When it comes to drinking alcohol, people rarely start with the intent to form a habit. But what may have started as the occasional drink can slowly become an addiction, impacting your body, mind, work, and relationships.
And it happens more often than you might think. In 2024, the NIAAA reported some staggering stats: 757,000 adolescents (aged 12-17) and 28.1 million adults in the US had an alcohol use disorder in the previous year. While those numbers are concerning, if you or someone you know is struggling with alcohol misuse, it can help to know you’re not alone, and support is available.
That said, the signs of alcohol dependence can be subtle, making it difficult to know whether or not to seek help.
Related: Hard facts about alcohol abuse and college
In honor of Alcohol Awareness Month, we’re here to clarify what alcohol dependence is, how to spot the warning signs in adolescents and adults, and where to find compassionate support.
Definition of Alcohol Dependence
Binge drinking, alcohol misuse, alcohol addiction, alcohol dependence – these all fall under the umbrella of Alcohol Use Disorder. It’s a pattern of drinking where someone can’t control the amount of alcohol they consume, to the point where it begins to negatively impact different areas of their day-to-day life.
Not being able to stop drinking – even when you know it’s harming your health and safety – is the first red flag.
Alcohol abuse in adolescents vs adults
Drinking alcohol has negative consequences for both adolescents and adults. While symptoms can appear similar, the definition of alcohol abuse for adolescents and adults differs.
According to the NIAAA, binge drinking is defined as a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08% or higher. For a typical adult, that equates to 5 or more drinks for a male, or 4 or more drinks for a female, within a 2-hour period.
But for adolescents, research shows that fewer drinks within the same amount of time can have the same effect – 3 drinks for girls and 3-5 drinks for boys, depending on their age and size.
Related: How alcohol abuse affects mental health across age groups
What Are the Warning Signs of Alcohol Abuse?
Alcohol dependence can present itself in a number of ways – and not all of them are instantly obvious. What one person experiences might differ from another.
But there are a few common signs that alcohol dependence may be at play. Knowing what they are and how to spot them can help you recognize when you or someone you care about needs help.
Loss of control
When dealing with alcohol addiction, it can be difficult to know when you’ve reached a healthy limit. And as alcohol dependence develops, it’s common to lose the ability to stop, even when you know you should. Struggling not to binge is often one of the first signs of alcohol misuse.
Increased tolerance
The more you drink, the less sensitive your body is to its effects. If it takes more and more alcohol to feel intoxicated, it may be an early sign of dependence.
Cravings and withdrawal symptoms
If you or someone you care about seems restless or agitated when they’re not consuming alcohol, it may be a sign that they’re struggling. Craving alcohol first thing in the morning, every evening, and several times throughout the day might mean your body is dependent.
And the more the body becomes dependent on alcohol, the more severe the withdrawal symptoms can be, sometimes interfering with school, work, social behavior, and other activities. Here are a few signs to watch out for:
- Headache
- Nausea
- Sweating
- Shaking
- Irritability
- Anxiety or restlessness
- Trouble sleeping
- Difficulty focusing
- Mood swings
Drinking alcohol can temporarily suppress withdrawal symptoms, often leading drinkers further into unhealthy drinking habits.
Neglecting responsibilities
From sustaining the habit to dealing with cravings and withdrawals, alcohol addiction can be all-consuming, impacting all areas of your life. You may skip personal grooming, struggle to get to work on time or focus at school, or fail to follow through on social plans. These are all red flags that alcohol use is taking a toll on your life and well-being.
Failed attempts to quit or cut back
Alcohol dependence is more than a bad habit – it’s a mental and physical need. It’s hard to cut back or quit drinking alcohol when your body and mind have become dependent. If you or someone you know is struggling to drink less or quit completely despite making a conscious effort, alcohol dependence may be the cause.
Alcohol Dependence Treatment Plan
Recognizing the signs of alcohol dependency is the first step toward making a recovery. Whatever the reason for drinking, and no matter how severe the dependence has become, with compassionate support, you can take back control, develop healthy coping strategies, and live alcohol-free again.
Reaching out for help isn’t always easy, and there’s no one-size-fits-all alcohol approach to treatment. But if you or a loved one needs help with addiction recovery, here are a few places you can start:
Friends and family: The best support often comes from those we love the most. Seek out people you trust who can help you break free from alcohol without judgment.
Support groups: Getting to know people who have been through similar struggles can be a great way to get the support and encouragement you need as you recover. Find a group that really gets it – no judgment, no shame.
Related: Mental health and substance abuse groups in the Region Five area
Self-compassion: The road to healing is rarely straight. If your progress is slower than you’d like, or you slip up along the way, don’t beat yourself up. The key is to keep trying.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): This can be particularly helpful for alcohol-dependent adolescents, helping them understand the feelings and thoughts that lead to heavy drinking. A therapist can teach you healthy ways to cope, and strategies to manage the urge to drink when it arises.
Alcohol detoxification: In more serious cases, an alcohol detox may be necessary. As the alcohol leaves your body, the withdrawal symptoms can be intense, so it’s usually best to undergo the process with a medical professional if possible.
How Region Five Can Help
If the warning signs of alcoholism outlined above sound familiar, or if you think a loved one may be suffering in silence, we can help.
Explore our Peer and Family Support Groups, or contact your local Community Services Board, which connect you with the right people to guide you on your recovery journey.
No matter the circumstances, our team of friendly professionals are here to help. Call our 24/7 crisis line at (757) 656-7755. Or, visit our website to see our full list of services.
We’re with you, every step of the way.
