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ToggleRecognizing the Signs of Alcohol Addiction and Seeking Help.
Today, where stress is almost a constant companion, many turn to various outlets for relief. For some, alcohol becomes a go-to respite. But when does occasional drinking cross the line into alcohol addiction?
Dr. Jolandi Meyer, a seasoned General Practitioner with a speciality in drug and alcohol addiction, often addresses this complex question in her practice.
What is Alcohol Addiction?
Alcohol addiction, or alcohol use disorder (AUD), is a medical condition characterized by an impaired ability to stop or control alcohol use despite adverse social, occupational, or health consequences. It is a disease that can be mild, moderate, or severe, and it’s crucial to recognize the signs before they escalate.
The Signs of Alcohol Addiction
The path to alcohol addiction is often subtle and gradual, making it challenging to recognize until it has firmly taken hold. Dr. Jolandi Meyer emphasizes the importance of understanding the following signs, which may indicate a developing or entrenched alcohol problem:
Increased Alcohol Tolerance
One of the earliest red flags of potential alcohol addiction is an increased tolerance to alcohol. This means that over time, an individual needs to consume larger amounts of alcohol to achieve the same effects once felt at lower quantities. This escalation can accelerate the slide into dependence as the body adapts to higher levels of alcohol consumption.
Withdrawal Symptoms
Withdrawal is a physically and emotionally painful process that starts when alcohol use is reduced or stopped after heavy and prolonged use. Symptoms can range from mild to severe and typically include shaking, sweating, nausea, and anxiety. More severe cases can lead to extremely high fevers, seizures, and hallucinations, known as delirium tremens (DTs). These symptoms are indicative of the body’s dependence on alcohol to function normally.
Loss of Control
Loss of control over alcohol consumption is a hallmark of addiction. This may manifest as drinking more alcohol than planned or drinking over a longer period than intended. Individuals may repeatedly drink to excess despite setting limits for themselves, highlighting a significant impairment in control over alcohol use.
Unsuccessful Attempts to Cut Down
Many individuals with alcohol addiction express a desire to cut down on their drinking but find themselves unable to do so. Repeated failed efforts to reduce or control alcohol intake signal a deepening dependence, where the desire to drink overrides the ability to stop.
Time Spent
Significant amounts of time may be spent on activities necessary to obtain, use, and recover from alcohol. This can include hours spent drinking or recovering from the aftereffects, as well as time consumed by activities to obtain alcohol, such as travelling to different stores or bars. This pattern often leads to a neglect of personal, family, professional, and social responsibilities.
Reduced Activities
As alcohol becomes a central focus, individuals may start to abandon hobbies, social engagements, and professional obligations that were once important to them. The reduction or cessation of these activities often correlates with the increasing priority that drinking has taken over other life interests and responsibilities.
Continued Use Despite Problems
Perhaps one of the most definitive signs of alcohol addiction is the continued consumption of alcohol despite clear evidence of physical, social, or interpersonal problems exacerbated or caused by drinking. This includes continuing to drink even when it leads to trouble with relationships, job loss, legal issues, or deteriorating health.

Risk Factors for Alcohol Addiction
Several factors can increase the risk of developing alcohol addiction, including:
Genetics
Research consistently shows that genetics play a crucial role in the risk of developing alcohol addiction. If a close family member, such as a parent or sibling, has struggled with addiction, the risk of developing similar issues can be significantly higher. Genetic predisposition affects how alcohol impacts the body’s systems, influencing everything from the level of pleasure experienced to the severity of withdrawal symptoms.
Psychological Factors
Mental health and emotional well-being are deeply intertwined with alcohol use. Individuals experiencing stress, anxiety, depression, or other mental health disorders may use alcohol as a coping mechanism to alleviate psychological distress. However, while alcohol may provide temporary relief, it often exacerbates underlying mental health issues over time, creating a detrimental cycle of dependency.
Social Environment
The influence of one’s social circle and the general availability of alcohol play significant roles in the risk of addiction. Peer pressure can lead to initial experimentation and subsequent regular use, particularly among younger individuals. Environments where alcohol is readily available or where drinking is a central part of social activities can increase the likelihood of developing harmful drinking habits.
Age of First Use
The age at which an individual first consumes alcohol can also impact their risk of developing an addiction. Early exposure to alcohol during the teenage years can interfere with normal brain development and increase the likelihood of forming addictive behaviours. Initiating drinking at a young age is often associated with an increased risk of developing severe alcohol dependency later in life.
The Impact of Alcohol Addiction
The repercussions of alcohol addiction are profound and multifaceted, affecting not just the individual but also their family, friends, and society at large.
Physical Health
Chronic alcohol abuse is notorious for its severe impact on health. It can lead to liver diseases such as hepatitis and cirrhosis, cardiovascular problems including hypertension and heart disease, brain damage manifesting as memory loss or cognitive deficits, and an increased risk of various cancers, notably in the liver, mouth, throat, and breast.
Psychological Impact
Alcohol addiction often coexists with mental health disorders, a relationship characterized by mutual exacerbation. Alcohol can be used as a self-medication for mental health issues, but its depressive effects can deepen the symptoms of disorders such as depression and anxiety. Furthermore, addiction can lead to feelings of guilt, shame, and isolation, exacerbating psychological distress.
Social Consequences
Socially, alcohol addiction can wreak havoc on personal relationships, leading to estrangement from family and friends. It can impair job performance, resulting in decreased productivity and potential job loss. Legal problems, including DUI charges and other alcohol-related offences, are also common, complicating personal and professional lives even further.

Diagnosis and When to Seek Help
The process of diagnosing alcohol addiction is comprehensive and requires professional insights to ensure accuracy and sensitivity. Dr. Jolandi Meyer employs a meticulous approach to diagnose this complex condition, which often starts with a detailed conversation and extends into standardized assessments.
Initial Assessment
The diagnostic process begins with a thorough evaluation that includes a complete medical history and an assessment of drinking behaviors. Dr. Meyer typically asks about the quantity and frequency of alcohol consumption, situations that trigger alcohol use, and any previous attempts to quit or control drinking. This conversation may also explore the impact of alcohol on the individual’s personal, professional, and social life.
Screening Tools
Various validated screening tools can be used to help identify individuals at risk of alcohol addiction. These tools include questionnaires such as the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT), which is widely recognized for its effectiveness in spotting subtle signs of problematic drinking. The CAGE questionnaire, another brief tool, asks about the need to cut down on drinking, annoyance by criticism, guilty feelings about drinking, and eye-openers (drinking first thing in the morning).
Review of Medical History and Health Complications
Alcohol addiction can lead to numerous health issues, ranging from liver damage to cardiovascular problems. Dr. Meyer reviews the individual’s medical history for conditions that might be related to or worsened by alcohol use. This examination helps to map the extent of physical damage and informs the treatment plan.
Recognizing the Need for Help
Acknowledging the need for professional help is a crucial step toward recovery, but it is often one of the hardest decisions that individuals and their families face. Here are specific indicators that suggest the need for professional intervention:
Inability to Stop Drinking
One of the most telling signs is the inability to stop drinking despite a genuine desire to quit. Individuals may have made one or more attempts to stop or cut back their alcohol intake but find themselves unable to do so.
Withdrawal Symptoms
Experiencing withdrawal symptoms such as tremors, sweating, nausea, insomnia, irritability, or hallucinations when attempting to cut back or stop drinking is a clear indicator of physical dependence on alcohol. These symptoms can appear as early as a few hours after the last drink and signify the body’s reliance on alcohol.
Alcohol-Related Illnesses
Frequent health problems related to alcohol use, such as liver disease, pancreatitis, or alcohol-induced depression and anxiety, are strong signals that medical help is needed. These conditions often require both medical and therapeutic interventions to manage.
Concerns from Family and Friends
Feedback from close family and friends about drinking habits can provide an external perspective on the severity of the alcohol problem. If loved ones are expressing concern, it may be time to consider seeking help.
Dr. Meyer encourages individuals experiencing any of these signs to reach out for professional help. Early intervention can lead to better treatment outcomes and significantly reduce the health, social, and emotional burdens associated with alcohol addiction. Recognizing the need for help and taking action to seek treatment are the first steps on the path to recovery.

Treatment Options
Dr. Jolandi Meyer emphasizes that the path to recovery from alcohol addiction is deeply personal and varies widely among individuals. She outlines a variety of treatment options that can be tailored to fit the unique needs of each person. These options span from medical interventions to social support systems, all crucial for a successful recovery journey.
Detoxification
The first step in the treatment of alcohol addiction often involves detoxification, which is a medically supervised withdrawal process. This stage is critical as it helps safely manage the acute physical symptoms of alcohol withdrawal, which can range from mild anxiety and shaking to severe complications such as seizures and delirium tremens (DTs). Detox typically occurs in a controlled environment where healthcare professionals can monitor vital signs and administer medications to mitigate withdrawal symptoms.
Rehabilitation Programs
Dr. Meyer advocates for comprehensive rehabilitation programs, which can be either inpatient or outpatient. Inpatient rehab programs involve a residential stay at a treatment facility, providing 24-hour support and structured care. These programs are especially beneficial for individuals with severe addiction or those who need a stable environment to recover. Outpatient programs, on the other hand, allow individuals to remain at home and maintain some normalcy in their daily lives, attending treatment sessions at scheduled times throughout the week.
Medication
There are several medications approved for the treatment of alcohol addiction that can help manage withdrawal symptoms and prevent relapse. Naltrexone helps reduce cravings and the pleasurable effects of alcohol, Acamprosate makes it easier to maintain abstinence, and Disulfiram discourages drinking by causing unpleasant effects when alcohol is consumed. These medications, used under the supervision of a healthcare professional, can be effective components of a comprehensive treatment plan.
Counselling and Behavioral Therapies
Counselling plays a vital role in recovery, addressing the psychological aspects of addiction. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is particularly effective as it helps individuals identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviours related to their addiction. Through CBT, patients learn coping strategies to deal with triggers and improve emotional regulation. Other therapeutic approaches may include motivational interviewing, which enhances motivation to change, and family therapy, which helps repair and strengthen family dynamics.
Support Groups
Participation in support groups offers invaluable peer support. These groups provide a platform for sharing experiences and learning from others who are facing similar challenges. The fellowship and understanding within such groups can significantly enhance the recovery experience, offering both support and accountability.
Lifestyle Changes and Recovery
Long-term recovery from alcohol addiction involves more than just ceasing alcohol consumption; it requires substantial lifestyle changes. Dr. Meyer stresses the importance of a holistic approach to recovery, which includes:
Healthy Diet
Nutrition plays a crucial role in recovery. Alcohol abuse can lead to nutritional deficiencies, so a balanced diet is essential to restore physical health and improve mood and energy levels.
Regular Physical Activity
Exercise can help reduce stress, enhance overall mood, and boost physical health. Activities like yoga and meditation can also be beneficial in managing stress and improving mental clarity.
New Hobbies and Social Networks
Developing new interests and hobbies can provide a sense of purpose and joy that was previously overshadowed by alcohol use. It’s also important to cultivate a supportive social network that does not revolve around alcohol, helping to reinforce sober living.
Dr. Meyer encourages anyone struggling with alcohol addiction to consider these treatment options and lifestyle changes as integral components of a successful recovery strategy. With the right support and a committed approach, recovery is not just a possibility but a likely outcome.
For information on our 28-day in-patient programme with professional qualified medical detox from addiction and a platform of different approaches to addicts suffering from long-term gambling and/or drug addiction, get in touch with Dr. Jolandi Meyer at The Way Recovery – Gambling, Drug & Alcohol Abuse Treatment Facility in Pretoria. A six-week outpatient programme with individual counselling, group therapy, and family support is also available from The Way Recovery.
The Way Recovery Halfway House in Pretoria offers a reintegration, aftercare programme to aid the addict who has finished a detox programme in adjusting to society for the recovering addict who still struggles.
If you or someone you know is struggling with alcohol, it’s important to remember that help is available and recovery is possible. Dr. Jolandi Meyer encourages anyone concerned about their drinking habits to seek professional advice. Recognizing the problem is the first step towards recovery. Remember, it is never too late to seek help and make a change.
Alcohol addiction is a serious issue that can affect anyone. By understanding the signs, risk factors, and treatment options, individuals can take informed steps towards recovery and a healthier, alcohol-free life.

Common Ailments Treated by Dr. Jolandi Meyer
Dr. Jolandi Meyer’s expertise and comprehensive treatment options make her an exceptional General Practitioner for addressing all ailments. She provides personalised care, empowering patients to achieve optimal health. Her compassionate approach ensures patients receive the highest quality treatment. Her practice is located in Garsfontein, Pretoria on the same premises as The Way Recovery Centre.
With her support and guidance, patients can embark on a journey towards improved well-being and a healthier, happier life.
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