What Is An Alcoholic?
Around the world, there are over 2 billion regular drinkers – but simply enjoying the occasional drink doesn’t make you an alcoholic. An alcoholic is a term used to describe somebody with a drinking problem and a physical addiction.
If you have a problem, whether it be binge drinking or dependence, it’s important to seek support. At Help4Addiction, we can find the right rehab centre for you. We are connected with countless rehab clinics across the UK. We’ll discuss your preferences and requirements to find the best choice for you and your addiction.
What is Alcohol Use Disorder?
You may have heard the terms ‘alcoholic’, ‘alcoholism’, ‘alcohol addiction’, and ‘alcohol dependence’. These terms aren’t generally used in medical settings.
Instead, professionals will use the term alcohol use disorder (AUD) to describe the above terms. AUD can vary in severity, ranging from mild to moderate to severe according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.
Dependence is the more severe form of AUD and can have many negative and lasting health consequences.
It is characterised by the urge to drink alcohol, despite the negative effects that may occur – for example, relationship and financial issues, or poor health. It involves the lack of control over alcohol consumption.
For example, people with AUD may feel unable to control how much they drink, how often they drink, when they start drinking or stop drinking, or even what they drink. It is a chronic and relapsing brain disorder that can affect all aspects of a person’s life.
Alcohol misuse and binge drinking (drinking too much alcohol) can also increase the chance of developing alcohol poisoning. This should be considered a medical emergency, and can be extremely dangerous – sometimes even fatal.
Alcohol abuse disorder and alcoholism are linked – although they are not the same thing, they are both forms of AUD. Frequent heavy drinking can lead to addiction – and most people with alcohol addiction will abuse alcohol.
In England, there are roughly 700,000 people who are dependent on alcohol. This is the same as around 1 in 12 men and 1 in 30 women showing signs of dependence.
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Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms
If you have a physical dependence on alcohol, then you’ll likely experience uncomfortable and unpleasant withdrawal symptoms if you were to stop drinking or lower the amount of alcohol you typically drink.
There are several reasons why you may experience withdrawal symptoms when you stop drinking. One of these reasons is because of the GABA effects – GABA is a neurotransmitter.
When you consume alcohol, you may feel relaxed and calm. This is because it increases the GABA effects – however, it also decreases glutamate levels, lowering your excitability levels.
If you drink heavily, over time your body can get used to these changes. This means that your body will produce less GABA and more glutamate, affecting your mood and mental health.
This is why quitting cold turkey can be dangerous. Your body will continue producing less GABA and more glutamate, leaving you feeling shaky, restless, anxious, and hyperactive.
Some withdrawal symptoms you may experience include:
- Headache
- Fever
- Cravings
- Hand tremors
- Nausea and vomiting
- Appetite changes
- Sweating
- Stomach ache
- Red face
- Seizures
- Problems with sleep (e.g trouble getting to sleep or staying asleep)
- Anxiety
- Hallucinations
- Other mental health disorders
The withdrawal symptoms you experience may come on gradually and worsen over time – typically within the span of a few days. However, everybody’s experiences are different, with many factors affecting the withdrawal process.
With more severe addictions, a medical detox/ medically supervised detox may be recommended. This means that you’ll detox and undergo withdrawal with medical supervision by medical professionals.
This can help to alleviate some of the unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. You may also be given detox medication, which can ease the process for you. Our team at Help4Addiction can help you detox safely.
The Definition of “Alcoholic”
People with AUD may be informally referred to as alcoholics – however, medical professionals avoid the term as it can stigmatise those with addiction.
The terms ‘alcoholic’ and ‘alcoholism’ are considered negative terms – and are seen as unhelpful labels. They are considered pejorative terms that describe somebody who has an addiction to alcohol or has unhealthy drinking habits – for example, lack of control over their excessive drinking. It is not a medical term.
Help for Alcohol Use Disorder
If you think you have a drinking problem, getting help is the best thing you can do. At Help4Addiction, we understand that seeking help can be difficult. This is why we are here to help. Our addiction experts can select the best treatment plan for you.
We have over 30 years of experience in the field of addiction and know what it takes to make a recovery. We understand that one size does not fit all when it comes to addiction, which is why we aim to connect people with personalised treatment plans.
There are different types of rehab out there, from private rehab treatment to NHS-operated rehab. The two key forms of rehab are outpatient rehab and inpatient rehab. We can help you explore your treatment options and determine the best approach for you and your circumstances. Likewise, if you’re looking for online rehab, we can connect you with the best online rehab providers.
Outpatient rehab involves attending treatment sessions as an outpatient and travelling from your home to a facility to receive treatment. Inpatient rehab, also known as residential rehab, involves living in a residential facility throughout the treatment process.
Some people attend support groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous after completing rehab. We can find the most appropriate aftercare solutions for you.
Contact our team today to learn more about rehab and addiction, and to stop drinking and start your recovery journey. There is help out there for you if you have an addiction – call us today to get the ball rolling.
About Author
Nicholas Conn
Nicholas Conn is a leading industry addiction expert who runs the UK’s largest addiction advisory service and is regularly featured in the national press, radio and TV. He is the founder and CEO of a drug and alcohol rehab center called Help4addiction, which was founded in 2015. He has been clean himself since 2009 and has worked in the Addiction and Rehab Industry for over a decade. Nick is dedicated to helping others recover and get treatment for drug and alcohol abuse. In 2013, he released a book ‘The Thin White’ line that is available on Amazon.
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