The realities of alcohol dependency

Dependency is the state of relying on something for aid or support and is created through a structure of power, subordination and submittance. In the UK, alcohol dependency is increasingly prevalent, with estimates showing 600,000 adults suffering from it in 2020, yet only 18% are receiving treatment. Alcohol’s ubiquity means we use it for funerals, birthdays, quiet nights in, the “hair of the dog,” and indulgence over Christmas; it’s little wonder why alcohol addiction is so prevalent. Our aim isn’t to cast judgement if you’re caught in the clutches of dependency but to provide a shining light of understanding and an extended hand toward the road to recovery.

Defining alcohol use, abuse and dependency

In the UK, most people come into contact with alcohol at an early age. The UK and a few other countries in Europe’s attitudes, and laws toward alcohol are quite unique when compared to other parts of the world, wherein a 16-year-old can drink some alcohol with a meal at licensed premises.

Distinguishing use, abuse and dependency is a good place to start.

Alcohol use: Drinking alcohol in varying amounts ranging from special occasions to regular intake, without necessarily resulting in negative outcomes.

Alcohol abuse: Continuing to consume alcohol despite being on the receiving end of its adverse consequences.

Alcohol dependency: A deeper stage of alcohol abuse in which some or all control of consumption is lost.

Symptoms of alcohol use, abuse and dependency

Someone moving between the different stages of alcoholism will find that the lines between symptoms of alcohol abuse start to blur. As tolerance and resistance increase, you might find that while three drinks used to be enough fun on the weekend, now you are thinking about stronger drinks during the week. The key is to stop at the right time.

A standard night of, say, 5 pints of 5% beer adds up to 15 units. The following morning is likely to be made up of regrettable but manageable headaches, dehydration and a sense of being off-balance (more on alcohol’s link with vertigo here).

So how about across a week? Heavy drinking is seen as consuming more than 15 drinks per week. Heavier drinking that borders on abuse leads to more intense symptoms and even starts to affect the brain’s ability to think, learn and remember things.

Sustained alcohol abuse leads to a vicious cycle of alcohol dependency. Physical symptoms of alcohol dependency over longer durations include:

• Shaking hands (tremors)
• Seizures and fits
• Grey-ish or blue tint to bodily extremities (fingers, toes, nose)
• Nausea
• Rapid ageing
• Sexual dysfunction
• Heart failure

Further physiological consequences of alcohol overconsumption are common, like pancreatitis, liver disease and cancer.

So after laying out the tragic and inevitable consequences of alcoholism, what does dependency look and feel in reality? What signs does alcohol dependency write on the walls?

Perceiving alcohol dependency from the outside in

Watching a loved one caught in the vice-grip of alcohol dependency can be as painful as it is frustrating. Signs that a friend or family member is struggling with dependency might appear as neglecting responsibilities, reacting with hostility to help, or even becoming physically abusive.

They are likely to show some of the physical symptoms we mentioned earlier, like shakiness. If it’s a loved one you don’t see very frequently, you might see other signs like rapid ageing and blueing in the fingers and nose over time.

You might even wonder if having a family history of alcohol issues makes you more likely to have a rocky relationship with alcohol. Questions like this persist in the minds of many people who have alcohol-dependent family members. Supporting someone giving up alcohol isn’t easy, but very often family members find healing and purpose when they band together and support one another.

Looking after your own needs becomes critical when someone dear to you is going through alcohol withdrawal. Keep your own coping mechanisms strong, and make sure you ask for help when needed. Remember:

• You did not cause it
• You cannot control it
• You can’t cure it (alone)

Perspectives from inside the clutches of alcohol dependency

“When I was a drinker I hated the way people treated me. They judge you without knowing you because of what you look like as a drinker. I think it is harder to get off drink than drugs. It can kill you getting off alcohol and people do not know this–they think you can just stop. People seem to have more sympathy with drug addicts rather than alcoholics. People need to be educated about this, they just don’t understand.”

This quote comes from a personal account of someone who has been through the cycle of alcohol dependency and insightfully shows what it feels like as they sit in the eye of the storm. The quote alludes to the sad reality of overwhelming isolation through dependency.

Internalised stigma can rear its ugly head, as a dependent person sees themselves as beyond repair and less valuable. They sometimes feel that those trying to help them are outsiders who don’t understand what it feels like for them.

The interviewee states he “could not stop,” and quitting alcohol cold turkey during severe dependency can have extremely dangerous consequences. Intense fever, hallucinations and life-threatening seizures can occur in the first 48 hours to 1 week of withdrawal.

At times like this, the support of those near and dear to them can be life-saving.

I need a way out of alcohol dependency

Here at UKAT we know how deep the claws of dependency can dig. If you or someone you know is affected by alcohol dependency, we’ve got a way out. Assistance is available with tailored rehab services set up to get you out of dependency and onto the road of recovery.

Our dedicated team at UKAT is committed to delivering alcohol addiction treatment. We’re just a decision away; start your way to a healthier life, free from dependency with us.\