Are you or a loved one struggling with Alcohol dependence or Alcohol addiction?
Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD), commonly known as “alcoholism,” is a chronic condition where an individual struggles to control their alcohol consumption, even when it negatively impacts their health, relationships, and daily life. Alcohol Use Disorder AUD is a complex issue, involving both alcohol addiction and a chronic illness, and is influenced by genetic, mental health and environmental factors. Those suffering from AUD often continue drinking despite the consequences, such as damaged relationships, family pressure, financial issues, work problems, and severe health issues.
Alcohol-Related Conditions and the Causes of AUD
Alcohol Use Disorder includes a wide range of alcohol-related conditions, such as alcohol abuse, alcohol dependence, and alcohol addiction. Some of the primary symptoms of AUD include:
- Craving alcohol frequently
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when alcohol isn’t consumed
- Inability to control drinking, either in frequency or quantity
- Prioritising alcohol over work, family, or other responsibilities
AUD isn’t only a substance addiction but also a behavioural addiction. Many people with AUD drink as part of socialising or to cope with stress, depression, or anxiety. These drinking patterns can become destructive over time, particularly when alcohol is used to self-medicate emotional or psychological pain.
Excessive Drinking vs. Normal Drinking
Drinking in moderation can be sociable, but excessive drinking—such as binge drinking or heavy drinking—can lead to AUD. Binge drinking is typically defined as consuming large amounts of alcohol in a short time, often with the goal of becoming intoxicated. For women, binge drinking is consuming four or more drinks in one sitting, and for men, five or more drinks.
It’s essential to recognise that drinking excessively, even if it doesn’t yet qualify as AUD, can still have serious health consequences, such as liver damage, high blood pressure, and increased risk of accidents.
Recognising the Signs and Symptoms of Alcohol Use Disorder
Identifying the early signs of AUD can help you take action before it escalates. Common symptoms include:
- Spending more money on alcohol than intended
- Inability to limit drinking despite wanting to cut back or stop drinking
- Putting alcohol before responsibilities, such as work, family, or personal health
- Craving alcohol, thinking about it even when not drinking
- Engaging in risky behaviours, such as drunk driving or unsafe sexual activity
- Experiencing alcohol withdrawal symptoms when alcohol consumption is reduced or stopped
The Impact of Alcohol Addiction, Binge Drinking or Alcohol Use Disorder
The consequences can be both short-term and long-term. In the short term, alcohol misuse can result in:
- Accidents due to impaired judgment or coordination
- Alcohol poisoning and high-risk behaviours
- Violence, such as assault or self-harm
- Strained relationships due to alcohol-induced conflicts
In the long term, chronic alcohol misuse can lead to severe health conditions, including:
- Liver disease and cirrhosis
- Heart disease, stroke, and high blood pressure
- Cancer, particularly of the liver, mouth, throat, and breast
- Mental health issues, such as depression, anxiety, and memory loss
- Dementia and psychosis in extreme cases
How I Can Help You Overcome Alcohol Use Disorder
If you or a loved one is struggling with alcohol, seeking professional help is essential. As an expert in addictions, alcohol dependency and alcohol use disorder, I offer personalised support and effective strategies to help you manage and overcome AUD. Here’s how I can assist:
- In-depth Understanding & RECOVERY: understand your particular issues and how it may relate to the complex nature of alcohol addiction. I work with you to identify the root causes, whether they are trauma, stress, genetic factors, environmental, or emotional.
- Tailored Strategies: I provide personalised solutions to help you manage cravings, develop healthier coping mechanisms, and regain control over your alcohol use. Together, we can reduce you or your loved ones drinking and improve your quality of life.
- Supportive, Non-Judgmental Environment: I offer a safe and empathetic space for you to explore the issue and discuss any challenges you may be facing. My goal is to empower you, recovery and to make lasting changes in your life.
- Expert Resources and Guidance: Helping you navigate recovery, stay on track and feel great. Whether you need guidance on avoiding relapse or managing triggers, I’m here to help.
Why Seek Professional Help for Alcohol Use Disorder?
Alcohol addiction or abuse, or Alcohol use disorder can feel overwhelming, but with expert guidance, you can regain control of your life. My services are designed to offer the support, knowledge, and strategies needed to overcome AUD and build a healthier future. Whether you need help managing alcohol cravings, understanding your triggers, stress, confidence or improving your mental and emotional wellbeing, I am committed to helping you achieve your goals, quickly.
Take the First Step Toward Recovery Today
Recognising the signs of AUD is the first step toward recovery. If you are ready to take control of your alcohol use, I can offer the expertise and support you need to succeed. Together, we can develop a plan that works for you, helping you to reduce alcohol consumption and ultimately regain your health, happiness, and quality of life.
Contact me today to begin your journey towards recovery. With personalised strategies, expert support, and a tailored approach, we can overcome alcohol use disorder together.
Alteratively ring or text 087 716 8844 to discuss how I can help
Academic References:
- National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA):
- About Alcohol Use Disorder
https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/alcohol-health/overview-alcohol-consumption/alcohol-use-disorder
- About Alcohol Use Disorder
- American Psychiatric Association (APA):
- DSM-5 Overview
https://www.psychiatry.org/psychiatrists/practice/dsm
- DSM-5 Overview
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):
- Excessive Alcohol Use and Risks
https://www.cdc.gov/alcohol/index.htm
- Excessive Alcohol Use and Risks
- World Health Organization (WHO):
- Alcohol Use and Health
https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/alcohol
- Alcohol Use and Health
- National Institute on Mental Health (NIMH):
- Alcohol Use Disorder and Mental Health
https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/alcohol-use
- Alcohol Use Disorder and Mental Health
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA):
- Substance Use and Mental Health Services
https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline
- Substance Use and Mental Health Services
- Mayo Clinic:
- Alcohol Use Disorder Symptoms and Causes
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/alcohol-use-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20369903
- Alcohol Use Disorder Symptoms and Causes
- American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM):
- What is Addiction?
https://www.asam.org/quality-practice/definition-of-addiction
- What is Addiction?
- The Lancet:
- Alcohol and Public Health
https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(18)30128-4/fulltext
- Alcohol and Public Health
- Harvard Medical School:
- Alcohol Use Disorder and Treatment
https://www.health.harvard.edu/topics/alcohol-use-disorder
- Alcohol Use Disorder and Treatment
- British Journal of Psychiatry:
- Alcohol Use Disorder and Mental Health
https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/the-british-journal-of-psychiatry/article/alcohol-use-disorder-and-mental-health/4B35A5F8042E9B41F4C3AA1F00D3F6D
- Alcohol Use Disorder and Mental Health
- National Health Service (NHS):
- Alcohol Dependence (Alcoholism)
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/alcohol-dependence/
- Alcohol Dependence (Alcoholism)
- Psychology Today:
- Understanding Alcohol Use Disorder
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/alcohol-use-disorder
- Understanding Alcohol Use Disorder
- Addiction Center:
- Signs and Symptoms of Alcoholism
https://www.addictioncenter.com/alcoholism/symptoms/
- Signs and Symptoms of Alcoholism
- PubMed Central (PMC):
- Alcohol Use Disorder: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7183686/
- Alcohol Use Disorder: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention
- Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA):
- Clinical Practice Guidelines for Alcohol Use Disorders
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2667110
- Clinical Practice Guidelines for Alcohol Use Disorders
- National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA):
- Alcohol and Your Health
https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/alcohol-health
- Alcohol and Your Health
- Alcoholics Anonymous (AA):
- Alcoholics Anonymous Fellowship
https://www.aa.org/find-a-meeting
- Alcoholics Anonymous Fellowship
- British Medical Journal (BMJ):
- Alcohol Use and Its Impact on Health
https://www.bmj.com/content/364/bmj.l161
- Alcohol Use and Its Impact on Health
- Addiction Medicine:
- Understanding the Treatment of Alcohol Use Disorder
https://www.addictionmedicine.org/understanding-alcohol-use-disorder
- Understanding the Treatment of Alcohol Use Disorder
- Psychiatric Times:
- Alcohol Use Disorder: Treatment and Challenges
https://www.psychiatrictimes.com/view/alcohol-use-disorder-treatment-and-challenges
- Alcohol Use Disorder: Treatment and Challenges
- National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE):
- Alcohol Use Disorder Guidelines
https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng208
- Alcohol Use Disorder Guidelines
- The Conversation:
- Why Alcohol Use Disorder Needs Better Recognition and Treatment
https://theconversation.com/why-alcohol-use-disorder-needs-better-recognition-and-treatment-133122
- Why Alcohol Use Disorder Needs Better Recognition and Treatment
- BMJ Open:
- Alcohol Use Disorder: A Global Perspective
https://bmjopen.bmj.com/content/10/4/e035378
- Alcohol Use Disorder: A Global Perspective
- Psychiatry Online:
- The Role of Genetics in Alcohol Use Disorder
https://psychiatryonline.org/doi/full/10.1176/appi.ajp.2019.19040459
- The Role of Genetics in Alcohol Use Disorder
- National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA):
- About Alcohol Use Disorder
NIAAA – Alcohol Use Disorder
- About Alcohol Use Disorder
- American Psychiatric Association (APA):
- DSM-5 Overview
DSM-5 Overview
- DSM-5 Overview
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):
- Excessive Alcohol Use and Risks
CDC – Alcohol and Public Health
- Excessive Alcohol Use and Risks
- World Health Organization (WHO):
- Alcohol Use and Health
WHO – Alcohol Use
- Alcohol Use and Health
- National Institute on Mental Health (NIMH):
- Alcohol Use Disorder and Mental Health
NIMH – Alcohol Use Disorder
- Alcohol Use Disorder and Mental Health
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA):
- Substance Use and Mental Health Services
SAMHSA – Alcohol Use Disorder
- Substance Use and Mental Health Services
- Mayo Clinic:
- Alcohol Use Disorder Symptoms and Causes
Mayo Clinic – Alcohol Use Disorder
- Alcohol Use Disorder Symptoms and Causes
- American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM):
- What is Addiction?
ASAM – Understanding Addiction
- What is Addiction?
- The Lancet:
- Alcohol and Public Health
The Lancet – Alcohol
- Alcohol and Public Health
- Harvard Medical School:
- Alcohol Use Disorder and Treatment
Harvard Medical School – Alcohol Use Disorder
- Alcohol Use Disorder and Treatment
- British Journal of Psychiatry:
- Alcohol Use Disorder and Mental Health
British Journal of Psychiatry – Alcohol Use Disorder
- Alcohol Use Disorder and Mental Health
- National Health Service (NHS):
- Alcohol Dependence (Alcoholism)
NHS – Alcohol Dependence
- Alcohol Dependence (Alcoholism)
- Psychology Today:
- Understanding Alcohol Use Disorder
Psychology Today – Alcohol Use Disorder
- Understanding Alcohol Use Disorder
- Addiction Center:
- Signs and Symptoms of Alcoholism
Addiction Center – Alcoholism Symptoms
- Signs and Symptoms of Alcoholism
- PubMed Central (PMC):
- Alcohol Use Disorder: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention
PubMed Central – AUD
- Alcohol Use Disorder: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention
- Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA):
- Clinical Practice Guidelines for Alcohol Use Disorders
JAMA – Alcohol Use Disorder Guidelines
- Clinical Practice Guidelines for Alcohol Use Disorders
- National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA):
- Alcohol and Your Health
NIAAA – Alcohol and Your Health
- Alcohol and Your Health
- Alcoholics Anonymous (AA):
- Alcoholics Anonymous Fellowship
AA – Find a Meeting
- Alcoholics Anonymous Fellowship
- British Medical Journal (BMJ):
- Alcohol Use and Its Impact on Health
BMJ – Alcohol Use
- Alcohol Use and Its Impact on Health
- Addiction Medicine:
- Understanding the Treatment of Alcohol Use Disorder
Addiction Medicine – Alcohol Treatment
- Understanding the Treatment of Alcohol Use Disorder
- Psychiatric Times:
- Alcohol Use Disorder: Treatment and Challenges
Psychiatric Times – Alcohol Use Disorder
- Alcohol Use Disorder: Treatment and Challenges
- National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE):
- Alcohol Use Disorder Guidelines
NICE – Alcohol Use Disorder
- Alcohol Use Disorder Guidelines
- The Conversation:
- Why Alcohol Use Disorder Needs Better Recognition and Treatment
The Conversation – Alcohol Use Disorder
- Why Alcohol Use Disorder Needs Better Recognition and Treatment
- BMJ Open:
- Alcohol Use Disorder: A Global Perspective
BMJ Open – Alcohol Use Disorder
- Alcohol Use Disorder: A Global Perspective
- Psychiatry Online:
- The Role of Genetics in Alcohol Use Disorder
Psychiatry Online – Genetics of AUD
- The Role of Genetics in Alcohol Use Disorder