental health disorders, including depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts. It also disrupts brain function, leading to memory loss and impaired decision-making.
  • Anxiety disorders are common for those struggling with alcohol addiction. Between 20% and 40% of those treated for anxiety disorders suffer from AUD. However, many more people have both alcohol addiction and anxiety but have not sought treatment.
  • Alcohol consumption increases anxiety-like symptoms. Anxiety can also increase between drinking episodes and reaches its highest point during alcohol withdrawals.
  • People who suffer from alcohol addiction are also likely to suffer from mood disorders. 27% to 40% of people with major depressive disorder also have AUD. Up to 42% of those who suffer from bipolar disorder also struggle with alcohol addiction.
  • 15% to 30% of people with AUD also struggle with co-occurring post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Note that this rate jumps to 50% to 60% for military personnel and veterans.
  • Up to 91% of people with AUD also suffer from one or more sleep disorders (insomnia, hypersomnolence, breathing-related sleep disorders, parasomnias, etc.).
  • People with AUD are more likely to suffer from psychotic disorders. In the general population, about 3% suffer from these. However, up to 21% of people with AUD will experience some form of psychotic disorder within their lifetime.
Social Effects: AUD strains relationships, contributes to job loss, can create financial instability, and leads to legal issues such as DUIs and domestic conflicts.
  • According to one study, people with AUD are more likely to get divorced. Over 48% of people with AUD experienced divorce, compared to just over 30% of those who did not struggle with alcohol addiction.
  • AUD is linked to over 230 million missed workdays every year. Absenteeism is one of the most common reasons for someone to lose a job.
  • Over 1 million people are arrested for DUI in the US every year. However, the number of people driving under the influence is much higher.
  • Alcohol use disorder is a leading contributor to violent altercations, including those in marriages and domestic relationships.
Given the significant negative consequences that are attributed to alcohol use disorder, it’s important to recognize signs of it in yourself and your loved ones.

How Can You Recognize the Signs of Alcohol Addiction?

Signs of alcohol addiction include strong cravings, loss of control over drinking, and withdrawal symptoms like nausea, sweating, and shaking when not drinking. Behavioral signs include neglecting responsibilities, drinking alone, and unsuccessful attempts to cut back.

Note that alcohol use disorder isn’t always severe. It can be moderate or even mild. It is much easier to recognize signs of severe alcohol addiction than mild alcohol use disorder. Here is a more detailed list of signs and symptoms to watch for. If you or someone you love exhibits these signs, it’s a good idea to quit drinking and seek professional help:

  • Wanting to reduce your alcohol consumption but being unable to do so
  • Being unable to limit the number of drinks you have per session despite knowing the consequences
  • Spending a lot of time involved with thinking about alcohol, getting alcohol, and recovering from drinking
  • Feeling a strong craving for alcohol
  • Failing work, school, or family responsibilities or obligations because of alcohol
  • Continuing to drink despite obvious negative impacts (physical, mental, and social)
  • Giving up things you enjoy doing to drink more
  • Consuming alcohol in situations where it’s not safe, like driving
  • Developing a tolerance for alcohol so you must drink more to achieve the same effect
  • Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when you don’t drink or drinking to avoid withdrawal symptoms

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What Diseases Do Alcoholics Get?

Chronic alcohol use increases the risk of liver disease (cirrhosis, hepatitis), heart disease, pancreatitis, and neurological conditions like Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome. Heavy drinking also contributes to high blood pressure, stroke, and gastrointestinal disorders.
A more in-depth list of diseases related to alcohol use disorder includes the following: Group therapy is usually led by a mental health practitioner. Types of group therapy include:
  • Alcoholic hepatitis
  • Hepatic steatosis
  • Cirrhosis of the liver
  • Hypertension
  • Insomnia
  • Enlarged heart
  • Stroke
  • Heart failure
  • Atrial fibrillation
  • Gastritis
  • Stomach cancer
  • Esophageal cancer
  • Pancreatitis
  • Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
  • Colon cancer
  • Rectal cancer
  • Larynx cancer
  • Breast cancer
  • Fibrosis
  • Liver disease
  • GI bleeding
  • Chronic inflammation
  • Immune system dysfunction
  • Thyroid disease
  • Diabetes
  • Acute respiratory distress syndrome
  • Pneumonia
  • Cardiomyopathy
  • Skeletal muscle myopathy
  • Gout
  • Peripheral neuropathy
  • Wernicke’s encephalopathy
  • Korsakoff syndrome
For a more detailed breakdown, read the NIAAA’s article, Medical Complications: Common Alcohol-Related Concerns.

How Can You Overcome Alcohol Addiction?

Overcoming alcohol addiction requires professional treatment and a strong support system.
  • Detoxification: Medically supervised detox helps manage withdrawal symptoms safely.
  • Rehabilitation: Inpatient and outpatient rehab programs provide structured support, counseling, and therapy.
  • Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT): FDA-approved medications like naltrexone and acamprosate reduce cravings and prevent relapse.
  • Therapy: Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and motivational interviewing (MI) help individuals develop coping mechanisms and address underlying issues.
  • Support Groups: Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and SMART Recovery offer peer support and accountability.

What Is the Role of Support Groups?

Support groups provide emotional encouragement, shared experiences, and accountability for anyone recovering from alcohol addiction.
For instance, AA follows a 12-step model emphasizing spiritual and personal growth, while SMART Recovery focuses on self-empowerment and behavioral change. However, you’ll find many other support groups out there, including religious and secular organizations.
Note that support groups should be used in tandem with other treatment options and many people find that they require a support group for long-term sobriety.

How Can You Prevent Alcohol Addiction?

To prevent alcohol addiction, create healthy drinking habits, manage your stress, and build strong social support networks. If you’re at risk of developing alcohol use disorder, consider sobriety.
  • Set limits on alcohol consumption. Hard limits help keep you within bounds you’re comfortable with. They also give you a good idea of whether you can control the amount you drink. If you regularly go beyond your limits, recognize this as a warning sign.
  • Avoid drinking in high-risk situations. Swimming, boating, driving, and other activities require a significant degree of mental focus and physical readiness that alcohol impairs. There is also evidence that alcohol combined with adrenaline and other hormones released during high-risk situations creates a strong urge to repeat the process (creating habits).
  • Develop healthy coping strategies for stress and emotional challenges. Don’t drink because you had a bad day at work, and skip drinking to celebrate milestones. Healthy coping strategies include meditation, counseling, and simply discussing how you feel with someone you trust.
  • Surround yourself with supportive friends and family. While a formal support group can be a central pillar of success, don’t neglect the importance of family and friends who are willing to be there for you.
  • Seek professional help if you notice problematic drinking patterns. There is no shame in seeking professional help. Alcohol addiction is a disease, and it requires specialized treatment, like any other disease.

Conclusion

Alcohol addiction is a serious but treatable condition that affects millions of individuals and their loved ones. Understanding its causes, effects, and treatment options gives you the power to seek help and begin your recovery journey. If you or someone you know is struggling with alcohol addiction, resources like the NIAAA and SAMHSA can provide support and guidance.
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