Alcohol addiction is a mental health condition that is characterised by difficulty in controlling alcohol use, even if it is causing problems in your life. In this disorder, the brain becomes dependent on alcohol for normal functioning. Without it, you go through withdrawal symptoms like nausea, sweating, shaking, and so on.

This disorder is also known as alcohol use disorder, alcoholism, or alcohol abuse. It is a very common illness, with over 5% of the population suffering from it. It can affect your normal functioning, relationships, professional life, and other aspects. People often mistake it for a choice, but it is important to remember that alcohol addiction is an illness and should be treated as such.

Alcohol addiction can be caused by several factors, such as:

Genetics: This mental health concern can be passed through genes, that is, it can be passed between generations.

Trauma: Traumatic events can cause people to suffer from alcohol addiction. People might start using alcohol as a way to cope with the trauma.

Mental health conditions: Certain mental health concerns like depression & anxiety can also increase the risk of alcohol addiction.

Social factors: Social factors like culture, peers, family support, etc. can increase the risk of alcohol addiction.

Alcohol addiction develops over time and involves the following stages:

• At-risk stage: You might only drink occasionally, like in social settings or to relieve stress.

• Early alcohol use disorder: You may have started blacking out from excess alcohol consumption. You might also think about alcohol a lot and start drinking alone.

• Mid-stage alcohol use disorder: This is the stage where alcohol addiction becomes a big problem. Your alcohol usage might be out of control, and affects other areas of your life like finances and relationships.

• End-stage alcohol use disorder: In this stage, alcohol consumption is the biggest priority of your life. It can have a lot of implications for your mental and physical health.

The major signs & symptoms of alcohol addiction are as follows:

• Difficulty in controlling the amount of alcohol consumption

• Several failed attempts to quit alcohol consumption

• Continuing to consume alcohol despite it having negative consequences

• Strong cravings for alcohol

• Difficulty in daily functioning because of alcohol consumption

• Withdrawal symptoms like nausea and sweating when alcohol is not consumed

• Spending a lot of time & effort in order to consume alcohol

• Alcohol consumption resulting in unsafe situations

Alcohol addiction is commonly found alongside other mental health conditions like:

• Depression - People with depression may turn to alcohol as a way to cope with the symptoms of depression, like sadness and low moods.

• Bipolar Disorder - People with bipolar disorder may experience manic phases where they might start consuming alcohol excessively. They might also use alcohol to cope with the depressive phases.

• Anxiety - An individual with anxiety might use alcohol as a way to reduce their anxiety and feel better.

• Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) - Alcohol addiction is common among people with PTSD, as they use alcohol to cope with their trauma.

Supporting someone struggling with an alcohol addiction requires a balance of being there for them and maintaining firm boundaries. Focus on expressing your concerns calmly, avoid blame, and encourage them to seek professional help. Educate yourself about addiction, and ensure you also prioritise your own well-being and seek support.

Quitting alcohol, especially if you have a dependency, should ideally be done with professional guidance. Strategies include making a plan, identifying and avoiding triggers, building a strong support system, practising healthy coping mechanisms, and considering medical detox or medication if advised by a doctor.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) helps identify triggers and develop coping skills; Motivational Interviewing (MI) builds intrinsic motivation for change; and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) focuses on emotional regulation. Family therapy and 12-step facilitation are also used to overcome alcohol addiction.

Yes, psychiatrists, particularly those specialising in addiction psychiatry, treat addiction. As medical doctors, they can diagnose addiction, manage withdrawal symptoms, prescribe medications to reduce cravings or treat co-occurring mental health disorders (like depression or anxiety), and provide psychotherapy as part of a comprehensive care plan.