Dependence On Alcohol

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Alcohol Dependence

Alcoholism is a disease characterised by continuous heavy drinking. 

Until people with alcohol use disorder admit to problems with alcohol and stop drinking, the risk of alcohol use disorder continues.  

Alcohol abuse and alcoholism can affect both physical and mental health.

The body becomes accustomed to heavy drinking, causing withdrawal symptoms as the effects of alcohol consumption wear off. 

According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse, dependency occurs when avoiding withdrawal symptoms by drinking alcohol. 

Abbeycare does not recommend completely ceasing consumption of alcohol alone, or attempting alcohol withdrawal unassisted, due to the risk of developing delirium tremens. 

Alcohol Dependence Signs And Symptoms

According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), the following are signs and symptoms related to alcohol use. 

Emotional Symptoms of Alcohol Dependence


  • Irritability or short temper
  • Anxiety, agitation, or inability to relax
  • Feeling overwhelmed, unable to cope, or losing motivation
  • Loneliness
  • Depression, general unhappiness, low self-worth
  • Mental health problems
  • Erratic moods 


Physical Symptoms of Alcohol Dependence


  • Aches and pains
  • Diarrhoea, or constipation
  • Nausea, or dizziness
  • Chest pain, or rapid heartbeat
  • Loss of libido
  • Frequent colds
  • Cognitive Symptoms
  • Hallucinations 
  • Seizures 
  • Heart problems  
  • Cancer of the pancreas, esophagus, etc 
  • Liver disease, cirrhosis or hepatitis 
  • Fetal alcohol syndrome appearing in children of those with alcohol dependence 
  • Gastritis 
  • Thinning bones 

  • Behavioural Symptoms of Alcohol Dependance


  • Eating more or less.
  • Sleeping too much or too little.
  • Isolating from others.
  • Procrastinating, neglecting responsibilities, or loss of interest.
  • Nervous habits, e.g. nail-biting, increased smoking, etc.
  • Craving alcohol 
  • Attempting to use alcohol as a coping mechanism 
  • Serious problems with memory - leading to dementia 
  • Poor judgement
  • Anxious, or racing thoughts
  • Disordered thinking 

  • Other Alcohol Dependence Symptoms


  • The smell of alcohol on breath, body, or clothes.
  • Hiding alcohol in the house/car/workplace etc.
  • Car accidents, or household accidents.
  • Falls, scrapes, scratches, bumps and bruises.
  • Changing routines
  • Isolation - avoiding those who suspect alcohol dependency
  • Paranoia, or suspiciousness
  • Unexplained need for money, can’t explain where money goes, or theft
  • Financial or legal problems, or police involvement.
  • Thoughts of self-harming or suicide


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    About the author

    Laura Morris

    Laura Morris is an experienced clinical practitioner and CQC Registered Manager with over twenty years experience, over ten of which have been as an Independent Nurse Prescriber.

    She has held a number of senior leadership roles in the substance use and mental health sector in the NHS, the prison service and in leading social enterprises in the field.

    Last Updated: September 6, 2024