Alcohol is a central nervous system depressant used recreationally for its intoxicating effects. Alcohol dependence occurs when a person requires alcohol to avoid physical withdrawals and continues to drink despite obvious negative effects. Both alcohol dependence and withdrawal can lead to serious health complications. Awareness about alcohol dependence and withdrawal is important for preventing the condition and choosing the most effective treatment.
Causes
To date, no single cause has been identified for alcohol dependence. A combination of factors, such as genetic and environmental influences, is thought to play a role in most cases. A family history of substance abuse is an important risk factor, as is early use of alcohol in childhood or adolescence. Environmental factors such as peer pressure, stress and underlying mental illness may further increase a person's risk for developing alcohol dependence.
Signs and Symptoms
Each person experiences alcohol's effects differently and may exhibit different signs of dependence. According to the Mayo Clinic, inability to limit drinking, hiding alcohol in secret places and drinking alone are common signs of alcoholism. Alcohol dependence often affects other areas of a person's life as well, such as productivity, mood and behavior.
Withdrawal occurs when alcohol consumption is stopped or reduced. Sweating, mood swings, headache and anxiety are common symptoms of mild-to-moderate withdrawals. In more severe cases, seizures, agitation and delirium tremens---a condition involving severe confusion and disorientation---may occur, according to Medline Plus.
Health Effects
Alcoholism can have detrimental effects on the mind and body. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, alcoholism can lead to thiamine deficiency, which often results in Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome--a brain disorder that causes severe cognitive impairment.
Liver damage is a well-known effect of long-term alcohol abuse. Hepatic encephalopathy---or brain swelling due to liver damage---can also occur. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, symptoms of hepatic encephalopathy include extreme changes in mood, sleep patterns and personality.
Complications
Long-term alcohol dependence can cause a variety of health conditions, many of which may result in death. According to the Mayo Clinic, alcohol abuse damages the heart, liver and brain and increases the risk of developing several types of cancer. Self-injury, depression and abuse of other substances are other potential complications.
Abruptly quitting depressant drugs such as alcohol can result in rebound symptoms of stimulation such as anxiety and restlessness. According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, hallucinations, vomiting, rapid heartbeat and grand mal seizures may signal alcohol withdrawal in a person who has recently quit using the substance. Dehydration and electrolyte imbalance may also occur due to excessive sweating or vomiting.
Warning
Alcohol dependence is a chronic disease that can lead to permanent disability or death. If you or someone you know is abusing alcohol, seek professional help immediately to help prevent life-threatening complications. Attempting to quit alcohol without a doctor's supervision may lead to dangerous withdrawal symptoms such as seizures or delirium tremens.
