When is Someone Considered an Alcoholic?

A person is typically considered an alcoholic if they display alcohol dependence or meet criteria for moderate to severe AUD, often characterized by persistent drinking despite significant life problems or health risks.

Alcoholism can arise unexpectedly and may come as a surprise to many. The factors contributing to addiction are frequently intricate, with possible genetic connections. Those with a family history of alcohol misuse face a fourfold increase in the likelihood of developing an addiction, as they may view excessive drinking as socially acceptable behaviour.

What Causes Alcoholism?

Alcoholism, also known as alcohol use disorder (AUD), is a complex condition caused by a combination of biological, psychological, environmental, and social factors. The key causes include:

1. Biological Factors:

Studies suggest genetics account for about 40–60% of the risk. Although we don’t agree with that, the studies only suggest that. Additional other studies show that your genetics is not fixed and can change, turned on and off, by choices you make. We believe that this is a learned behaviour from parents, it’s behavioral, not genetics. Which puts the power back in your hands. It is a choice.

Brain Chemistry: Alcohol affects brain chemicals like dopamine, which creates feelings of pleasure. Repeated exposure can rewire the brain, making it harder to resist drinking.

2. Psychological Factors:

Mental Health Disorders: Conditions like depression, anxiety, PTSD, and bipolar disorder increase the risk of alcohol dependence as a means of avoidance coping, a distraction. Whenever you find yourself avoiding to cope, that’s potentially an addiction trigger.

Coping Mechanism: Some individuals use alcohol to escape emotional pain, stress, or trauma, leading to dependency over time.

Breaking It Down!

Mental Health Disorders and Alcohol Dependence

The Claim: Depression, anxiety, PTSD, and bipolar disorder up the odds of leaning on alcohol.

Our Take: Spot on. Studies—like from the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA)—show these conditions jack up alcohol use disorder (AUD) risk. Depression’s got a 20-30% co-occurrence rate with AUD; anxiety’s in the same ballpark; PTSD can hit 40% in trauma survivors; bipolar’s even wilder—up to 50% lifetime risk. Why? These disorders mess with your head—low moods, racing thoughts, flashbacks—and alcohol’s a quick numbing fix.

Evidence: Research (e.g., Journal of Clinical Psychiatry) says folks with these issues are 2-3 times more likely to develop AUD than the general population. It’s not just correlation—causation’s in play when you’re drowning out pain with a bottle.

Avoidance Coping as a Driver

The Claim: People use alcohol to dodge dealing with these mental health struggles—a distraction.

Our Take: Nailed it. Avoidance coping’s a psych term—ducking emotional stress instead of facing it. Alcohol’s perfect for that—dulls the edge, quiets the noise. For depression, it’s escaping the void; anxiety, shutting off the buzz; PTSD, blurring the triggers; bipolar, leveling the highs and lows. It’s not solving squat—it’s a Band-Aid that sticks ‘til it’s a habit.

Evidence: Studies (e.g., Addiction journal) peg avoidance coping as a top predictor of substance use—folks with PTSD who avoid triggers are 3x more likely to self-medicate with booze. It’s a distraction that snowballs.

Avoidance as an Addiction Trigger

The Claim: Anytime you avoid coping, it’s a potential addiction red flag.

Our Take: Mostly true, with a tweak. Avoidance isn’t always an addiction trigger—it’s human to dodge pain sometimes—but when it’s your go-to, especially with mental health baggage, it’s a loaded gun. The trigger’s not the avoidance alone—it’s the pattern: ducking stress, grabbing a crutch (alcohol, drugs), rinse, repeat. That’s where the hook sets. For our clients, spotting avoidance early could mean catching addiction before it bites.

Evidence: Behavioral science backs this—chronic avoidance spikes dopamine dependence (APA research). Not every dodge leads to addiction, but stack it with depression or PTSD, and the odds soar—think 60-70% higher risk (NIAAA stats).

The point is to work through these with our counsellors, uncovering why it is you’ve formed the habbit and once you recognize it, that’s half the battle. And because of it, our program is very effective as you never get to that level in traditional rehabs. We give you the tools to help yourself. Because at the end, it’s always going to be you.

3. Environmental and Social Factors:

Early Exposure: Drinking at a young age can increase the likelihood of developing alcoholism later in life.

Social Environment: Peer pressure, cultural norms, and access to alcohol play a significant role.

Family Dynamics: Growing up in a household with alcohol abuse or neglect can increase the risk.

4. Alcohol’s Addictive Nature:

Tolerance and Dependence: Over time, the body develops a tolerance, requiring more alcohol to achieve the same effects. This can lead to physical and psychological dependence.

What to Do if You or Someone You Know Is Struggling:

• Seek professional help through therapy, rehab, or support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA).
• Treatment may include detox, counseling, and medications to manage cravings or withdrawal.
• Early intervention can significantly improve outcomes.

Understanding Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD)

Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD), often referred to as alcoholism, is a chronic and relapsing condition characterized by an inability to stop or control alcohol consumption despite adverse consequences. This disorder is influenced by various factors, including genetic predisposition, mental health challenges, and life circumstances.

Triggers and Causes of Alcohol Dependency

• Coping Mechanism: Stressful life events can drive individuals to consume alcohol as a temporary escape, often evolving into dependency.
• Mental Health Links: Individuals with conditions such as depression, anxiety, or psychosis are at a heightened risk, using alcohol as self-medication to ease emotional or psychological distress.
• Genetic Factors: A family history of alcohol abuse increases the likelihood of developing AUD by fourfold. Cultural and environmental influences may normalize excessive drinking, further exacerbating the issue.

Left untreated, alcohol addiction leads to severe consequences spanning physical health, mental well-being, and social stability.

Physical Complications of Alcohol Use

Physically, those who consume alcohol on a significant scale can suffer serious health issues such as liver disease, cardiovascular problems, gastrointestinal issues, neurological damage, and an increased risk of alcohol-related cancers. Alcohol can cause alcohol overdose and can increase your risk of alcohol poisoning.

Psychological Complications of Alcohol Use Disorder

Psychologically, chronic alcohol misuse can lead to mood swings, depression, and anxiety. Many people with alcohol addiction in South Africa experience a loss of control over their alcohol intake, leading to feelings of guilt, shame, and low self-esteem.

As well as other complications related to alcohol, individuals with alcohol problems are often linked with other mental health disorders, such as depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). These can make it difficult for treatment, but at Recovery from Home, we address the depression, anxiety, and the necessary challenges associated with alcohol addiction, as well as focusing on alcoholism itself.

Socially, heavy alcohol use can affect relationships with family members, friends, and coworkers. They may become increasingly isolated as the problematic alcohol use steals more of their time and energy. Neglecting responsibilities, lying, and engaging in risky activities can lead to conflicts and arguments in interpersonal relationships.

Financial problems, legal issues, and employment issues are also common consequences of severe alcohol addiction and can create further strain, stress, and dysfunction in the individual’s life.

Effects of Alcohol Misuse on Families

Chronic alcohol use can have negative impacts on their loved ones and the broader community.

Family members may experience emotional distress and financial strain as there are many challenges of living with someone struggling with constant alcohol intoxication.

The consumption of alcohol during pregnancy is particularly catastrophic. Alcohol consumed during pregnancy will cause fetal alcohol spectrum disorder, which is devastating to a newborn child.

Children of parents with a problem with alcohol abuse are particularly vulnerable and may suffer from emotional and behavioural issues.

Addressing excessive alcohol consumption, especially within a family unit, requires a unique approach.

The Effects of Alcoholism

Alcoholism has far-reaching effects on both the individual and those around them. Understanding these effects can highlight the importance of seeking help:

1. Physical Health Effects:

1. Liver Damage: Chronic alcohol use can lead to conditions like fatty liver, hepatitis, cirrhosis, and liver failure.
2. Cardiovascular Issues: Heavy drinking increases the risk of high blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, stroke, and heart disease.
3. Weakened Immune System: Excessive alcohol can impair the body’s ability to fight off infections.
4. Neurological Damage: Long-term alcohol use can cause memory problems, cognitive decline, and conditions like Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome.
5. Increased Cancer Risk: Alcohol abuse is linked to several types of cancer, including liver, mouth, throat, esophagus, and breast cancer.

2. Mental and Emotional Health Effects:

• Depression and Anxiety: Alcohol is a depressant and can worsen symptoms of mental health disorders.
• Emotional Instability: Mood swings, irritability, and feelings of guilt or shame often accompany alcoholism.
• Cognitive Impairment: Chronic use can impair decision-making, problem-solving, and concentration.

3. Social and Relational Effects:

• Strained Relationships: Alcohol abuse often leads to conflicts, broken trust, and neglect of responsibilities within families and friendships.
• Work and Financial Problems: Missed work, decreased productivity, and job loss are common consequences.
• Legal Issues: DUIs, public intoxication, and other alcohol-related offenses can create legal problems.

4. Impact on Quality of Life:

• Loss of Hobbies and Interests: Alcoholism can cause individuals to withdraw from activities they once enjoyed.
• Isolation: Drinking can lead to social withdrawal, leaving individuals feeling alone and unsupported.
• How We Help: Recovery from Home Online Rehab addresses these effects holistically by offering physical, emotional, and social support tailored to your needs. Our team helps you rebuild your health, relationships, and sense of purpose through comprehensive recovery strategies.

Why Choose Recovery from Home Online Rehab?

1. Convenience: Recover from anywhere with a reliable internet connection—no need to travel or disrupt your daily life.
2. Confidentiality: Our secure platform ensures your privacy throughout the recovery process.
3. Affordability: Save on costs compared to traditional rehab without compromising the quality of care.
4. Expert Support: Our licensed professionals specialize in addiction treatment and are committed to your success.

How Long Does It Take To Get Alcohol Out Your System?

The time it takes for alcohol to leave your system depends on several factors, including the amount consumed, body weight, metabolism, and overall health. However, a general guideline is:

On average, the body processes 1 standard drink per hour.

(A standard drink is approximately 14 grams of pure alcohol, such as a 12 oz beer, 5 oz wine, or 1.5 oz shot of distilled spirits.)

Breakdown:

Immediate Absorption: Alcohol is absorbed into the bloodstream within minutes of drinking.

Metabolism: The liver metabolizes alcohol at a rate of 0.015 blood alcohol concentration (BAC) per hour.

Example: If your BAC is 0.08 (the legal limit in many places), it will take about 5–6 hours to return to 0.00.`

How to Stop Alcohol Addiction with Recovery from Home Online Rehab

Overcoming alcohol addiction is a challenging yet transformative journey, and with the right tools, guidance, and commitment, recovery is possible. At Recovery from Home Online Rehab, we understand that every individual’s path to sobriety is unique. That’s why we offer a flexible, supportive, and personalized program to help you regain control of your life from the comfort of your own home.

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to stop alcohol addiction, with insights into how our online rehab program can assist you every step of the way:

1. Recognize the Problem

Acknowledging that you have an issue with alcohol is the first step toward recovery. Ask yourself:

Do I feel unable to control my drinking?

Am I experiencing health, work, or relationship problems due to alcohol?

Do I use alcohol to cope with stress or emotions?

How We Help: Our licensed counselors and therapists help you identify and understand the impact of alcohol on your life through one-on-one virtual sessions, offering clarity and support.

2. Set a Goal for Sobriety

Decide whether your goal is to quit drinking entirely or reduce your alcohol intake. Being clear about your goals can guide your recovery process.

How We Help: Recovery from Home’s program includes goal-setting exercises and tailored recovery plans designed to meet your unique needs and circumstances. Our online tools help track your progress and keep you motivated.

3. Seek Our Professional Support Services In Breaking Your Habit

Stopping alcohol addiction on your own can be overwhelming. Professional guidance provides the tools, structure, and accountability needed for lasting change.

How We Help: Recovery from Home offers:

Virtual Counseling: Access experienced addiction counselors who provide support and strategies to overcome cravings and triggers.

Medical Support: Our team can guide you through detox and recommend medical interventions if necessary.

4. Build Healthy Habits

Replacing alcohol with positive habits can make a significant difference in your recovery journey. Consider:

Practicing mindfulness or meditation.

Engaging in physical activity.

Establishing a daily routine.

Strengthening relationships with supportive friends and family.

How We Help: Our program includes mindfulness training, stress management techniques, and personalized wellness plans to help you rebuild a healthier lifestyle.

5. Identify and Manage Triggers

Understanding what drives you to drink and learning how to cope with these triggers is crucial for preventing relapse.

How We Help: You’ll gain tools to navigate challenging situations without turning to alcohol.

6. Stay Committed to the Process

Recovery is a journey, not a destination. Staying committed requires effort, but every step forward is progress.

How We Help: You’ll have a dedicated recovery team by your side, providing encouragement and guidance whenever you need it. Our flexible scheduling makes it easy to prioritize recovery while balancing life’s demands.