What is Alcoholism or Alcohol Dependence

Alcoholism, also known as alcohol dependence, is defined as a substance disorder where a person is addicted mentally or physically to alcohol and continues to drink despite any problems that result from their alcohol drinking. Alcohol abuse, at this point, is used as a coping mechanism that people are unable to stop using. People with alcohol dependence have lost reliable control of their alcohol use.  It doesn't matter what kind of alcohol someone drinks or even how much: people who are dependent on alcohol are often unable to stop drinking once they start. However, people who abuse alcohol or have an alcohol dependency, also known as alcoholism, usually hide it very well – at least at first. Many people may be surprised by who has an alcohol dependence simply because that person has learned to hide it from those they love. Understanding the symptoms of alcoholism can help a person to get help, whether they realize they need the help or not.

Alcohol dependence is also characterized by tolerance, which is the need to drink more to achieve the same "high".  Withdrawal symptoms if drinking is suddenly stopped is also a clear sign of alcohol dependence. Withdrawal symptoms may include nausea, sweating, restlessness, irritability, tremors, hallucinations, and convulsions.  Acute withdrawal can be life threatening.

Alcohol dependence is relatively common in the United States and it is believed that 12% of adults throughout the country have suffered from alcohol dependence or alcoholism.

In order to qualify for a diagnosis of alcohol dependency, according to the DSM-IV-TR, at least three out of seven of the following criteria must be manifest during a 12 month period:

    Tolerance
    Withdrawal symptoms or clinically defined Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome
    Use in larger amounts or for longer periods than intended
    Persistent desire or unsuccessful efforts to cut down on alcohol use
    Time is spent obtaining alcohol or recovering from effects
    Social, occupational and recreational pursuits are given up or reduced because of alcohol use
    Use is continued despite knowledge of alcohol-related harm (physical or psychological)

Alcohol dependence can often lead to withdrawal symptoms as well as significant amounts of one’s time either obtaining alcohol or recovering from the effects of alcohol. These people may end up being late for work, late for social obligations, or have no real sense of time or deadlines and show increasing irresponsibility.

Alcohol dependence or alcoholism is a form of addiction.  Alcohol dependence is commonly dealt with by way of rehabilitation centers where people begin to learn the facts that alcohol has had on their lives. In rehab, people learn various forms of coping they may be able to reduce their dependency upon alcohol.

Because our treatment center relies on evidence based practices, our Substance Abuse Intensive Outpatient Program shares many common methods with other successful rehab programs.  The foundations of our treatment program for substance abuse also rely on the principles of harm reduction, motivational interviewing, stages of change and cognitive behavioral therapy to promote recovery from alcohol abuse and drug treatment.  In fact, our Intensive Outpatient Program in Memphis, TN that has been proven to be effective in the treatment of alcohol abuse and drug treatment in peer reviewed treatment outcome studies.   Our treatment center  provides services to those who need more treatment than one hour a week, but less than 24 hour care, by providing three hours of treatment per day, three to five days per week, in an intensive outpatient setting.  If you or a loved one is showing signs of alcohol abuse or needs drug treatment rehab, they should be assessed by a trained mental health professional who can help design a treatment plan that can result in recovery.  Treatment for substance abuse can be highly successful.  Call us at 901-682-6136 to schedule an appointment.