When do you become an alcoholic?

What does it mean to be an alcoholic?

Being an alcoholic goes far beyond occasional drinking or enjoying a glass of wine in the evening. Alcoholism, also known as alcohol dependence, is a serious condition characterized by the fact that the person affected is no longer able to control their alcohol consumption. Alcohol is often needed to feel "normal" or to cope with everyday challenges. A strong craving develops that is so intense that it overshadows all other priorities in life. This disease has not only physical, but also psychological and social consequences that can have a profound impact on the life of the person affected and those around them. Recognizing this addiction can be difficult, as many people live in a kind of repression for a long time and justify their alcohol consumption to themselves and others.

Signs of alcoholism: when do we speak of dependence?

The line between "normal" alcohol consumption and addiction is often blurred. However, there are some clear signs that indicate that alcohol consumption has become problematic. One of the most common signs is a strong craving for alcohol. Those affected have the feeling that they can no longer relax or function without alcohol. Another warning sign is a loss of control: even if there is a desire to drink less, it is often not possible to reduce consumption. The amount of alcohol consumed is exceeded more frequently than planned, and consumption is often concealed from others or downplayed. Another alarm signal is when hobbies, work or social contacts are neglected because alcohol is the main focus. Anyone who notices that they are organizing their life around alcohol consumption or that their health and well-being are suffering should regard this as a serious warning signal.

The difference between alcohol abuse and alcoholism

There is a subtle but important difference between alcohol abuse and alcoholism. Alcohol abuse refers to someone regularly drinking too much without necessarily being physically or mentally dependent. This can lead to short-term problems such as hangovers, memory lapses or social conflicts. Alcoholism, on the other hand, goes further: here there is an actual dependency in which those affected can no longer manage without alcohol and focus their entire life on consumption. Alcoholics don't just drink to have fun or relax, they need alcohol to feel good in the first place. While alcohol abuse is often triggered by external factors such as stress or social pressure, alcoholism is a disease that has long-term health and social consequences.

Physical and psychological consequences of alcoholism

The consequences of chronic alcoholism are devastating - both for the body and for the psyche. On a physical level, alcoholics often suffer from serious illnesses such as cirrhosis of the liver, gastritis or cardiovascular disease. The nervous system is also severely affected, which can lead to memory disorders, tremors or even permanent nerve damage. The body is weakened and is more susceptible to infections and other illnesses. Alcoholism has equally serious psychological effects. Those affected often suffer from depression, anxiety or general emotional instability. Alcohol becomes a kind of "escape" to cope with unpleasant feelings or stress. However, this often leads to a vicious circle, as the psychological problems are exacerbated by the alcohol consumption. Added to this is social isolation, as those affected often withdraw from friends and family.

Alcoholism: effects on social life

Not only health, but also social life suffers massively from alcohol addiction. Alcoholics often lose contact with friends and family as alcohol becomes increasingly important in their lives. Meetings with friends or family celebrations are avoided or only attended if alcohol is involved. Alcoholism can also lead to enormous tensions in relationships: Trust is destroyed, misunderstandings and conflicts arise, often even leading to domestic violence. The consequences can also be felt in the workplace. Alcoholics find it difficult to do their work reliably, absenteeism or a noticeable drop in performance occurs. Many of those affected lose their job or are no longer able to carry out their profession to its full extent. Ultimately, the entire social environment suffers from the effects of the addiction, which further reinforces the vicious circle.

Are there genetic or personal risk factors?

Not everyone who consumes alcohol regularly automatically becomes an alcoholic. However, there are certain risk factors that increase the likelihood of becoming addicted. Genetic predispositions are among the most important factors: Studies show that children of alcoholic parents have a higher risk of becoming addicted to alcohol themselves. But psychosocial factors also play a role. People who suffer from severe stress, anxiety or depression are more likely to use alcohol as a coping strategy. Personality traits such as impulsiveness or a low frustration tolerance can also increase the risk. Finally, the environment also plays a decisive role: people who are in a social environment where alcohol is consumed frequently and often are more susceptible to addiction.

Help for those affected: when should you seek support?

The first step in breaking out of alcohol addiction is to recognize the problem. Many people live in denial for a long time and deny that they are addicted. However, as soon as someone realizes that they can no longer control their alcohol consumption or that negative consequences for their health and life are becoming noticeable, it is important to seek help at an early stage. There are many contact points such as advice centres, self-help groups or therapy services that specialize in alcohol addiction. Inpatient detoxification or outpatient therapy can also be useful. It is crucial that those affected are not ashamed to seek support. The earlier the problem is recognized, the better the chances of long-term abstinence and a healthy life without alcohol.