Excessive alcohol consumption, like substance dependence, harms mental and physical functions. An alcohol-dependent person spends most of the day thinking about, finding, obtaining, and using alcohol. Often, the individual denies the problems caused by their dependence.
Signs of addiction include:
- Irresistible craving for alcohol
- Impulsivity, reduced self-control
- Psychological and physical withdrawal syndrome
- Increased tolerance
- Unsuccessful attempts to quit drinking independently
- Abstinence syndrome
When an alcohol-dependent person stops drinking, the following symptoms may appear:
Within 6-12 hours:
- Anxiety
- Trembling of hands
- Shaking of the body
- Nausea
- Sweating
- Headache
- Vomiting
- Insomnia
- Irritability
Within 12-48 hours:
- Rapid heartbeat
- High blood pressure
- Increased breathing rate
- Severe mood swings
- Decreased concentration
- Hallucinations
- Possible seizures
Within 48-72 hours:
- Alcohol delirium (delirium tremens) may develop:
- High fever
- High blood pressure
- Acute psycho-physical agitation
- Hallucinations (visual, auditory, tactile)
- Delusions
- Altered consciousness
The severity of symptoms is determined by:
- Type of alcohol
- The daily amount of alcohol
- Duration of consumption
- The general physical condition of the individual
- Individual factors
Closely related to mental health problems such as:
- Depression
- Anxiety disorders
- Cognitive dysfunction
- Increased risk of suicide
- Psychosis…