Alcohol Addiction | Alcoholism Symptoms, Effects and Causes

What is classed as an alcohol addiction?

Understanding what counts as alcohol addiction can be challenging, especially in places where drinking is legal and a normal part of social life. Is someone who drinks a small glass of wine every evening an alcoholic? What about someone who binge drinks every Saturday but stays sober the rest of the week?

It’s not always clear where social drinking ends and problem drinking begins. However, certain patterns can suggest when alcohol use is becoming a problem or when it has already crossed the line into addiction.

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Three different types of alcohol drinkers

Type 1 (The social drinker)

Take Sarah, for example. She enjoys a glass of wine on Fridays with friends. If she skips it, she doesn’t miss it or feel irritable. Drinking is just something she does occasionally to relax, not something she depends on. In this case, alcohol isn’t controlling her life; it’s simply part of her social routine.

Type 2 (The early signs of an alcoholic)

Now consider Liam. He drinks heavily at weekend parties and has started pouring himself a drink after tough days at work. Recently, he’s noticed it’s harder to stop at one drink, and drinking has become a regular way to cope with stress. His relationship with alcohol is shifting from occasional enjoyment to something more concerning, even if he doesn’t realise it yet.

Type 3 (Alcohol dependence)

Then there’s Mark. He drinks every day, starting in the morning, to stop the shakes and calm his anxiety. He hides how much he drinks and feels like he can’t get through the day without alcohol. This level of dependency shows clear signs of addiction.

What makes alcohol so addictive?

Many people know that alcohol is addictive but not everyone understands exactly why. It’s not just about drinking too much, it’s about how alcohol interacts with the brain and body, creating a cycle that can be hard to break.

Alcohol and the brain’s reward system

When someone drinks alcohol, it triggers the release of dopamine, a chemical that creates feelings of pleasure and relaxation. This rush of dopamine makes drinking feel enjoyable, encouraging the brain to seek that sensation again. Over time, the brain becomes dependent on alcohol for dopamine release, making it harder to feel good without drinking.

Disrupting natural calming mechanisms

Alcohol also affects gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a neurotransmitter that calms the nervous system. This is why drinking can reduce stress and help someone feel more at ease. However, frequent alcohol use causes the brain to produce less GABA on its own, leading to increased anxiety and restlessness when not drinking.

Building tolerance and physical dependence

With regular drinking, the body builds a tolerance, meaning more alcohol is needed to achieve the same effects. This can quickly lead to physical dependence, where the body expects alcohol to function normally. If someone stops drinking, withdrawal symptoms like shaking, sweating and severe anxiety can set in, making it difficult to quit without help.

The signs of alcohol addiction

It’s easy to assume that alcohol addiction is obvious, but addiction isn’t always clear-cut. Sometimes, the signs are hidden or dismissed as personalities, stress, or just “blowing off steam.” Recognising alcohol addiction involves looking beyond the surface, including physical, psychological and behavioural changes that may point to a deeper problem.

Physical signs

Frequent hangovers: Regular hangovers suggest consistent heavy drinking.
Shaking or tremors: Often linked to withdrawal when alcohol isn’t consumed.
Weight changes: Alcohol can cause weight gain due to empty calories or weight loss from neglected nutrition.
Flushed skin: Persistent redness, especially around the face, can indicate prolonged drinking.
Fatigue and weakness: Alcohol disrupts sleep and depletes energy, leading to constant tiredness.

Psychological signs

Increased anxiety: Drinking can worsen anxiety when not consuming alcohol.
Mood swings: Sudden emotional changes may occur, even without drinking.
Depression: Alcohol can intensify depressive symptoms through its chemical effects on the brain.
Obsessive thoughts about drinking: Thinking about alcohol regularly signals possible dependency.
Memory loss or blackouts: Gaps in memory after drinking sessions can be a red flag.

Behavioural signs

Secretive drinking: Hiding how much or how often they drink is common.
Neglecting responsibilities: Missing work or skipping important commitments.
Avoiding social events without alcohol: Preferring only alcohol-fueled gatherings.
Financial problems: Spending money on alcohol instead of necessities.
Relationship struggles: Conflicts with family and friends due to drinking habits.

Recognising these signs in yourself or someone close can be tough but could make a critical difference.

Do I have an alcohol addiction?

Even with all the information we’ve laid out, it can still be tough to consider the possibility of having an alcohol addiction or being on the path toward one. It’s a difficult thought to sit with, especially when drinking is so common and socially accepted. But checking in with yourself is never a bad idea.

Below are six questions designed to help you reflect. If you answer ‘yes‘ to any of them, consider reaching out for support.

Do you drink more or for longer than you originally planned?
Have you tried to cut down or stop drinking but couldn’t?
Do you spend a lot of time thinking about drinking or recovering from it?
Has drinking caused problems in your relationships, work or personal life?
Do you feel irritable, anxious or shaky when you haven’t had a drink?
Have you continued drinking even though it’s causing health issues or emotional distress?

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Answering ‘yes’ doesn’t mean you’re beyond help; rather, it means you’ve taken the first courageous step toward understanding your relationship with alcohol. Support is available, and reaching out could change your life.

How Is an alcohol addiction treated?

Alcohol addiction can be treated through inpatient or outpatient programmes, depending on the severity of the addiction. For those with a severe dependency, inpatient treatment is highly recommended due to the need for medical supervision and a structured environment.

Treatment usually begins with a medically assisted detox to manage withdrawal symptoms safely. This is followed by therapy, such as cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), group counselling and individual sessions to address the root causes of addiction. Holistic therapies like mindfulness, yoga or art therapy may also be included. Aftercare support is often provided to help maintain long-term sobriety and prevent relapse.

Take the first step toward recovery

If you or someone you care about is struggling with alcohol addiction, reaching out for help could be life-changing. Remember, you don’t have to face this alone; support is available.

The right treatment makes recovery possible, and a healthier, happier life can begin. Take that first step today by speaking with professionals who understand what you’re going through and are ready to guide you toward lasting sobriety.

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Our compassionate team are ready and available to take your call, and guide you towards lasting the lasting addiction recovery you deserve.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is “functional alcoholism” a real condition?

Yes, “functional alcoholism” is a real condition. It refers to individuals who maintain jobs, relationships and responsibilities while being dependent on alcohol. Despite appearing stable, their drinking often causes hidden personal, emotional and physical issues over time.

Is alcohol addiction the same as alcohol abuse?

No, alcohol addiction and alcohol abuse are different. Alcohol abuse involves problematic drinking patterns without full dependence, while alcohol addiction includes physical and psychological dependency, making quitting extremely difficult without help.

Can moderate drinking lead to addiction?

Yes, moderate drinking can lead to addiction in some cases. While many people drink socially without developing a problem, regular or increased drinking over time can build tolerance, trigger dependency and create a path toward alcohol addiction.

(Click here to see works cited)

Söderpalm B, Ericson M. Alcohol and the dopamine system. Int Rev Neurobiol. 2024;175:21-73. doi: 10.1016/bs.irn.2024.02.003. Epub 2024 Mar 13. PMID: 38555117.
Davies M. The role of GABAA receptors in mediating the effects of alcohol in the central nervous system. J Psychiatry Neurosci. 2003 Jul;28(4):263-74. PMID: 12921221; PMCID: PMC165791.