Alcohol Addiction: The Causes, Symptoms and Side Effects
Alcohol is one of the most widely consumed substances in the world, and it is deeply embedded in different societies, cultures and personal lives. For many, drinking alcohol is a harmless and occasional activity with friends or family or on special occasions. However, alcohol addiction is a devastating condition, with alcohol abuse the leading cause of death, illness and disability for people aged 15-49 in the UK. It is crucial to understand the signs, causes and consequences of alcohol addiction and how alcohol rehab and detox can help save lives.
What is alcohol addiction?
Alcohol addiction, also known as alcoholism and alcohol use disorder (AUD), is a pervasive condition that infiltrates every aspect of your life and the lives of your loved ones. The simplest alcohol addiction meaning is when you can’t stop drinking even in the face of the obvious problems it is causing you.
Alcohol dependence poses significant risks to both your physical health and psychological well-being, and in the most serious cases, can be a fatal condition. However, it is also a treatable one, with alcohol detox and rehab treatment giving you a genuine chance of lifelong sobriety.
Why is alcohol addictive?
There are a number of alcohol misuse stages which most people go through. This begins with initial alcohol use and then escalates to tolerance, dependency and addiction.
Drinking is pleasurable for many people because alcohol influences the release of dopamine, a chemical that creates feelings of pleasure and reward. The problem really begins, however, when you drink regularly. Our bodies and brains are amazingly adaptable, but this adaptability leads to tolerance, a state where you need to drink more to get the same release of dopamine.
This creates constant high levels of alcohol in your system at all times, leading to the development of alcohol dependence. This is where your body experiences alcohol withdrawal symptoms if you stop drinking. In England alone, there are an estimated 600,000 people who are dependent on alcohol, with only 18% in alcohol rehab.
Leaving alcohol dependence untreated is very dangerous because it can quickly escalate to full addiction. This means that emotional and psychological ones join the physical dependence. Not everybody will develop a full alcohol addiction, but some of the risk factors include growing up around alcohol, starting young, using it to numb anxiety or stress or simply not realising how quickly “a drink to unwind” can become something much harder to control.
Alcohol addiction statistics UK
Some alarming alcohol abuse and addiction statistics within the UK are listed below;
Alcohol-related hospital admissions
There were 1,018,986 alcohol-related hospital admissions in England alone in 2023/2024.
Gender difference
8% of men reported drinking almost daily compared to 5% of women.
Age group usage
Users in the age group of adults aged 16-24 have the highest rates of use, with about 6.2% reporting past-year use in 2023.
Binge drinking
Binge drinking is particularly prevalent among younger adults in the UK, with around 30% of 16-24-year-olds reporting binge-drinking behaviour in 2019.
Am I an alcoholic?
Addiction experts don’t like to use the term “alcoholic” as it suggests alcohol addiction is something you are rather than something you have. However, asking the question of whether alcohol abuse has risen to the level of addiction is an important one. If you’re not sure, here are some common signs of alcohol misuse, which can be very enlightening:
- Mental health symptoms, including feelings of depression, prolonged sadness and a lack of interest in anything.
- Heightened anxiety levels, leading to panic attacks and constant feelings of dread.
- Impaired cognitive functions, such as memory, attention and decision-making abilities, often leading to confusion and difficulty concentrating.
- Unpredictable mood swings and increased irritability, often straining relationships with loved ones.
- Failing to meet obligations at work, school or home due to drinking or recovering from its effects.
- Hiding alcohol consumption or lying about the quantity consumed.
- Gradual withdrawal from social activities due to prioritising drinking over social interactions.
- Financial difficulties due to excessive spending on alcohol, as well as legal issues such as DUI arrests.
- Engaging in dangerous activities while under the influence of alcohol, such as driving, operating machinery or having unprotected sex.
If you notice any of these alcohol addiction symptoms, it is crucial to seek professional help as soon as possible to avoid the most serious risks.
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Finding the best alcohol treatment is vital for long-term recovery success. Our friendly and compassionate team will hold your hand through the process until you learn to love yourself again.
What are the most dangerous alcohol side effects?
Alcohol addiction takes a severe toll on the body, manifesting in a range of symptoms and conditions that can be life-changing and even fatal. In fact, alcohol abuse contributes to more than 3 million deaths globally each year, accounting for 5.3% of all deaths. Some of the biggest risks include:
Alcohol overdose
Alcohol overdose, also known as alcohol poisoning, is when you drink more alcohol than your body can process. Alcohol overdose symptoms include:
- Confusion
- A loss of balance and co-ordination
- Vomiting
- Seizures
- Slow or irregular breathing
- Unconsciousness
If you spot these signs, immediate medical attention is required to prevent long-term damage or death.
Liver damage
One of the most well-known consequences of alcohol abuse is liver damage, which can progress from fatty liver disease to alcoholic hepatitis and ultimately cirrhosis, a life-threatening condition.
Damage to hearing
Excessive alcohol consumption can also affect your hearing. Heavy drinking is linked to damage in the delicate structures of the inner ear and the central auditory pathways in the brain. This can lead to difficulties in processing certain sound frequencies, problems distinguishing speech in noisy environments, and, in some cases, permanent hearing loss.
Eye exhaustion
Chronic alcohol misuse can contribute to eye strain and fatigue, a condition sometimes referred to as alcohol-related eye exhaustion.
Increased risk of cancer
In 2019, 4.4% of cancers diagnosed globally and 401,000 cancer deaths were attributed to alcohol consumption.
Birth complications
Alcohol abuse during pregnancy can also increase the risk of preterm birth complications, including miscarriage, stillbirth and premature delivery.
Cognitive damage
Alcohol is a neurotoxin that causes damage to neurons through prolonged exposure to certain neurotransmitters. This results in a significant brain shrinkage, particularly in regions associated with memory and higher cognitive functions. The damage can become severe enough to contribute to conditions like alcohol-related dementia, which accounts for approximately 10% of all dementia cases.
Cardiovascular issues
Chronic alcohol consumption increases the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease and stroke.
Gastrointestinal problems
Alcohol irritates the stomach lining, leading to gastritis, ulcers and an increased risk of gastrointestinal bleeding.
Alcoholic neuropathy
Long-term alcohol use can damage the peripheral nerves, causing numbness, tingling and muscle weakness, a condition known as alcoholic neuropathy.
Weakened immune system
Alcohol suppresses the immune system, making individuals more susceptible to infections and diseases.
How to prevent alcohol addiction?
The best defence against alcohol addiction is to abstain from drinking altogether. However, if you choose to drink, focus on drinking responsibly in moderation. According to NHS guidance, this means:
- No more than 14 units per week, for both men and women
- Spreading those 14 units over 3 or more days
- Include multiple alcohol-free days weekly
Drinking less and spreading it with breaks reduces the stress on your brain’s reward system and body, which lowers the risk of tolerance, dependence and eventual addiction.
Finding help if you have an alcohol addiction
Breaking free from an alcohol dependence isn’t easy, but you don’t have to walk this path alone. At Providence Projects, you will find expert detoxification, residential treatment with sober housing, and meaningful aftercare that continues long after rehabilitation ends.
Recovery is not a single leap – it’s a steady, ongoing journey. At Providence Projects, our treatment pathway is designed to walk beside you at every step – from joining as through either our primary treatment care or secondary treatment care, all the way through to our sober living options and Alumni programme. No matter what stage of treatment you are at, we offer consistent, personalised support, so do not hesitate to contact us if you’re ready to start your path to recovery from alcohol addiction.
Reach out to our expert support team 24 hours a day
Start the Alcohol Rehabilitation Process Today
Finding the best alcohol treatment is vital for long-term recovery success. Our friendly and compassionate team will hold your hand through the process until you learn to love yourself again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you overdose on alcohol?
Yes, an alcohol overdose is both possible and potentially life-threatening. Drinking too much in a short space of time can overwhelm your body, slow your breathing, lower your heart rate and body temperature and even cause you to pass out or stop breathing entirely. Symptoms of alcohol overdose include vomiting, confusion, shallow breathing and unconsciousness that you can’t wake someone from. If you suspect an alcohol overdose, call 999 or take them to the hospital immediately.
How to safely manage alcohol addiction and withdrawal?
The safest way to manage alcohol addiction and withdrawal is with professional help. Suddenly stopping alcohol after regular use can be dangerous and even lead to seizures or delirium tremens (DTs), the most severe form of withdrawal. Rehab centres like Providence Projects offer medically supervised detox to support you through withdrawal and keep you safe.
Is addiction a choice?
Absolutely not! Addiction is not a choice, a sign of weakness or some moral failing. It is a medically recognised condition with physical, mental and emotional parts, all of which need addressing for full and lasting recovery.
Is there a difference between binge drinking and alcohol addiction?
Yes, there is a key difference. Binge drinking usually means drinking a large amount of alcohol in one session, often to get drunk quickly. It can be harmful and even deadly, causing accidents, blackouts and long-term health damage. Alcohol addiction, on the other hand, involves a physical or emotional dependence on alcohol, where your body craves it and you struggle to cut down. Someone can binge drink without being addicted, and someone with addiction may not necessarily binge.
Is there a link between alcohol misuse and neurodivergency?
Yes. While not everyone who is neurodivergent will misuse alcohol, research suggests that certain neurodivergent conditions – such as ADHD, autism, or dyslexia – can be linked to a higher risk of developing unhealthy drinking patterns.
What are some of the most tell-tale signs of alcohol abuse?
- Inability to control drinking – Finding yourself drinking more than you planned, more often than you intended, or for longer stretches of time. It can feel like the choice has slipped away, even when you want to cut back.
- Neglecting daily life – Struggling to keep up with work, studies, or personal interests. Things you once cared about might take a back seat as alcohol quietly moves to the centre of your life.
- Safety and health risks – Choosing to drink in situations that put you or others in danger, such as before driving, or continuing to drink even when it’s harming your health, relationships, or emotional wellbeing.
- Tolerance and withdrawal – Noticing that it takes more alcohol to feel the same effects, or experiencing uncomfortable symptoms like shaking, sweating, headaches, or nausea when you haven’t had a drink.
- Behavioral and mood changes – Experiencing memory gaps (“blackouts”), mood swings, irritability, or making decisions that don’t feel like you. You might notice changes in how you treat others or how connected you feel to people.
- Appearance and hygiene changes – Letting self-care slide, with changes such as a tired or sunken appearance, a noticeable smell of alcohol, or simply not feeling like yourself when you look in the mirror.
- “Alcoholic face” (visible facial signs) – This term refers to the various facial indicators linked to chronic drinking, such as a persistent red or flushed complexion, broken capillaries, puffiness, dull or prematurely aged skin, and yellowing of the skin or eyes due to liver stress.
- Bladder Infection – Excessive alcohol consumption can lead to potential bladder infections.
- Alcohol-induced sexual dysfunction – Chronic alcohol misuse can impair sexual performance and desire, leading to issues such as erectile dysfunction in men and reduced arousal or difficulty achieving orgasm in women.
How does alcohol addiction affect your thyroid function?
Chronic alcohol use can disrupt the delicate balance of your thyroid hormones, which are responsible for regulating metabolism, energy levels, and many other essential body functions. Alcohol may reduce the production of certain thyroid hormones, interfere with how your body converts them into their active form, and even cause direct damage to the thyroid gland itself.
Why might someone choose to hide their alcohol addiction?
People often hide alcohol addiction due to fear of judgment, stigma, or damaging their relationships, career, or reputation. They may also be in denial about the severity of their drinking or believe they can manage it alone without help.
(Click here to see works cited)
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- Drinkaware. “Global Comparisons.” Drinkaware, 1 October 2024, https://www.drinkaware.co.uk/research/alcohol-facts-and-data/global-comparisons/ – Accessed 1 July 2025.
- GOV.UK. “Estimates of alcohol dependent adults in England: summary.” GOV.UK, 14 March 2024, https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/alcohol-dependence-prevalence-in-england/estimates-of-alcohol-dependent-adults-in-england-summary – Accessed 1 July 2025.
- Institute of Alcohol Studies. “Health.” Institute of Alcohol Studies, 2025, https://www.ias.org.uk/factsheet/health/ – Accessed 1 July 2025.
- NHS. “Alcohol units.” NHS, https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/alcohol-advice/calculating-alcohol-units/ – Accessed 1 July 2025.
- Office for National Statistics. “Drug misuse in England and Wales: year ending March 2023.” Office for National Statistics, 14 December 2023, https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/crimeandjustice/articles/drugmisuseinenglandandwales/yearendingmarch2023 – Accessed 1 July 2025.
- World Health Organization (WHO). “Alcohol.” World Health Organization (WHO), 28 June 2024, https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/alcohol – Accessed 1 July 2025.