Introduction

Generally speaking, addiction is a chronic and debilitating state of body and mind that affects an individual and his surroundings. It is almost like a compulsive disorder where we have an uncontrollable urge to consume a substance, and the satisfaction we derive from each consumption keeps diminishing. Alcohol Addiction involves a strong urge or craving to consume alcohol in substantial amounts, daily or multiple times a day, over a while, and to an extent where our behaviours are driven by it.

Alcohol addiction continues to affect millions of people across the globe. For example, the National Statistics on alcohol abuse by the UK (2017) showed that 57% of the population aged 16 and above drink alcohol, and 15% of these drinkers have reported heavy and over-drinking at some point. 

The critical factor in alcohol consumption becoming problematic is the ‘urge’ or the internal drive that leads the individual to heavy drinking. And successfully managing the urge or impulse can eventually help in battling addiction. Let us see how. 

11 Signs Of Problem Drinking

  • Increased tolerance

You need more alcohol each time to derive the same amount of pleasure.

  • Withdrawal Symptoms 

You experience physical discomforts like palpitations, shortness of breath, or shaky hands when not drinking.

  • Drinking in Secret

You hide your drinking habit to avoid being criticised.

  • Neglecting Responsibilities

You prioritise drinking over your professional or personal responsibilities.

  • Relationship Issues

Your partner is unhappy about your drinking habit, and you frequently argue over this.

  • Drinking Despite Negative Consequences

You cannot resist the urge to drink despite its negative consequences on your health and family.

  • Loss of Control

You are unable to stop yourself once you start drinking.

  • Overspending

Your monthly budget suffers due to how much you spend on buying alcohol.

  • Demotivation 

You have lost or are starting to lose interest in previously enjoyable activities in favour of drinking. 

  • Coping 

You use alcohol as a coping mechanism or to get you through a stressful situation.

  • Neglecting health

You do not prioritise self-care or your health over drinking. Instead, you continue to drink despite knowing it is negatively affecting your body.

5 Types of Alcoholism

One of the popularly used classifications of alcoholism is the ‘five types’ framework developed by the NIAAA (National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism). According to this framework, there are five distinct types of drinking problems, each with distinct characteristics and symptoms.

  • Risky drinking

Risky or casual drinking is a tendency that increases a person’s risk for alcohol-related harm, such as engaging in binge drinking or drinking more than the recommended limits for moderate drinking.

  • Alcohol abuse 

This involves drinking in a way that leads to problems at home, work, or school, such as neglecting responsibilities, engaging in risky behaviour, or experiencing legal or financial difficulties due to drinking.

  • Alcohol dependence

This is a more severe form of a drinking problem that involves a physical and psychological dependence on alcohol, including symptoms of withdrawal when trying to quit or cut back on drinking.

  • Binge drinking

This involves consuming a large amount of alcohol quickly, typically resulting in a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 or higher. Binge drinking can be a form of risky drinking or a symptom of alcohol abuse or dependence.

  • Heavy drinking

This refers to drinking above the recommended limits for moderate drinking regularly, typically defined as consuming more than 14 drinks per week for men or more than 7 drinks per week for women. Heavy drinking can be risky, a symptom of alcohol abuse or dependence, or a stand-alone problem.

How Impulses Influence Addiction

An impulse is an urge that drives us to act on it. When under control and carefully managed, instincts lead to the gratification of needs and a dopamine hit, which brings a feeling of pleasure or happiness. The problems start when we lose control of how much to give in to being impulsive and where to stop. 

Impulsivity starts when we act on impulse or without considering the consequences of one’s actions. It involves working without forethought, planning, or assessing potential adverse outcomes. Impulsive people may have difficulty controlling their impulses, leading to harmful, destructive, or impulsive behaviours. Examples of impulsive behaviour include –

  • Making impulsive purchases without considering one’s financial situation.
  • Engaging in risky sexual behaviour without using protection.
  • Substance abuse or addiction, such as using drugs or alcohol to cope with stress or emotions.
  • Gambling or other forms of risky behaviour can lead to financial ruin.
  • Acting without thinking, such as speaking impulsively or getting into physical altercations.

As mentioned earlier, impulsivity is characterised by a lack of planning and forethought and a tendency to act impulsively.

Studies have shown that highly impulsive people may be more likely to engage in risky behaviours, alcohol abuse being a major. Impulsivity is a common trait among people with alcohol addiction and may play a role in developing and maintaining the disorder. 

Lack of self-control or higher impulsivity makes it difficult to resist the urge to drink. It can bud from a harmless ‘social drinking’ phase and eventually stem to become a problematic drinking behaviour like regular day drinking or binge drinking. As a result, even when they know it’s harmful, or they have committed to quitting, drinkers find it hard to overcome the urge and end up seeking medical attention

Impulsive behaviour can also interfere with a person’s ability to seek treatment for alcohol addiction and stick to a recovery plan, as they may be more likely to give in to cravings or engage in other self-destructive behaviours. It is a significant risk factor for alcohol addiction, and addressing impulsivity through therapy or other interventions may be an essential part of a comprehensive treatment plan for addiction.

Managing Addiction and Impulses

  • Seek professional help

Addiction is a complex disorder, and seeking professional help is often the most effective way to manage it. This may include working with a GP, psychiatrist, therapist or counsellor, joining a support group, or seeking treatment at a rehabilitation centre.

  • Develop a support network

Having a solid support network can help you stay motivated and provide you with encouragement and accountability. This may include family members, friends, or a sponsor from a support group.

  • Identify the triggers

Identify the situations, people, or emotions that trigger your desire to drink and develop a plan to avoid or cope with them.

  • Practice stress-management techniques

Stress can be a significant trigger for alcohol addiction, so practising stress-management techniques like meditation, deep breathing, or yoga can help manage cravings and reduce stress levels.

  • Stick to a routine

Keeping yourself busy with hobbies, exercise, or volunteer work can distract you from cravings and give you a sense of purpose and accomplishment.

  • Practice self-care

Taking care of yourself physically and emotionally can help reduce the likelihood of relapse. This may include getting enough sleep, eating a healthy diet, and engaging in enjoyable activities.

  • Set and track progress

Setting goals and tracking your progress can help you stay motivated and focused on your recovery. Celebrating your successes, no matter how small, can also help you stay positive and motivated.

Healthcare/Allied Health Provider Type of Treatment
GP/Primary Doctor Early diagnosis and management plan, referral to a specialist.
Psychiatrist Medication to overcome the urge and other symptoms of alcoholism.
Psychologist Individual therapy and group therapy are targeted at reducing withdrawal symptoms.
Behaviour Therapist Offer behavioural therapies like CBT 
Counsellor General support and active communication about self-managing and seeking help where required.

 

Conclusion 

Impulsivity is an online hub where you can access expert help and support whenever needed. Developed by trained professionals and designed to match your own pace, our online impulsivity courses will help you better manage impulsive behaviours, like overeating, for good.

Explore all our impulsivity courses here.

Developed by a team led by Dr Yuliya Richard (a clinical psychologist specialising in Impulsivity), our courses use scientifically proven strategies to help you understand and overcome the specific impulsive behaviours affecting everyday life.

If you want to take charge of your life and manage your Impulsivity for good, we can help. Impulsivity offers a range of online courses that can guide you towards a healthier and happier life. So take our quick impulsivity test now to see if we can help!

References

 

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