Drinking addiction: Psychological or physical?

Health care professionals use criteria from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), to assess whether a person has AUD and to determine the severity, if the disorder is present. Severity is based on the number of criteria a person meets based on their symptoms—mild (2–3 criteria), moderate (4–5 criteria), or severe (6 or more criteria). To counteract the brain-slowing effects of alcohol, for instance, the brain increases the activity of excitatory neurotransmitters, which stimulate nerve activity and heighten arousal.

The reasons for these differences in sensitivity to alcohol remain unclear. As individuals continue to drink alcohol over time, progressive changes may occur in the structure and function https://ecosoberhouse.com/ of their brains. These changes can compromise brain function and drive the transition from controlled, occasional use to chronic misuse, which can be difficult to control.

Why Should We Be Concerned About AUD and Alcohol Addiction?

Thus, the data so far indicate that females who consume alcohol during early adolescence may be at risk for adverse effects on maturation of the reproductive system. In female rats, alcohol has been shown to suppress the secretion of specific female reproductive hormones, thereby delaying the onset of puberty (see Dees et al. 2001 and Emanuele et al). Dees and colleagues (2000) found that immature female rhesus macaques exposed daily to alcohol (2 g/kg via nasogastric tube) exhibit lower levels of GH, FSH, LH, estradiol (E2), and IGF-1 (but not FSH or Leptin) compared with control subjects. Moreover, even though there was no effect on age of menarche in these animals, the interval between subsequent menstruations was lengthened, thereby interfering with the development of regular monthly cycles. Thus, alcohol not only disrupts the interaction between the brain, pituitary gland, and ovaries, it also directly impairs the regulatory systems within the ovaries (see Dees et al. 2001 for review).

ACTH is carried via the blood stream to the adrenal glands (which are located atop the kidneys), where it induces the release of stress hormones (i.e., glucocorticoids) that then act on target cells and tissues throughout the body (including the brain). The main glucocorticoid in humans and other primates is cortisol; the main glucocorticoid physiological dependence on alcohol in rodents is corticosterone. Woburn Wellness Addiction Treatment is a leader in the addiction treatment field, with proven success in facilitating long-term recovery. Our team of top clinical & medical experts specializes in treating addiction coupled with mental illness, ensuring that each person receives individualized care.

Alcohol Withdrawal

A person may have the intention to stop, but alcohol can affect impulse control and decision-making, causing relapse to be more likely. Addiction to alcohol can begin as alcohol abuse and quickly progress to alcohol dependency. In addition to physical signs of withdrawal, a constellation of symptoms contributing to a state of distress and psychological discomfort constitute a significant component of the withdrawal syndrome (Anton and Becker 1995; Roelofs 1985; Schuckit et al. 1998). Many of these signs and symptoms, including those that reflect a negative-affect state (e.g., anxiety, distress, and anhedonia) also have been demonstrated in animal studies involving various models of dependence (Becker 2000).

• People used to believe that addiction only happened in certain areas, like in inner cities, or among specific groups of people, like those who were down and  out.
• With consistent heavy drinking, the delicate balance of these chemical messengers becomes disrupted, resulting in altered moods, behaviors, and mental well-being.
• But as you continue to drink, you become drowsy and have less control over your actions.
• In particular, alcohol misuse and alcohol use disorder (AUD) can lead to a variety of severe health conditions over time.

Though it has many possible causes, the physiological effects of alcohol withdrawal can be enough for some people to continue drinking heavily and start a dangerous cycle. The same NSDUH found that there are nearly 15 million Americans over the age of 12 years with an alcohol use disorder (AUD). An AUD is defined as a chronic brain disorder in which there is compulsive alcohol consumption, loss of control over drinking alcohol, and negative emotions experienced when an individual is not under the influence of this dangerous substance. Genetic, psychological, social and environmental factors can impact how drinking alcohol affects your body and behavior. Theories suggest that for certain people drinking has a different and stronger impact that can lead to alcohol use disorder. Relapse represents a major challenge to treatment efforts for people suffering from alcohol dependence.

Tips to change your relationship with alcohol

The first step towards overcoming a drinking problem is acknowledging the problem itself and asking for help. When you call our team of admissions counselors in Massachusetts, you’ll be met with compassion, understanding, and dedication to your recovery. We’ll assess your treatment needs, verify your insurance, and help you choose an alcohol rehab program that works for you. If you find yourself battling with alcohol cravings, and often giving into these cravings by picking up a drink, you may be well on your way to developing a physical dependency on alcohol.