What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

• Addiction to Alcohol
• Alcohol Addiction
• Alcoholism

What is Alcohol Dependence? (Definition/Background Information)

• Alcohol Dependence generally refers to alcohol addiction. It is characterized by intense craving for alcohol, although the user knows the negative effects of alcohol. There is also a lack of will power to regulate how much alcohol is consumed once the user becomes dependent on alcohol.
• Alcohol Dependence is observed in men at a much higher incidence rate than women (about five times). A family history of alcoholism, use of alcohol at an early age, psychiatric issues, and poor family support are some of the risk factors associated with the condition.
• The treatment may be a lifelong and involved process that begins with the acceptance of the drinking problem by the user. Counseling is highly encouraged, along with regular attendance of alcoholic anonymous meetings.
• Relapses are highly common among those trying to quit drinking. The first relapse typically occurs within 3 months after treatment is completed. However, if the matter is taken seriously and treated vigorously, Alcohol Dependence can be overcome.

Who gets Alcohol Dependence? (Age and Sex Distribution)

• Alcohol is consumed worldwide, though people in certain regions are observed to consume more alcohol than others
• Drinking alcohol may set in at an early age, even as early as 15 years. Though, the condition affects teens and young adults between the ages 18 to 29 years the most. The incidence is lowest among those aged 65 years and older
• Men are five times more likely to be afflicted by alcohol dependence than women

What are the Risk Factors for Alcohol Dependence? (Predisposing Factors)

Risk factors associated with Alcohol Dependence include:

• Family history of alcoholism
• Early use
• Gender - being male
• Social and cultural values
• Abuse of other drugs
• Psychiatric issues

It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean that one will get the condition. A risk factor increases ones chances of getting a condition compared to an individual without the risk factors. Some risk factors are more important than others.

Also, not having a risk factor does not mean that an individual will not get the condition. It is always important to discuss the effect of risk factors with your healthcare provider.

What are the Causes of Alcohol Dependence? (Etiology)

There is no one specific cause linked to alcohol abuse or Alcohol Dependence and why it affects some individuals more than others. Research has shown that alcoholism may be a genetic condition in some cases. The causes of Alcohol Dependence may include:

• High stress or anxiety levels
• Social and cultural values and beliefs
• Peer pressure from other users who consume alcohol
• One’s environment
• The use or abuse of other drugs and such substances; alcohol may be used to counteract stimulant effects

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Alcohol Dependence?

Alcohol Dependence is characterized by the occurrence of withdrawal symptoms when consumption has stopped. The user needs to continue drinking in order to manage the withdrawal symptoms.

Alcohol withdrawal signs and symptoms may include:

• Fatigue
• Tremors
• Irritability
• Headache
• Vomiting
• Insomnia

Other signs and symptoms of Alcohol Dependence may include:

• Drinking for prolonged amount of time
• Feeling of guilt after consumption
• Increased tolerance to alcohol: Large amounts are consumed to reach ‘effects’ previously produced by smaller amounts
• Drinking continuously regardless of adverse or negative consequences
• Drinking alone or secretly, drinking early in the day
• Desire to stop drinking but unable to
• Denial
• Poor performance at work or school, absenteeism

How is Alcohol Dependence Diagnosed?

Alcohol Dependence is diagnosed by the following criteria: A maladaptive pattern of drinking, leading to significant disruption as a result of which three or more of the following factors occur within a 12-month period:

• The need for dramatically increased amounts of alcohol to achieve intoxication or desired effects
• The presence of characteristic withdrawal syndrome for alcohol
• Drinking in larger amounts or over a longer period than intended
• Persistent craving to consume alcohol
• Unsuccessful efforts at controlling consumption
• One’s important social, occupational, or recreational activities gets sacrificed for drinking
• A large amount of time is spent on activities necessary to obtain, use alcohol, or in order to recover from the effects of drinking
• Continued drinking despite knowledge of having a persistent or recurrent physical or psychological problem that is likely to be caused or exacerbated by drinking

Other tests for Alcohol Dependence may include:

• Blood alcohol levels
• Serum electrolytes
• Liver function tests

Many clinical conditions may have similar signs and symptoms. Your healthcare provider may perform additional tests to rule out other clinical conditions to arrive at a definitive diagnosis.           

What are the possible Complications of Alcohol Dependence?

Complications due to Alcohol Dependence include:

• Emotional instability
• Difficulty forming meaningful relationships
• Liver damage
• Increased risk of cancer such as liver cancer and other cancers

Alcohol Dependence may even lead to death if the condition is not addressed appropriately and on time.

How is Alcohol Dependence Treated?

Treatment of Alcohol Dependence may be a life-long process.  The process begins with the acceptance of a drinking problem by the user. Counseling is highly recommended along with regular attendance of alcoholic anonymous meetings.

Medications can also be given to manage withdrawal symptoms. Such medications include:

• Topiramate
• Baclofen
• Naltrexone
• Acamprosate

The drug disulfiram is also prescribed to discourage alcohol consumption due to its vomiting-inducing effects when mixed with alcohol.

How can Alcohol Dependence be Prevented?

Alcohol Dependence can be prevented by:

• Limiting alcohol consumption
• Drinking slowly while taking any alcoholic drink
• Surrounding oneself with friends who do not drink
• Avoiding events or parties where there could be plenty of alcohol (as the main attraction)
• Do not drink while highly stressed

What is the Prognosis of Alcohol Dependence? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

• If Alcohol Dependence is considered as a serious issue and treated vigorously, it can be overcome
• Even so, relapses are very common among those trying to quit. Typically, the first relapse occurs within 3 months after completion of treatment
• If no relapse has occurred after 3 months, the chances of remaining sober increases immensely

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Alcohol Dependence:

• According to World Health Organization (WHO), around 3.3 million people die annually due to the ill-effects of alcohol (2014 report). 13% of the deaths are young teens and adults in the 15-29 years age group
• Per WHO, alcohol is one of the five leading risk factor for disease and death globally
• The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism estimates 14 million Americans (1 in of every 13 adults) either abuse alcohol or are alcoholics