What is alcohol dependence?

Alcohol is a major cause of disease in Australia.

If you drink a lot of alcohol, you might become dependent on it. Alcohol dependence is also known as alcoholism or alcohol use disorder.

Alcohol dependence is different from alcohol abuse. Abuse of alcohol is a pattern of drinking that leads to difficult situations, like:

• struggling to do tasks at work, school or home
• getting into trouble caused by your alcohol abuse, such as drink driving

It can be helpful to learn the warning signs of alcohol dependence.

What are the symptoms of harmful alcohol use?

If you are alcohol dependent, you may:

• have strong urges to drink alcohol
• struggle to stop drinking alcohol or control how much you drink
• need to drink greater amounts to feel the effects of alcohol
• be physically dependent on alcohol

If you are physically dependent on alcohol, you might have withdrawal symptoms after stopping drinking. These can include:

• nausea
• sweats
• shakiness
• anxiety

Alcohol abuse is not the same as alcohol dependence. If you abuse alcohol, you will not crave alcohol or lack control of your drinking. But you may still experience similar withdrawal symptoms to people with alcohol dependence.

Other signs that you might be drinking too much are:

• drinking alone
• hiding alcohol from members of your household
• relationship problems due to drinking
• lying about how much you drink
• drinking early in the day

What causes alcohol dependence?

There are many different reasons why you may become dependent on alcohol.

Alcohol use disorder can arise from poor drinking habits, like drinking alcohol early in life.

It can also occur when alcohol is used as an unhealthy coping mechanism for:

• mental health conditions
• trauma

When should I see my doctor?

If you notice signs of harmful alcohol use, talk to your doctor. They can:

• check your health
• help you control your alcohol use
• help you manage any withdrawal symptoms

They can also refer you for further help from a:

• psychologist
• counsellor

You can search for a doctor in your region here.

How is alcohol dependence diagnosed?

There is no specific test to diagnose alcohol dependence. If you think you are dependent on alcohol, your doctor will ask you about your symptoms and experiences.

They may also order tests that measure your liver enzymes and blood tests.

They may also examine you for other signs of alcohol dependence, like jaundice (yellow skin).

How is alcohol dependence treated?

Treatment options for alcohol dependence vary for different people.

For low level dependence, your doctor may discuss the problem with you and help you find a counsellor.

You can make some changes to help you reduce your alcohol intake. You can try:

• making plans that don’t involve alcohol
• meeting with friends who don’t drink alcohol
• drinking only with food
• drinking non-alcoholic drinks, like water, between alcoholic drinks
• choosing lower strength alcoholic drinks
• counting standard drinks and setting a limit for yourself

Stronger alcohol dependence will need different treatments to manage the effects of alcohol withdrawal. The treatments might include:

• behavioural treatment to improve your coping skills
• medicines to help control your drinking and prevent relapse
• peer support through groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous
• spending time at a detoxification facility
• attending rehabilitation

How can I prevent harmful alcohol use?

You can prevent harmful alcohol use by following the Australian Guidelines for low risk drinking habits and watching your own alcohol intake. This can help you:

• avoid harmful alcohol use
• set a good example for others

If you have children, talk to them about drugs, alcohol and mental health, including the dangers of binge drinking.

What are the complications of alcohol dependence?

Alcohol dependence can negatively affect your health and wellbeing, and that of the people around you.

If you drink too much alcohol, you are at increased risk of illnesses such as:

• liver disease
• mental illnesses — such as anxiety and depression
• heart disease
• cancer
• cognitive impairment

Alcohol can also have a bad effect on those around you. It’s a major factor in:

• car accidents
• family violence
• crime

Alcohol use disorder can also impact your mental health, and worsen existing mental health conditions.

Caring for someone with alcohol dependence

Caring for someone who misuses alcohol can be difficult. If you are a family member or friend living with an alcoholic, it’s normal to feel:

• upset
• angry
• anxious
• guilty
• stressed
• disappointed
• helpless

You can seek help from carers associations in your state or territory. They can provide counselling and help to organise respite care.

Visit the Carer Gateway website or call 1800 422 737 for more information.

Resources and support

If you or someone you live with has a drinking problem, there is support available.

You can also call the National Alcohol and Other Drug hotline on 1800 250 015. This hotline provides free and confidential advice about alcohol and other drugs. It will automatically direct you to the Alcohol and Drug Information Service in your state or territory.

For more information on services in your state or territory:

• Australia Capital Territory
• New South Wales
• Northern Territory
• Queensland
• South Australia
• Tasmania
• Victoria
• Western Australia

Visit these websites for further information and support:

• The Alcohol and Drug Foundation has information on how to have a conversation with family and friends about the impact of their alcohol and other drug use.
• Family Drug & Gambling Helpline supports people concerned about a loved one’s drug or alcohol use. Call 1300 660 068.
• Walking a Tightrope is for families dealing with alcohol and violence.
• Alcoholics Anonymous offers help to people with a drinking problem. Call 1300222222.
• Beyond Blue offers support for people with depression and anxiety. Call 1300 22 4636.