What Are The Symptoms Of Untreated Alcoholism?
The big book of Alcoholics Anonymous describes untreated alcoholism as feeling restless, irritable and discontented [2].
Alcohol addiction continues for long periods when underlying emotional issues go unaddressed, e.g.
The untreated alcoholic exhibits long term denial and specific dysfunctional beliefs:
Impulsiveness
Pompilli et al have linked impulsive behaviour seen in untreated alcohol dependence to a 40% increase in suicide attempts, due to social isolation and a loss of personal support [4].
Alcoholics become used to instant dopamine reward of alcohol.
In order to replace that feeling after stopping drinking, untreated alcoholics rely on other forms of instant gratification such as impulsive spending or unsafe sexual practises [5].
Disproportionate Reactions To Small Stressors
Alcohol impairs cognitive function, making it difficult to control anger. Users are more likely to misread a situation and overreact [6].
The Hypothalamic–Pituitary–Adrenocortical (HPA) axis, is responsible for how the brain reacts to stress, and is activated by increased levels of Corticotrophin Releasing Factor (CRF) occurring during withdrawal from chronic alcohol dependence.
This dysregulation of CRF results in increased reactions to small forms of stress [7].
Overtly Risky Behaviour
Untreated alcoholism sufferers engage in risky behaviours such as:
A study by Korlakunta found that high risk behaviour was higher amongst alcohol dependents, with 35% of participants taking part in crime and violence and 21% taking part in high risk sexual behaviour [9].
Loss Of Interest/Enthusiasm/Passion
Untreated alcoholics either experience positive life changes after immediately stopping drinking that later slow down, or do not experience the type of changes that they expected, such as thinking all problems will be fixed by recovery or that relationships with friends and family will be repaired [10].
Untreated alcoholics have a self-centred attitude, which causes a lack of awareness towards the needs of other members of the family, as well as neglecting roles and responsibilities such as work or household responsibilities [11].
Early Stage Alcoholism vs Long Term Untreated Alcoholism
Those in early stage alcoholism use alcohol as a coping mechanism to relax, feel more comfortable in social situations and fall asleep, but are not necessarily drinking more than those around them [12].
Whereas, long term untreated alcoholism causes severe physical, psychological and social deficits that continue to affect the alcoholics' life, long after drinking.
Physical Symptoms Of Untreated Alcoholism
Psychological Symptoms Of Untreated Alcoholism
Social Symptoms Of Untreated Alcoholism
Symptoms Of Alcoholism Undergoing Treatment vs Symptoms Of Untreated Alcoholism
Symptoms Of Alcoholism Undergoing Treatment | Symptoms Of Untreated Alcoholism |
---|---|
Weight Gain - Alcohol is an appetite suppressant [26] | Weight Loss - Alcohol suppresses appetite and cirrhosis impairs liver's ability to metabolise nutrients. |
Improved Sleep - Ceasing alcohol intake restores REM sleep and regular breathing patterns [27] | Sleep Disorders - Sleep problems in untreated alcoholics are linked to relapse |
Accountability - Alcoholics undergoing treatment accept problems in life, and understand how their behaviour affects others [28] | Blaming Others - Anger towards friends, destructive behaviours, romanticising drinking patterns, ignoring negative consequences [30] |
Untreated Alcoholism Symptoms Over Time
Untreated alcohol addiction over time may develop into liver cirrhosis or alcohol related dementia [31].
As symptoms worsen, negative thoughts around recovery increase, and the risk of relapse increases [32].
Drinking alcohol permanently changes the way the brain functions, meaning those with untreated alcohol addiction still behave impulsively, and are more likely to take part in reckless behaviours [33].
Mental isolation worsens as sufferers will refuse to be involved in recovery programmes, and conclude that no one understands what they are going through [34].
Bio-Psycho-Social Factors In Untreated Alcoholism Symptoms
Factors that exacerbate untreated alcohol addiction symptoms:
Turning to alcohol to cope is not necessarily a symptom of untreated alcohol addiction, but becoming reliant on alcohol to relax, sleep and avoid confronting emotions demonstrates an unhealthy relationship with alcohol [38].
There is evidence of addiction transference where one compulsive behaviour, such as alcoholism, is exchanged for another form of addiction, such as drugs or gambling [39].
Those who have experienced long term addiction, even if they have recovered, are more likely to experience cross addiction, as another form of addiction will still trigger the brain's dopamine reward centres [40].
Symptoms Of Untreated Alcoholism And Co-Occurring Illness
Symptoms of fatigue and mood swings occurring in depression and anxiety, exacerbate untreated alcoholism and make it more difficult for the sufferer to get help for either illness [41].
According to a 2012 study by Kuria et al, untreated persistent depression may reduce alcohol abstinence rates, and lead to using alcohol to self-medicate [42].
How Do Alcoholism Symptoms Go Untreated?
Alcoholic symptoms may go untreated as a result of:
Symptoms NOT Indicative Of Untreated Alcoholism
Conditions which share symptoms of untreated alcoholism, but are not untreated alcoholism, are:
Non-alcoholic liver diseases are common, with 1 in 4 adults having an abnormal build up of fat in the liver [55]. This may trigger an appearance similar to untreated alcohol abuse.
Both alcoholic and non-alcoholic liver diseases cause cirrhosis of the liver, making the diseases' symptoms hard to differentiate. There must be a history of the patient's alcohol intake to diagnose alcohol related liver disease correctly [56].