Alcohol

The Nature of Alcohol

  • Alcohol refers to ethanol, a chemical substance found in drinks such as beer, wine, and spirits that leads to intoxication when consumed.
  • Following consumption, alcohol is absorbed into the bloodstream through the stomach and small intestine, with effects typically felt within minutes.

Alcohol and the Brain

  • Alcohol impacts the brain by increasing the release of GABA, a neurotransmitter that inhibits excitability in the nervous system, leading to feelings of relaxation and drowsiness.
  • Concurrently, it inhibits the neurotransmitter glutamate, which normally increases brain activity and energy levels.
  • Alcohol also causes a release of dopamine in the brain’s reward centre, creating a pleasurable sensation which can lead to repeated use of alcohol to recreate this feeling.

The Cycle of Addiction

  • Addiction to alcohol develops as a result of repeated use, causing changes in the brain’s reward and stress systems that lead to increased alcohol use and dependence.
  • When alcohol levels decrease, withdrawal symptoms can occur, leading to a desire to drink more to alleviate these symptoms.

Dependency and Withdrawal

  • Dependency on alcohol encompasses physical and psychological elements. Physical dependency involves tolerance and withdrawal symptoms, while psychological dependency revolves around the habitual consumption of alcohol in response to certain triggers or events.
  • Withdrawal from alcohol can lead to symptoms such as anxiety, restlessness, insomnia, hallucinations, and in severe cases, seizures.

Behavioural Aspects of Alcohol Addiction

  • Alcohol addiction is often tied to behavioural patterns and social aspects. Drinking may become associated with certain social situations, or be used as a coping mechanism for stress, increasing the difficulty of breaking the addiction cycle.
  • Individuals may continue to drink despite the negative consequences on their health, work, and relationships due to the strong psychological pull of addiction.

Treatment Approaches for Alcohol Addiction

  • Treatment for alcohol addiction can involve a combination of psychological therapies, physical treatments, and supportive care.
  • Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) can assist in managing triggers and changing destructive behaviours and thought patterns related to alcohol use.
  • Medications like disulfiram, acamprosate, and naltrexone can be employed to help manage cravings and prevent relapse. Detoxification programmes and the use of a controlled and progressive withdrawal process is also a common approach.
  • Support groups such as Alcohol Anonymous (AA) provide a supportive community to individuals trying to overcome alcohol addiction.