Alcohol addiction, or what was commonly called alcoholism, is the most severe form of alcohol use. It’s when an individual struggling with alcohol use disorder cannot manage their drinking habit. They have a compulsive need to indulge in an alcoholic drink even if it harms them.
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Types of Alcohol Abuse
Alcohol abuse can take many forms, such as:
Early Alcohol Abuse
In this stage, a person still experiments with different types of alcohol. Early alcohol abuse is common among people who only drink at social events. Even though they are not regular drinkers, binge drinking can put them at risk of developing this alcohol abuse form. Additionally, people with pre-existing mental issues are more likely to develop this form of abuse faster. Women are also more prone. This is because women need less alcohol to achieve a higher BAC. People with pre-existing conditions may turn to alcohol as a pain reliever. Over time, this becomes a habit.
Problematic Alcohol Abuse
The person may or may not develop alcohol dependence. However, the individual will experience withdrawals if they cease drinking. Individuals with this form of alcohol abuse have an attachment to drinking. They will give reasons for drinking, such as “alcohol helps me have a good time.” This puts them at risk of spiraling into alcohol use disorder.
Severe Alcohol Abuse
The presence of 6 or more DSM-5 symptoms indicates that a person is at this stage. At this point, a person has become an addict. They will show signs of alcohol addiction that are very noticeable. If a person is at this stage, they should seek addiction treatment. People under this category are at a higher risk of developing health complications. These are the complications resulting from alcohol use, such as liver damage.