According to data from the Agency, alcohol is the most consumed psychoactive substance in Spain Drug and alcohol investigation (AGES), a practice duplicated in men compared to women. The starting age of alcohol consumption is 14 years, which leads to a real public health problem to be taken into consideration, since the repercussions can worsen the quality of life and lead to serious diseases such as some tumors.
On many occasions the person suffering from alcoholism, at least in the initial stages, is not aware of the problem. Among the symptoms that experts at the Mayo Clinic warn are lack of control over quantity of alcohol drunk, the need to seek it, the excessive frequency and the impossibility of “quitting” despite being aware of the damage caused by alcohol consumption.
What is considered alcohol use disorder?
Alcohol use disorder depresses the central nervous systemand is a pattern of alcohol use that involves having trouble controlling what you drink, being worried about alcohol, or continuing to drink it even when you know it causes physical and mental health problems.
As specified by Mayo Clinic expertsthis disorder also implies the need to drink more to obtain the same effect or presence of withdrawal symptoms during tapering or quickly stop consumption. Alcohol use disorder includes a level of drinking often called alcoholism.
The most common consequences are great afflictions and difficulty managing “normal” daily life.. Although there are different degrees of addiction, the mild stage is already a problem in itself that must be addressed as soon as possible with professional help.
These are the symptoms that warn you of possible alcoholism
With alcoholism comes a decrease in the ability to fulfill our social and work obligations.
Initially, when alcoholism has already established itself, the most common symptoms are, according to all experts, inability to limit the amount of the alcoholic beverages we drink. To rule out a serious problem, try limiting your drinking to just one drink and wait to see what happens… trying unsuccessfully is a symptom to be aware of.
Another warning sign is feeling like you want to drink and doing everything you can to get it. Once you have it, it’s a bad sign that we spend a lot of time drinking, drinking more alcohol and also drinking recover after a busy day of eating.
At a higher level of gravity, comes the failure to comply with work activities and social, and the fact that our free time is occupied by meetings where we only drink alcohol. Being aware that drinking is not good for your health is an important step, but it will be a step backwards if we continue to consume it even if we feel the physical, social and work problems it causes us.
Alcoholism: increasing need to drink alcohol
Alcoholism generates tolerance, so the body needs an increasingly greater intake to obtain the same results.
This is an unmistakable sign that our body has already “got used” to the habitual consumption of alcohol develop tolerancewhich means we have to take more of it to get the same effects. That is, noticing less effectiveness with the same amount of alcohol and having to “increase the dose”.
At a more advanced level, alcoholism can cause typical withdrawal symptoms such as uncontrolled sweating, tremors, rapid heartbeat, agitation, anxiety, nausea and vomiting when we don’t drink…
Therefore, alcohol use disorder can (and does) alternate periods of drunkenness with withdrawal symptoms. Withdrawal occurs when alcohol consumption has been intense and prolonged, and then drastically reduces. Acute alcoholism, for its part, occurs with an increase in the amount of alcohol in the blood. This phase can cause behavioral changes and lack of coordination.
References
Luz M. León, Luisa M. López, Alberto Domínguez, Cristina Rodríguez, Begoña Brime, OEDA External Technical Expert, Noelia Llorens. ’Alcohol monograph 2024. Consumption and consequences’. Spanish Observatory of Drugs and Addiction, government delegation for the National Drug Plan. Ministry of Health. Government delegation for the National Anti-Drug Plan, 2024.120 p. https://pnsd.sanidad.gob.es
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What are the early signs of alcohol use disorder that individuals should be aware of?
Interview between Time.news Editor and Dr. Elena Ruiz, Alcoholism Expert
Time.news Editor: Welcome, Dr. Ruiz, and thank you for joining us today. With the rise of alcohol consumption in Spain becoming a public health concern, could you share some insights on what the latest data reveals about our drinking habits?
Dr. Elena Ruiz: Thank you for having me. The data is indeed concerning. According to the AGES report, alcohol remains the most consumed psychoactive substance in Spain, with men consuming it at double the rate of women. What’s particularly alarming is that many people start drinking at a very young age, around 14, which has profound implications on public health and could lead to severe diseases, including certain forms of cancer.
Editor: That is quite worrying. The article mentions the idea of alcohol use disorder starting early and that many individuals may not even recognize their problem. Can you elaborate on the symptoms that indicate someone might be struggling with this disorder?
Dr. Ruiz: Absolutely. Initially, individuals might find it incredibly hard to limit the amount they drink. According to experts, a hallmark symptom is the inability to control one’s drinking—trying to limit intake but failing is a significant warning sign. Additionally, a compulsive need to seek alcohol and an increase in drinking frequency, often to cope with stress or unwind after a long day, are red flags.
Editor: It sounds like it could escalate quite quickly. What can you tell us about the consequences of this disorder on daily life and overall health?
Dr. Ruiz: The repercussions can be severe. Alcohol use disorder affects not just physical health, leading to conditions such as liver disease and cardiovascular problems, but it also impacts mental health and social functioning. Individuals may fail to fulfill work and social obligations, which can lead to deterioration in their relationships and day-to-day functioning. Even mild stages of this disorder should not be overlooked—I urge anyone who recognizes these patterns to seek help immediately.
Editor: The notion of developing tolerance to alcohol, as you mentioned, is fascinating but also alarming. Can you explain what that means and how it affects behavior?
Dr. Ruiz: Certainly. Tolerance develops when a person’s body becomes accustomed to alcohol, requiring larger amounts to achieve the same effects. This gradually increases consumption and can lead to a cycle of dependency. The body’s growing need for alcohol often reinforces behaviors that prioritize drinking, making it extremely difficult for individuals to cut back or stop despite negative consequences.
Editor: It seems crucial that people educate themselves about these signs. The article suggests trying to limit alcohol intake as a way to gauge one’s drinking habits. Do you think this is a sensible approach?
Dr. Ruiz: Yes, it’s a practical first step. Individuals can start by setting a limit—maybe just one drink—and observe their reaction. If they find it challenging to adhere to this limit or feel compelled to drink regardless of the consequences, these could be signs that they need to delve deeper into their relationship with alcohol. Awareness is key in recognizing when professional support may be needed.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Ruiz, for shedding light on this pressing issue. With increasing awareness about alcohol use, what message would you like to leave our readers?
Dr. Ruiz: I want to emphasize that seeking help is not a sign of weakness but rather a courageous and necessary step towards recovery. Alcohol abuse is a complex issue, and support is available. If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out for professional help. Early intervention can make a significant difference.
Editor: Thank you for your invaluable insights today. It’s essential that we discuss these topics openly to foster understanding and support for those affected by alcohol use disorder.