Alcohol Addiction: Signs, Symptoms, Risks, And Treatment Resources

Yes, it’s possible to overdose on alcohol. This occurs when there’s more alcohol in the bloodstream than what the body can process, leading the brain to shut down some vital functions like breathing.
Alcohol intoxication, or what’s known as being “drunk,” can occur at different amounts for different people. The “legal limit” of intoxication is based on the blood alcohol concentration (BAC), which is 0.08%. A BAC of 0.3% to 0.45% increases the risk of adverse health effects like coma or death. A BAC of 0.6% to 0.8% is usually fatal.

Signs and Symptoms of Alcohol Overdose

The signs and symptoms of alcohol overdose include:

• Mental confusion
• Seizures
• Vomiting
• Difficulty staying awake
• Clammy skin
• Slow heart rate
• Slow breathing
• Reduce reflexes
• Low body temperature
• Blue-tinged skin

What to do if you suspect someone is overdosing on alcohol:

Alcohol overdose is a medical emergency. If you think someone is experiencing a dangerous level of intoxication, call 911. The BAC will continue to rise, even if the person stops drinking alcohol, so don’t let them “sleep it off.” Turn the person on their side to prevent choking if they vomit and wait with them until help arrives.

Long-term alcohol abuse can have devastating effects on physical and mental health, including permanent changes in learning and memory or worsening mental health conditions like anxiety or depression.
Alcohol also negatively impacts the body and increases the risk of:

• High blood pressure
• Heart disease
• Stroke
• Poor immunity
• Liver cirrhosis
• Fatty liver disease
• Pancreatitis
• Certain types of cancers

Mixing alcohol with other substances, whether prescribed or illicit, can have dangerous effects. Combining a depressant like alcohol with other depressants like opioids can depress the respiratory system to extremely dangerous levels. Conversely, mixing alcohol with stimulants like cocaine or meth can mask the effects of alcohol, leading to dangerous levels of intoxication.

Alcohol is a highly addictive substance, despite its normalized use. Alcohol alters the brain’s reward system, so repeated use makes the brain crave the reward of alcohol over natural rewards like eating.

While some people can consume alcohol responsibly and safely, it’s extremely addictive, partly because of how common and accessible it is. Most Americans consume alcohol at least once, and among them, 6.7% will develop an alcohol use disorder.

The signs of alcohol addiction can vary from person to person. Here are some general signs to look out for:

• Mood swings
• Hiding drinking habits
• Choosing alcohol over other activities
• Making excuses to use alcohol
• Changes to appearance or friend grounds
• Inability to control drinking
• Secretive behaviors
• Lying or stealing
• Feelings of guilt or shame about drinking

Alcohol addiction treatment has multiple levels of care to provide you with the intensive treatment and support you need at different stages of your recovery journey.

• Medical detox: Alcohol withdrawal can be intense and potentially life-threatening. Detox offers a medical team to monitor your health and keep you as safe and comfortable as possible while the drug clears your system. Medications can be used to manage some withdrawal symptoms.
• Inpatient treatment: Inpatient or residential treatment programs are ideal if you need 24/7 support. With inpatient treatment, you stay in the facility round the clock and receive medication and therapies as needed.
• Outpatient treatment: If you need less support and want to balance your recovery with day-to-day responsibilities, outpatient treatment offers that flexibility. You can attend treatment sessions at specific times, but you’re free to spend the rest of your time at home.

There are several therapies included in evidence based treatment for alcohol use disorder, such as:

• Cognitive behavioral therapy
• Somatic experiencing
• Experiential therapy
• Nutritional counseling
• Group therapy
• Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy
• Brainspotting
• Outdoor recreation

Co-occurring disorders refer to the presence of a substance use disorder, such as alcohol use disorder, and a mental health disorder. When they occur simultaneously, these conditions can influence each other and add to the complexity of treatment.
Alcohol use disorder often co-occurs with depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders, anti-social personality disorder, and trauma disorders.