Alcohol Dependence
Dependence, with respect to any substance—but in this case alcohol—can be abused, but there is still the element of choice involved. "Inappropriate use can occur, but the person can choose to stop," Lawrence Weinstein, MD, Chief Medical Officer at American Addiction Centers tells WebMD Connect to Care. "Additionally, this inappropriate use may not impact various aspects of the person's life.
That said, dependence can quickly lead to an addiction.
What is alcoholism?
When someone struggles with alcoholism ("alcohol use disorder"), it means the person no long has a choice when it comes to use. There is a physical dependence on alcohol, and quitting without the proper treatment and medical oversight can result in death.
"Alcohol use disorder has altered areas of the individual's brain and the brain's reward center has been negatively affected due to the frequent spiking and cashing of dopamine levels," Weinstein says. "With alcohol use disorder, even though alcohol use disrupts many areas of the person's life and can cause a host of medical issues, legal trouble, physical problems and other detrimental situations, alcohol use will persist."
Here are five signs that you may be struggling with an addiction:
Options for Treatment
When asked how alcohol problems are treated, people commonly think of 12-step programs or 28-day inpatient rehab, but may have difficulty naming other options. In fact, there are a variety of treatment methods currently
available, thanks to significant advances in the field over the past 60 years.
Ultimately, there is no one-size-fits-all solution, and what may work for one person may not be a good fit for someone else.
Simply understanding the different options can be an important first step.
Types of Treatment
Behavioral Treatments
Behavioral treatments are aimed at changing drinking behavior through counseling. They are led by health professionals and supported by studies showing they can be beneficial.
Medications
Three medications are currently approved in the United States to help people stop or reduce their drinking and prevent relapse. They are prescribed by a primary care physician or other health professional and may
be used alone or in combination with counseling.
Consult with a licensed MD and/or Psychiatrist for more information.
Mutual-Support Groups
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and other 12-step programs provide peer support for people quitting or cutting back on their drinking. Combined with treatment led by health professionals, mutual-support groups can offer a valuable added layer of support
Starting With a Primary Care Doctor
For anyone thinking about treatment, talking to a primary care physician is an important first step — he or she can be a good source for treatment referrals and medications. A primary care physician can also: