Alcohol Addiction

What Alcohol Does To The Body

A central nervous system depressant.

Alcohol functions as a Central Nervous System (CNS) depressant that decreases neuronal activity in the brain and spinal cord.

The substance enhances GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid), the body's primary inhibitory signaler, while simultaneously reducing glutamate activity, the brain's main excitatory neurotransmitter. In small amounts, this can relieve anxiety — but increased consumption leads to sedation, unconsciousness, anesthesia, and, at extreme doses, death.

Causes

Why alcohol addiction develops.

Addiction results from multiple factors rather than a single cause. Genetics play a role — individuals with first-degree relatives who struggle with addiction face a higher risk. Environmental exposure, including regular use by family and friends, also significantly influences susceptibility. Additional contributing factors include peer pressure, low socioeconomic status, and inadequate parental guidance.

Signs & Symptoms

Diagnostic criteria for alcohol use disorder.

According to DSM-5 criteria, a diagnosis of alcohol use disorder requires meeting at least 2 of the following 11 indicators within a 12-month period. Severity is classified as mild (2–3 criteria), moderate (4–5 criteria), or severe (6 or more).

• Drinking more or longer than intended
• Failed attempts to cut down or stop
• Excessive time spent drinking or recovering
• Persistent cravings to drink
• Neglected responsibilities at home, work, or school
• Continued use despite relationship problems
• Abandoned activities previously enjoyed
• Repeated use in dangerous situations
• Continued use despite worsening physical or mental health
• Increased tolerance, requiring higher amounts
• Withdrawal symptoms as the effects wear off

Effects Of Alcohol Abuse

The physical toll of long-term misuse.

Potential consequences of alcohol abuse include:

• Injury
• Unintended pregnancy
• Alcohol poisoning
• Sexually transmitted diseases
• High blood pressure
• Stroke
• Cardiovascular disease
• Liver disease
• Neurological damage
• Diabetes

Withdrawal

What withdrawal from alcohol looks like.

Physical & mental signs

Clammy skin, dilated pupils, insomnia, headache, nausea, vomiting, appetite loss, rapid heart rate, pallor, sweating, tremors, anxiety, depression, irritability, fatigue, jumpiness, nightmares, mood swings, incoherent thinking, chest pain, fever, and stomach pain.

Severe withdrawal (delirium tremens)

Body tremors, delirium, fever, agitation, excitement, restlessness, hallucinations, extreme confusion, disorientation, fear, decreased attention span, deep sleep lasting days, increased activity, and hypersensitivity to surroundings. Seizures are the most common severe symptom, typically occurring within 12–48 hours.

Overdose signs

Confusion, stupor, loss of consciousness, vomiting, slow or irregular breathing, hypothermia, blue or pale skin, and seizures. Alcohol overdose is a medical emergency.

Treatment At Two Dreams

How we treat alcohol addiction.

Two Dreams treats alcohol addiction through our 3-7-3 Model — three treatment phases (Coming In, Looking In, Looking Out), seven wellness dimensions (abstinence, peer support, professional guidance, medication review, nutrition, exercise, and ritual), and three outcomes we help each client establish and sustain: mental peace, physical well-being, and personal productivity.

Treatment integrates 12-step philosophy with behavioral therapies, motivational enhancement, psychiatric care, daily process groups, individual counseling, physical activity, nutritional guidance, journaling, and mindfulness practice. The program maintains a maximum of 10 clients at a time, so each person's progress can be evaluated individually.