In 2018 more than 1/4 of adults in the USA reported engaging in binge drinking in the past month.
It’s a staggering number, but is binge drinking enough to call someone an alcoholic? According to the same study, almost 6%, or 14.4 million adult Americans, had AUD, or Alcohol Use Disorder.
What is alcoholism? How does alcoholism work?
We’re going to cover that and more, so don’t go anywhere!
What Is Alcoholism Doing to My Body?
Ethanol (alcohol) attaches to a GABA-a (gamma-aminobutyric acid) receptor. This reduces neuron activity, suppressing it by an increase in chlorine ions released on neurons.
A negative charge increases and the electrical potential of neurons shift into an “always-on” state. Alcohol also prevents glutamate from exciting the neuron—glutamate is the counterpart of GABA.
Due to constant activation, the GABA-a receptor becomes less sensitive to activation and causes major issues upon withdrawal. This causes many withdrawal problems such as panic attacks and anxiety.
In moderate use, the so-called “optimal buzz” is due to a combination of activation and deactivation of GABA and glutamate. This hyperactivated state in the CNS (Central Nervous System) dulls the receptors until an addict drinks to feel normal, rather than to get euphoric.
The Seratonin Connection
The second area of concern is the damage it does to the reward pathway of our bodies.
Dopamine is generated in the midbrain area, which is increased in concentration by alcohol. Since dopamine is the stimulating “reward” chemical that causes euphoria, it doesn’t sound like a bad thing. However, alcohol additionally binds to acetylcholine and serotonin, which is the “calming” part of the reward system.
Similar to GABA and glutamine, dopamine and serotonin work together to create a healthy reward system. More dopamine is required for an addict’s brain to receive the same euphoric sensation.
What Can I Do About It?
You likely won’t be able to kick the habit by yourself. It’s best to get help from a therapist, addiction specialist, psychiatrist, or an organization.
You might not think you need to go that far, but answer some of these questions honestly before you throw the notion out:
- Are you violent or easily irritated when drinking?
- Do you feel guilty about the time or amount of your drinking?
- Do you hide your drinking from others?
- How much do you have to drink to “feel it” take effect?
It isn’t shameful to ask for help, and friends and family would rather be there for you than watch your life deteriorate.
Heavy drinking increases liver disease, cancer, brain damage, memory loss, high blood pressure, and pancreatitis—just to name a few. Alcoholism increases the chance of child abuse and neglect, and domestic abuse (whether verbal or physical). All of these are good reasons to get help.
Stay on the Wagon
In the end, the decision is yours. The science is clear, overuse (whether you believe you’re functional or not) will catch up with you.
What is alcoholism? The simple truth is that alcoholism is the same whether your life is falling down around you or everything seems alright. You might be responsible and productive, but the time to get help is before your lifestyle crumbles.
Did you find this article helpful? Healthmenza has you covered in men and women’s health matters. Check out more of our timely and informational articles today!