Alcohol dependence syndrome refers to signs and symptoms indicating alcohol addiction or alcoholism. Alcohol dependence differs from alcohol abuse, although both conditions represent drinking problems. People who abuse alcohol may have problems but do not necessarily have a physical addiction. Alcoholism occurs when people become physically addicted to alcohol. They often build up a tolerance for drinking and suffer withdrawal symptoms when drinking stops. People with alcohol dependence syndrome continue to drink despite the problems it causes in their lives.
Identification
The cause of alcohol dependence is not fully understood. Some people can drink responsibly without developing problems and others become dependent on alcohol over time, losing control of their drinking and allowing it to dominate their life, Medline Plus explains. Genetics, low self-esteem, depression, anxiety disorders and stressful conditions in life may cause alcohol dependence. Drinking problems may lead to health problems, family or social difficulties and trouble at work. The problems may continue until the drinking stops.
Drinking Function
People at risk for developing alcohol dependence include men who have 15 or more drinks a week and women who have 12 or more drinks a week, according to Medline Plus. People who have five or more drinks during an occasion at least once a week may also be developing alcohol dependence. A drink includes a 12-oz. bottle of beer, 5-oz. glass of wine or 1½-oz. shot of liquor.
Effects
Signs of alcohol dependence include a need for more amounts of alcohol to achieve a desired effect or intoxication, MentalHealthChannel notes. Alcoholics build up a tolerance for alcohol and increase their intake of it. Withdrawal symptoms occur when an alcoholic stops drinking. Sweating, shakiness or rapid heart rate develops. Many times, alcoholics need a drink in the morning to avoid these symptoms and calm their nerves.
Destruction
As drinking continues, alcoholics may start to think of obtaining alcohol as a priority, putting social, work and family responsibilities aside. Alcoholics may suffer from blackouts or not remembering what they did or said while drinking. These memory lapses may cause them to miss promised commitments made during their drinking. Alcoholics continue to drink even though the drinking interferes with family and job-related activities. Alcohol dependence causes them to become self-destructive and also destroys the lives of the people around them. Many alcoholics do not decide to quit drinking until they have serious health problems or disasters in their lives that may include losing jobs, friends or relationships.
Self-Testing
People concerned about their drinking can ask themselves questions related to their drinking patterns. The CAGE questionnaire is a simple test used by some doctors and health counselors. The test refers to cutting down, annoyance, guilt and eye opener. Has the person ever felt the need to cut down on drinking, been annoyed by criticism of drinking, felt guilty about drinking or needed an eye opener with a drink first thing in the morning to steady the nerves? One yes answer suggests a risk of alcohol dependence. A yes answer to more than one question indicates the likelihood of alcohol abuse or alcohol dependence, MentalHealthChannel notes.
