Written by:

Nuno Albuquerque – Former UKAT Counsellor

Medically Reviewed by:

Last Updated:

January 15th, 2025

Alcohol Addiction | Signs, Symptoms and Effects

Anyone who has battled with an alcohol addiction knows that breaking free from its grips can be incredibly tough. Alcohol may have seeped its way into every corner of your life, destroyed your relationships and taken its toll on your own well-being. Not only does alcohol abuse cause physical and psychological damage, it is also the leading cause of early mortality for those ages 15 – 49 years old.

If you’re struggling with alcoholism, you may feel like there’s no hope of ever being free. Recovery Lighthouse is here to change that – our team has years of experience in helping individuals overcome their dependency on alcohol. With our support, you can regain control of your life.

Why is alcohol addictive?

To understand why alcohol addiction occurs, it’s important to recognise how alcohol affects the brain. Put simply, drinking stimulates the reward centre of our brains by causing a surge of dopamine – this is what creates the feelings of pleasure associated with consuming alcohol. With these feelings of pleasure, memory circuits are activated and a link between alcohol and a pleasant experience is formed.

Over time, the reward centre strives for increasingly powerful highs and more and more alcohol is consumed. The brain will soon begin to rely on alcohol to fuel its dopamine levels, leading to withdrawal symptoms if you go without a drink.

Frequent alcohol use has also been linked to alterations in areas of the brain responsible for impulse control and judgement. This prevents an individual from being able to control their drinking, leading to increased dependency on alcohol.

Am I addicted to alcohol?

Everyone’s relationship with alcohol is different – for most, the term ‘alcohol addiction’ brings to mind images of drinking five bottles of wine each day and passing out on the kitchen floor. While this could be true for some, alcohol addiction takes many forms:

Young adult subtype

Young adults (aged 19 – 25) make up 31.5% of all alcohol-dependent individuals. Studies found that this group are more likely to binge heavily on ‘drinking days’, but tend to drink alcohol less frequently than other addiction-types. This group is also less likely to seek help for their alcoholism, with only 8.7% ever searching for support.

Functional subtype

Perhaps you have heard of the term ‘functioning alcoholic’ – this group represents 19.4% of those suffering from an addiction to alcohol. Individuals in this group are more likely to have a full-time job (around 62%) and are less likely to be involved in legal problems as a result of their drinking (<1%). While they may appear on the surface to be functioning normally, they tend to drink alcohol frequently, on average every other day.

Intermediate familial subtype

Similarly to the functional subtype, individuals in the intermediate familial group are generally in their late thirties and 68% are in full-time employment. Members of this subtype are more likely to have immediate family members also suffering from alcoholism (47%), and they are much more likely to experience mental health issues such as major depression (47%), bipolar disorder (22%), OCD (19%) and generalised anxiety disorder (20%).

Young antisocial subtype

This subtype comprises 21.1% of those suffering from an alcohol addiction and is classified by an early onset drinking age of around 15 years old. As the name suggests, this group also has the highest numbers for antisocial behaviour as a result of drinking. Unfortunately this group presents a high probability for other forms of substance abuse and reports the highest consumption of alcohol of any subtype, with these individuals consuming around 17.1 drinks on drinking days.

Chronic severe subtype

This subtype is the least prevalent at 9.2% and is classified by an early onset drinking age of 15 years old, coupled with a dependence to alcohol developing later at around 29 years old. Mental health issues are common amongst this group, including major depression (55%), persistent depressive disorder (25%), bipolar disorder (34%), generalised anxiety disorder (24%), social phobia (26%) and panic disorder (17%). This group presents the highest number of drinking days at around 248 days of the year, consuming around 15.4 drinks on those days.

As you can see, you do not need to be drinking every day to suffer from alcoholism. An addiction to alcohol is defined by the inability to control or stop your urges despite knowing the negative consequences it is having. You are also likely to need more and more alcohol to achieve the same effects, experience intense cravings and suffer from withdrawal symptoms if you try to quit.

Who is at risk of alcohol addiction?

Genetics play a strong role in the likelihood of developing an addiction to alcohol with research showing that alcoholism is a complex genetic condition. You are therefore more likely to develop problems with alcohol if you have immediate family who also suffer. Not only this, but it is possible that the behaviour is learned from a young age, and so environmental factors do also come into play.

Those who have suffered past trauma or mental health issues are also at risk of developing an addiction to alcohol. These individuals may drink alcohol as a way to soothe or repress negative emotions, as a way to forget their past or to try and quench the symptoms of a mental health disorder.
Even personality traits can impact the amount you drink – for example, those who are shy may drink to boost their confidence in social situations.

While these factors may influence the likelihood of alcoholism developing, the truth is that anyone can be impacted by alcohol addiction, no matter their age, gender or background.

The negative impact of alcohol addiction

Alcohol addiction can have devastating physical and mental health consequences, both in the short and long-term. Regular excessive drinking can lead to diseases ranging from liver cirrhosis to cancer, stroke or heart disease. The potential cognitive and psychological effects are no less alarming.

Short-term effects of alcohol misuse include:

Impulsive or risky behaviour
Slurred speech
Loss of coordination
Changes in perception
Nausea and vomiting
Headaches
Loss of consciousness
Loss of memory
Risk of alcohol poisoning
Increased risk of accidents and injury

Long-term effects of alcohol misuse include:

Mood swings and irritability
Insomnia
Weakened immune system
Difficulty concentrating and trouble with memory
Decreased cognitive function
High blood pressure
Increased risk of mental health issues
Higher likelihood of social problems, including in relationships and employment

The signs of an alcohol addiction

Drinking alcohol is a widely accepted form of celebrating, socialising and relaxing, so it can be incredibly tough to spot an alcohol addiction developing. If you suspect a loved one is straying down this path, it is important to be aware of any signs that may point to a problem.

Signs of alcohol addiction may include:

Change in appearance – weight loss, dry skin, red or flushed face
Yellowing eyes or skin
Reduced hygiene standards
Smelling of alcohol
Secretive behaviour or attempting to conceal the amounts of alcohol consumed
Frequent bruises or injuries that can’t be explained
Loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities
Problems with performance at work or school
Frequent periods where they are uncontactable
Asking for money or stealing money in order to buy alcohol

Approaching a loved one about alcohol addiction

Now you know the signs of alcohol addiction, how do you approach a loved one about this issue? It is very important to approach your family member when they are sober, using care and sensitivity. It is best to be clear and upfront when speaking with them, however, make sure to do so in a non-judgemental and compassionate way.

Try not to pressure your loved one into talking or getting help; they need time to process and come around to the idea of seeking help themselves. It’s important not to label or blame them for their struggles – instead offer your support and let them know that you are there for them unconditionally.

Remember that individuals suffering from alcohol addiction are in a vulnerable state, so approaching the conversation with kindness and patience is the most effective approach.

Is there treatment available for alcohol addiction?

Alcohol addiction is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition. Finding the right treatment can mean the difference between long-term sobriety and relapse. While there are many different treatment types, inpatient rehabilitation is often considered one of the best ways to address alcohol addiction.

Inpatient rehab focuses on providing an intensive, structured approach to recovery that combines evidence-based practices such as cognitive behavioural therapy and group therapy. During these programmes, you are removed from the environment that previously supported or enabled your drinking habits.

Recovery Lighthouse can change your attitude towards alcohol, provide accountability, aid in relapse prevention techniques, and build social skills needed for continuing recovery after completion of the programme.

A life without alcohol

Life can be clouded by an addiction to alcohol, hindering you from seeing your own potential and leaving you feeling anxious, lonely and full of shame. Although your journey back to clarity will be tough, those who do make the commitment to get sober benefit from an increase in self-worth, improved relationships with family and friends, enhanced overall physical health and better career opportunities. Reclaiming one’s life after addiction is never easy but it is well worth the struggle.

If you are ready to take the leap and start treatment for your alcohol addiction, get in touch with our admissions team today. Recovery Lighthouse can provide you with the tools and resources you need to leave alcohol behind.

Frequently asked questions

Can alcohol addiction be life-threatening?

Yes, alcohol addiction can result in liver failure, overdose, and other serious health issues.

Can it be considered alcohol abuse if I don’t drink every day?

Yes, alcohol abuse is characterised by drinking excessively or in a way that harms your health or relationships, regardless of frequency.

Is there a difference between a problem drinker and an alcoholic?

Yes, an alcoholic is someone who has developed a dependence on alcohol, while a problem drinker may drink excessively but can still control their use.

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