Is Alcoholism A Mental Health Issue

If you drive a vehicle while intoxicated, you may harm yourself or someone else. Trips, falls, stumbles, arguments, and engaging in risky behaviors often occur when consuming alcohol and can lead to adverse consequences. Being born with an addiction gene accounts for at least 50% of the reason you may develop alcoholism. If close relatives have alcoholism or other addictions, you likely have the same genetics, which includes how you respond to alcohol and how https://ecosoberhouse.com/ your body metabolizes alcohol. ‌Drinking alcohol excessively can also get in the way of other activities, your relationships, and your self-esteem, which can further affect your mental health. Whether alcohol use disorder is mild, moderate, or severe is based on the number of questions answered with a yes.

• It can also cause hangovers, which can lead to feelings of anxiety and jitteriness.
• It’s not always clear whether an individual’s alcoholism or mental health disorder occurred first.
• Addiction isn’t one size fits all; despite commonalities, everyone experiences addiction differently.
• There are many mental health conditions that can co-occur with alcohol abuse.

Psychological and social symptoms

It is not uncommon for an addiction to alcohol to also come with a mental health dual-diagnosis. Mental illness is defined as a health condition that affects “mood, thinking, and behavior”. Mental health disorders include such conditions as depression, eating disorders, and addictive behaviors.

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When brain chemistry is disrupted, it can manifest as stress, depression, anxiety, hypervigilance, and other mental health symptoms. This disorder has specific diagnostic criteria in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5). In general, having at least two of the following symptoms indicates that alcohol use disorder is present, although only a licensed professional can provide a diagnosis. Excessive alcohol use can cause several physical and mental health impacts. These may occur over time with heavy alcohol use and can become life-threatening if not addressed. If your pattern of drinking results in repeated significant distress and problems functioning in your daily life, you likely have alcohol use disorder.

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These therapies can help individuals address emotional issues, reduce anxiety, and promote relaxation. They stress addressing underlying causes rather than solely focusing on neurochemistry. Despite limitations, the disease model has reduced addiction stigma, fostering a more compassionate view of alcoholism as a chronic condition. Alcoholism as a mental illness is a controversial topic in the medical and psychiatric fields ³. Currently, the DSM-5 categorizes Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) as a substance-related disorder rather than a mental illness. Acknowledging the intricate relationship between alcoholism and mental well-being is crucial, recognizing that while it may not neatly fit the mental illness label, there exists a significant interplay that demands attention.

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Co-occurring disorders exacerbate each other, making the condition even more challenging to manage. When a mental health issue is ignored, the drug or alcohol addiction may worsen. When people use alcohol or drugs more frequently, their mental illness symptoms may worsen. Having a co-occurring disorder can complicate treatment, but recovery is possible—especially if your mental and behavioural health conditions are treated concurrently by licenced professionals. Alcohol is dangerous for people with mental health disorders as it can make symptoms worse.

AUD increases the chances of co-occurring mental health conditions

Thus, the course and prognosis of alcohol-induced psychiatric disorders are different from those of the independent major psychiatric is alcoholism a mental illness disorders, which are discussed in the next section. It can be challenging to cope with problems related to alcohol and mental health, but recovery is possible. Alcoholism risk is about 50% genetic(16), as is antisocial personality disorder and depression, while anxiety risk is thought to be about 30% genetic. Studies found that adult children of Holocaust survivors with PTSD had a higher risk of developing it themselves than children of survivors without PTSD.

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Conversely, AUD can exacerbate mental health issues and potentially lead to the development of new mental health disorders. Understanding this complex relationship is crucial for effective diagnosis and treatment, as addressing both the addiction and underlying mental health issues is often necessary for lasting recovery. The NIAAA also notes that AUD is drug addiction a common co-occurring condition with other mental health disorders.

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• Family, twin, and adoption studies have further confirmed the genetic component of alcoholism.
• In fact, ongoing alcohol misuse can lead to an alcohol addiction, and the need to seek treatment in order to stop drinking.
• AUD is a complex condition that is closely intertwined with mental health.

Furthermore, alcohol dependence was likely to be persistent and long-lasting when alcohol was used as a form of self-medication 5. At Northern Illinois Recovery Center, we understand the severity of not just alcoholism but all types of addiction and substance abuse. It is our goal to help everyone who walks through our doors to get the help that they need so they can go on to live a happy, healthy, and sober life. In the early stages of alcoholism, the drinker will go through what’s known as problematic drinking.

It is often accompanied by mental health issues that can complicate treatment. Effective treatment for AUD involves addressing both the medical and mental health aspects of the disorder. Alcohol is sometimes used as a quick fix to suppress the signs of depression. However, self-medicating depression is extremely dangerous and can lead to life-threatening consequences.