Alcohol addiction, also known as alcoholism or alcohol use disorder, is an illness in which a person loses control over their drinking and carries on despite the health, family or work problems it causes. It does not depend only on how much is drunk: what defines it is the relationship that develops with alcohol. It can be treated, and the sooner you ask for help, the easier the road usually is.
What alcohol addiction is and how it develops
Alcohol is a central nervous system depressant. At first it produces euphoria and lowers inhibitions, which is why many people think of it as a stimulant, but in fact it slows the brain down: it impairs reflexes, coordination and judgement. It is the legal substance with the most users in Spain, and it is so present at celebrations, meals and leisure time that it is hard to see when it stops being a social habit.
The World Health Organization points out that there is no risk-free amount of alcohol. Addiction rarely appears overnight. It usually develops gradually:
- Hazardous drinking: drinking so often or in such quantities that the likelihood of harm already increases, even if there are no visible problems yet.
- Harmful drinking: specific consequences appear for health, mood, relationships or work.
- Dependence: body and mind need alcohol, control is lost and stopping drinking causes discomfort.
How do I know if I am an alcoholic? Questions to reflect on
Asking yourself this question is already an important step. No test can replace a professional assessment, but answering these questions honestly about the past year can help you see your situation more clearly:
- Do you end up drinking more, or for longer, than you intended?
- Have you tried to cut down or stop and not managed it?
- Do you need more and more to feel the same effect?
- Do you often think about drinking or feel very strong urges to drink?
- Have you neglected obligations, hobbies or people because of drinking?
- Do you keep drinking even though it leads to arguments, health problems or trouble at work?
- Do you drink in dangerous situations, such as before driving?
- Do you notice shaking, sweating, nerves or insomnia when you go hours without a drink, which settle once you have one?
If you recognise yourself in two or more of these situations, it is worth talking to a professional. It does not necessarily mean you have a severe dependence, but it does mean alcohol is taking up a place in your life that is worth reviewing. You will find more guidance on the page about how to detect an addiction.
Symptoms of alcoholism
The signs are often noticed first by the people close to the person who drinks. These are some of the most common.
Physical signs
- Smelling of alcohol at unusual times or trying to hide it.
- Shaking, sweating or nausea in the morning that improve after drinking.
- Poor sleep, constant tiredness and neglect of personal appearance.
- Memory blackouts about what happened while drinking.
Emotional and behavioural signs
- Irritability, sudden mood swings, sadness or anxiety.
- Drinking in secret, hiding bottles or lying about how much has been drunk.
- Looking for excuses to drink or starting earlier and earlier.
- Missing work, money problems and family conflict.
- Denying or playing down the problem when someone mentions it.
Consequences of alcoholism
In the short term
Drinking a lot in a short time can cause alcohol poisoning, which in severe cases leads to coma and can be fatal. In addition, lowered inhibitions and a false sense of control are linked to road and workplace accidents, fights and unprotected sex.
In the long term
Continued drinking damages almost the whole body, even in people who are not yet dependent:
- Liver: fatty liver, alcoholic hepatitis and cirrhosis.
- Brain: memory loss, cognitive decline, encephalopathy and dementia.
- Mental health: depression, anxiety, insomnia, aggression and, in some cases, psychosis.
- Other effects: a higher risk of several types of cancer, cardiovascular problems and sexual dysfunction.
- Personal life: strain in relationships, growing distance from children and friends, job loss and financial difficulties.
When alcohol is combined with anxiety, depression or another mental health condition, we speak of dual diagnosis, and both problems need to be treated at the same time.
How to help someone with an alcohol problem without damaging the relationship
Watching someone you love drink more and more brings fear, anger and exhaustion. You cannot decide for the other person, but your attitude does influence whether they agree to seek help. Some useful pointers:
- Choose your moment. Talk when they are sober and calm, not in the middle of an argument or straight after an episode.
- Describe facts, not labels. “Yesterday you couldn’t remember how you got home and it scared me” works better than “you’re a drunk”.
- Talk about how it affects you. Speaking in the first person makes the other person feel less attacked.
- Do not cover up the consequences. Making excuses for absences or paying off debts tends to prolong the problem.
- Set clear limits and stick to them. For example, not getting in the car if they have been drinking.
- Have a specific alternative ready. A phone number or an available appointment makes it easier for them to say yes.
- Look after yourself too. Families need their own support, even if the person does not yet want treatment.
It is best to avoid lecturing, threats you will not carry out, hiding or throwing away bottles without talking about it, and arguing when they have been drinking. At Fundación Salud y Comunidad (FSC) we have a family support programme to guide those who live with the problem.
Stopping drinking: why not to do it suddenly without supervision
If there is physical dependence, stopping abruptly can trigger withdrawal syndrome: shaking, sweating, anxiety, insomnia, nausea and a racing heart. In the most severe cases, seizures or delirium tremens can occur, which is a medical emergency. That is why you should not stop drinking suddenly without medical supervision if you drink every day or heavily. A professional team will assess whether detoxification is needed and under what conditions. In the event of seizures, severe confusion or loss of consciousness, call 112, the European emergency number.
When to ask for help
You do not have to hit rock bottom to start treatment. Ask for help if you find it hard to control your drinking, if you have tried to stop without success, if you feel physically unwell when you do not drink or if alcohol is affecting your health or your relationships. Also if you are a family member and do not know what to do.
In Barcelona you can request our free first appointment or call +34 93 424 04 00. A professional will listen to you, assess your situation and explain your options, with no obligation.
Frequently asked questions
Is alcoholism an illness?
Yes. Alcohol use disorder is recognised as a health problem that affects the brain and behaviour, not as a lack of willpower. Understanding it this way helps to remove guilt and to seek treatment.
Can drinking only at weekends be a problem?
It can. Heavy episodic or “binge” drinking (five or more drinks on one occasion for men, four or more for women) carries significant risks even if you do not drink during the week. What matters is whether there is loss of control and whether there are consequences.
Can you force someone to stop drinking?
With an adult, treatment works better when the person is personally committed to it. The family cannot force change, but it can encourage the person to take the step and get guidance on how to cope with the situation.
What should I do if someone has drunk a lot and is not responding?
Call 112. While help is on its way, lay them on their side so they do not choke if they vomit, do not leave them alone and do not give them coffee, food or cold showers, as these do not reduce intoxication.
How long does treatment for alcoholism last?
It depends on the person: how long they have been drinking, their state of health and the support they have. It usually combines an initial phase, sometimes with detoxification, and longer-term psychological support to prevent relapse.
