Alcohol dependence is a serious type of high-risk drinking. It is also called alcoholism, alcohol use disorder or alcohol addiction.
Symptoms of alcohol dependence include:
- not being able to function without alcohol
- serious withdrawal symptoms if you try to stop drinking
If you are dependent on alcohol, you may find it very hard to stop or cut down. This is the case even if it puts your health, safety and family life at risk.
Risk factors for alcohol dependence
There is no single cause of alcohol dependence. But there are many things that increase the risk of it happening. These are called risk factors.
Risk factors for alcohol dependence include:
- drinking a lot on a regular basis
- starting to use alcohol at a young age
- a family history of alcohol dependence
- a history of abuse or trauma, sometimes in childhood
- being male - men are more likely to become dependent on alcohol than women
- having mental health difficulties such as depression or anxiety
- stress
- using tobacco, illegal drugs, or prescription medicines
- being part of a group of people who drink a lot
Even if none of these applies to you, you can still become dependent on alcohol.
Alcohol dependence in families
Alcohol dependence can run in families.
Certain genes may increase your chance of alcohol dependence. They can affect how you process alcohol (metabolism) and how you respond to alcohol.
These genes can be passed from parents to children. But the genes only increase the risk. It does not mean you will become dependent on alcohol if you have the genes.
Alcohol dependence can also be influenced by the way you were raised. If alcohol is part of your family's daily life, it can increase your risk of becoming dependent.
Important
If there is a history of alcohol dependence in your family, you may need to take extra care with alcohol.
How alcohol dependence is diagnosed
Most people who use alcohol do not develop alcohol dependence (alcoholism).
But if you are worried about your drinking, you can get support.
You might worry because you:
- feel guilty about your drinking
- know you should cut down but find it too difficult
- need a morning drink to prevent or relieve a hangover (withdrawals)
Non-urgent advice: Get help with problem alcohol use
For confidential advice, freephone 1800 459 459.
Even if you think you do not have problem drinking, pay attention if friends or family express concerns. They may notice things you do not.
These are reasons to seek support. A good place to start is with your GP.
Non-urgent advice: Contact a GP if:
- you are worried that you may be at risk of alcohol dependence
There is no specific test your GP can do to diagnose alcohol dependence. But they will ask about signs of alcohol dependence and assess your drinking patterns.
They may order blood tests to check your liver function.
They may also look for other signs of alcohol dependence, such as jaundice (yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes).
Your GP will talk to you about the services and treatments available.
With proper supports and treatment, most people can reduce how much they drink or stop drinking completely.
Alcohol dependence treatment and recovery
How to reduce your risk of alcohol dependence
There are some risk factors that you cannot change, such as your family history.
But there are things you can do to limit the amount you drink, and reduce your risk of alcohol dependence.
Do
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use our tips for drinking less
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stick to the weekly low-risk alcohol guidelines
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avoid binge drinking
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consider counselling or other treatments to deal with trauma or mental health difficulties
If you are worried about your alcohol use and the type of drinker you are, take our alcohol test.