In This Blog
- What alcoholism really means under the DSM-5
- How AUD qualifies as a mental illness
- The connection between alcoholism and other mental disorders
- Why recovery must include mental-health-focused care
- Common myths about alcoholism
- Where and how to get professional help
Alcoholism has been misinterpreted for a long time- it is assumed that it is a manifestation of frailty or powerlessness. However, contemporary science illustrates otherwise. Alcoholism, or the Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD), is a chronic illness of the brain that influences behavior, mood, and general mental health.
What is Alcoholism? Defining Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD)
Alcohol Use Disorder is a medical and psychiatric diagnosis that implies the inability to manage alcohol consumption despite its negative effects. The DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) defines AUD as a substance-related mental disorder that is marked by tolerance, withdrawal, and compulsive use.
FACT: The DSM-5 lists 11 diagnostic criteria for Alcohol Use Disorder, ranging from cravings to risky behavior.
DSM-5 Classification Levels
Severity | Criteria met | Typical pattern |
Mild | 2 -3 | Occasional binge drinking |
Moderate | 4 – 5 | Frequent loss of control |
Severe | 6+ | Daily dependence and withdrawal symptoms |
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The Classification of Alcoholism in Mental Health
Alcoholism is a mental illness according to the American Psychiatric Association since it distorts brain chemistry and makes the person unable to make judgments and regulate their emotions and decisions.
The prolonged alcohol exposure alters the neurotransmitters in the brain, such as dopamine, GABA, and serotonin, which result in mood swings, anxiety, and cognitive impairment. The neurological alterations are similar to those of other psychiatric disorders like depression and anxiety, which proves that AUD is psychological and physiological.
FACTS – “Chronic alcohol misuse alters brain circuits—effective recovery needs medical and psychological care.”
The Overlap Between Alcoholism and Mental Health Disorders
Alcoholism hardly stands alone. Dual diagnosis is a disorder that affects many people and causes them to experience a mental illness.
Common Co-Occurring Disorders
- Depression: Alcohol produces an initial deadening effect on sadness but aggravates mood regulation in the long term.
- Anxiety Disorders: Drinking might help, but it increases anxiety during withdrawal.
- Bipolar Disorder: Alcohol abuse may exacerbate manic and depressive episodes.
- PTSD: After trauma, alcohol is a self-medication used by trauma survivors.
The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) states that almost 37 percent of alcohol-dependent people have a co-occurring mental disorder. This overlap implies that both conditions have to be treated concomitantly.
Need integrated addiction and mental health care? Contact Palm Coast Treatment Solutions (PCTS)
Why Treating Alcoholism Requires a Mental Health Approach
Treating alcoholism as a purely behavioral issue ignores its neurological and psychological roots.
Integrated Treatment Approach
Component | Focus |
Detoxification | Safely manages withdrawal symptoms |
Psychotherapy (CBT/DBT) | Identifies thought patterns fueling addiction |
Medication-Assisted Therapy (MAT) | Uses drugs like naltrexone to curb cravings |
Support Groups | Provide accountability and peer encouragement |
Family Therapy | Repairs relationships damaged by alcohol use |
When therapy and medicine work together, recovery becomes more sustainable.
FACTS – People receiving both medical detox and mental-health counseling have a 60% higher recovery rate (CDC).
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Debunking Myths: Is Alcoholism Just a “Bad Habit”?
One of the biggest misconceptions about alcoholism is that it’s a choice rather than a disease.
While the first drink might be voluntary, repeated use rewires the brain’s reward system, reducing control and increasing dependence.
Myth vs Reality
Myth | Reality |
Alcoholics lack willpower | Addiction changes brain function and decision-making |
Only daily drinkers are alcoholics | Binge patterns can indicate early AUD |
Quitting alone proves strength | Recovery needs medical and psychological support |
Viewing alcoholism as a mental illness encourages compassion, reduces stigma, and leads to more effective treatment.
Struggling to quit alone? Contact at Palm Coast Treatment Solutions (PCTS)
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Getting Help: Resources and Next Steps
Early intervention is important if you or a loved one develops symptoms of alcohol dependence.
Steps to Begin Recovery
- Government: This can begin with a licensed addiction counselor or psychiatrist.
- Detoxing in a safe way: Medical monitoring will make the withdrawal comfortable and safe.
- Take a course in Dual-Diagnosis Care: Addresses the physical and mental sides.
- Participate in Support Communities: Organizations such as AA (Alcoholics Anonymous) provide peer empowerment.
- Write a Relapse-Prevention Plan: Find triggers and coping skills.
It might be difficult to go through the path to recovery, but holistic mental-health-based treatment can provide permanent recovery.
Indeed, alcoholism is a mental health disorder. It influences the reward system of the brain, resulting in compulsive drinking and loss of control despite the damage. The ease of recovery may require professional assistance due to the fact that it affects both mental and physical well-being. For help, contact Palm Coast Treatment Solutions (PCTS) at (386) 284-4151.
Key Takeaways
- Alcoholism is a self-diagnosed mental illness in the DSM-5.
- It changes the brain chemistry, changes the mood, impulse control, and judgment.
- ADU is usually accompanied by co-occurring mental disorders such as depression or PTSD.
- The recovery process is best achieved with integrated treatment of medical detox + therapy.
- Empathy and timely diagnosis decrease stigma and enhance outcomes.
- There is a way out-treatment saves life and creates balance.
Medical Disclaimer: This blog is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.
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FAQs
1. Is alcoholism considered a mental illness in medical terms?
Yes. In DSM-5, alcoholism or Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) is a mental health disorder. It influences the brain chemistry, behavior, and feelings, and has to be treated with medical and psychological efforts, not only with determination.
2. Can someone recover from alcoholism without therapy?
Although detox will prevent drinking, therapy will play a critical role in permanent recovery. Counseling deals with underlying emotions and coping strategies, and minimizes the risk of relapse. Most people relapse into bad drinking habits without support for their mental health.
3. How are alcoholism and depression connected?
Alcohol temporarily alleviates the state of depression by blocking the serotonin and dopamine balance, which only exacerbates the state of depression. Different people drink to self-treat emotional anguish, which leads to a pattern of addiction. The dual-diagnosis treatment aims at treating the conditions concurrently to achieve improved results.
4. What is dual diagnosis in alcoholism treatment?
Dual diagnosis is the treatment of alcoholism and mental disorders such as anxiety, PTSD, or bipolar disorder. Such a combined method will guarantee that neither of the conditions is overlooked, and they will be under coordinated care to maintain permanent stability.
5. How do doctors diagnose alcoholism as a mental illness?
The assessment of AUD severity is carried out using the DSM-5 criteria, physical examination, and psychological tests that are conducted by doctors. They assess tolerance, withdrawal, and behavioral patterns. Such co-occurring symptoms as anxiety or depression can assist in making up a comprehensive treatment strategy.
6. What happens if alcoholism goes untreated?
Alcoholism in its untreated form may cause chronic depression, anxiety, liver disease, and social degradation. In the long run, it impairs relationships and cognitive functioning. Professional intervention eliminates potential damage in the long term and restores mental and physical balance.
