Alcohol Dependency Might Not Be As Psychological As You Think

In extreme cases, alcohol too can become a need of the body like water and food

20 Dec, 2022

Kashish Sharma

Not the same thing

Alcohol abuse and alcohol dependency are often used interchangeably. However, they don’t mean the same thing.

Source: Thehealthsite

Might or might not

An alcohol abuser might or might not become alcohol dependent in the long run.

Source: Thehealthsite

Abuse is overuse or misuse

An alcohol abuser might misuse or overuse alcohol despite health, legal or social problems. They might be consuming liquor excessively but it is not a need.

Source: Thehealthsite

Still a disorder

Alcohol abuse though seems intentional and controllable might also come under DSM’s category of substance use disorder but the condition is not physical at this stage.

Source: Thehealthsite

Dependency is physical

Dependence is a state of physical addiction where a person might drink an excessive amount of alcohol to achieve the desired effect.

Source: Thehealthsite

Actual physical need might develop

Increased tolerance for alcohol and withdrawal symptoms means that an actual physiological need has developed for alcohol.

Source: Thehealthsite

Withdrawal symptoms are real

When alcohol dependents might try to leave alcohol, they might feel sick and might have symptoms like delirium, tremors and hallucinations.

Source: Thehealthsite

Drink to subside symptoms

Alcohol dependents might also drink to overcome the unpleasant withdrawal symptoms.

Source: Thehealthsite

Psychological need is equally powerful

Not all substance abuse can cause physical dependency but in some cases, psychological dependency can be as powerful as physical need.

Source: Thehealthsite

Awareness can help them

While it might be difficult to empathize with an alcohol addicts, understanding their powerlessness can open doors to their treatment and recovery.

Source: Thehealthsite

Thanks For Reading!

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