Why Alcohol is Addictive
By Caroline Ryan BBC News Online health staff
EFFECT OF ALCOHOL ON THE BODY
- Absorption of information restricted; memory impaired; inhibitions lowered
- Tunnel vision; difficulty in distinguishing light intensity
- Central nervous system impaired; intestinal irritation can lead to ulcers; high levels can lead to coma or death
- Change in fat metabolism, eventually leading to scarring of the liver
- Sexual performance inhibited, possibly leading to impotence
- Co-ordination and motor skills impaired; increased swaying
Source: Johns Hopkins University
It’s a familiar feeling. A few too many the night before and the morning brings headaches, nausea – and the pledge that you’ll never drink again.
But then you do.
Given that experience tells us drinking will ultimately lead to such symptoms, why do people still do it and what makes alcohol addictive?
The answer is a complex jigsaw of brain chemicals, personality and genetics.
‘Tranquiliser’
Many of the clues lie deep within the brain.
Alcohol triggers the release of dopamine – a chemical which produces feelings of satisfaction.
It also increases the production of the brain’s natural painkiller – endorphin – which scientists think could be the means by which the brain becomes trained to crave.
In addition, drinking affects the glutamate and GABA, chemicals which control how essential messages are sent between nerve cells in the brain.
Scientists believe this effect is part of the development of tolerance to, and dependence on, alcohol. But Dr Jonathon Chick, a consultant psychiatrist at Edinburgh University said: “Chemicals are only part of the picture, They do not explain it fully.
“For example, there are people who have a nervous, anxious disposition. “If they start to use alcohol as a tranquiliser, that can become addictive.”
Genetic link
” The way to stop people drinking and prevent addiction is simply to put up the price of alcohol ” Dr Jonathan Chick, Edinburgh University
Dr David Ball, a researcher for the charity Action on Addiction. added: “There are psychological traits, such as sensation seeking, which are linked to illicit drug use – though there is not a specific addictive personality.” Another part of the explanation lies in a person’s genes. Someone whose parents had a problem with alcohol have a 10-fold chance of having a problem themselves compared to someone whose parents did not have a problem.
Researchers are currently investigating which genes are responsible.
Doctors say the increased availability of alcohol means genetic predispositions to addiction – and the biological effects of drinking too much are triggered more often.
Dr Ball said: “People can have a genetic predisposition to alcohol addiction, but it can’t be triggered if people aren’t exposed to alcohol in the first place.”
Dr Crick added: “More people are drinking more often, and so more of the at-risk people end up in difficulties compared to 30 years ago when fewer people drank.”
Both doctors welcomed the recent recommendation from the Academy of Medical Sciences which said the cost of alcohol should increase by 10% to encourage people to drink less.
Dr Crick concluded: “The only way to stop people drinking and prevent addiction is to put up the price of alcohol.”
If you would like to talk, feel free to reach out to us. An LifeWorks therapist would be able to help.
Dr. Naeema Ali trained psychology and social worker students of UAE University. She is actively providing counselling support to cancer patients and their families. She launched an occupational therapy for cancer patients and cognitive behavioural therapy in Tawam.
Due to her continued support in oncology and ongoing support to cancer patients, Naeema received countless awards locally and international to recognize her achievements and skills. She has been invited to participate in various conferences and workshops around the world and invited as a guest speaker in various subjects that covers psychology.
She also joined Al Sayegh Medical Center as a Social Worker, providing comprehensive assessment and treatment services to children and families, in inpatient and/or outpatient settings, and communicates with referral sources as indicated by applying psychometric test, such as IQ Test, MMPI, Wechsler Test for children. Exhibit superior communication skills to uncover complicated mental health issues; develop and recommend treatment plans based on patient needs and diagnosis.
She continued working as a clinical psychologist providing counselling within the multi-cultural environment of the Emirates Airlines for the past 15 years. Her main task is providing mental health support to inflight and ground staff and addresses any problems, anxieties, or job-related stresses that they are dealing with. She uses her findings to help improve processes and behaviors of a patient to maintain a safe environment, to manage stress, overcome trauma, or avoid job-related conflicts. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is the method Naeema is using to reduce the difficulties, anxieties, and stress that employee faces.
Naeema is also part of “ Shawer ”, the “Seek Our Advice”, and “We Listen To You” program of the Family Development Foundation of Abu Dhabi. The aim of the program was to promote family awareness and support a stable family life. It involves a group of community members who deal with family problems in a positive manner and provide individual and group counseling in social, psychological, and educational areas. They do so in a systematic way according to the needs of community members.
Besides “ Shawer ”, Naeema is also a volunteer of “ Friends of Cancer ” of Sharjah, supporting patients and their families to overcome the multitude psychological difficulties that they are experiencing due to cancer treatment as well as introducing some programs such as health education, self-care and some community programs wherein they can collaborate and share their experiences.
Area of interest:
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Psycho-oncology
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CBT
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Psychometric Assessments
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Children, Adults and Family therapy
Qualification and Membership:
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Psychology graduation from the University of Wisconsin
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Licensed by Community Development Authority
Dr. Mohammed Bardi M.B.B.S, M.D (Psychiatry) has worked under different capacities in clinical and hospital setups in Saudi, USA, and UAE. He comes with over 15 years of experience in mental health. He specifically worked with cases relating to schizophrenic, bipolar disorder, dual diagnosis, major depressive disorder with suicidal risks, anxiety disorders, Intellectual disabilities, Autistic spectrum disorders and attention deficit hyperactivity disorders (ADHD).
Area of interest:
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Mood disorders
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Anxiety disorders
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Improving life skills (social skills, self- esteem, decision making, coping with stress, problem solving, and time management)
Qualification and Membership:
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MBBS COLLEAGUE OF MEDICINE, KING SAUD UNIVERSITY 2003 (KKU).
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ARAB BOARD OF MEDICAL SPECIALTIES IN PSYCHIATRY 2007
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ANXIETY DISORDERS WORKSHOP (DIPLOMA), 2010
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ADDICTION FELLOWSHIP UCLA, USA, 2010-2011
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ADDICTION RESEARCH AND MATRIX TRAINING, ISAP, UCLA, LOS ANGELES, CA, USA 2014-2015
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BACHELOR’S DEGREE OF MEDICINE AND SURGERY
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ARAB BOARD OF MEDICAL SPECIALTIES IN PSYCHIATRY
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ADDICTION FELLOWSHIP UCLA 2011, 2015
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BETTY FORD CERTIFICATE, ADDICTION PROGRAM 2010
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CDA) Licensed Psychologist
Therapeutic Approach:
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At LifeWorks Holistic Counselling Center Dubai, Dr. Bardi works collaboratively within our expert multidisciplinary team, in treating a wide array of psychiatric conditions including:
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Anxiety disorders
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Substance use disorders
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Mood disorders including depression and Bipolar affective disorders
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Psychotic disorders (Schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders)
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Personality disorders
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Cognitive disorders including Dementia
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Learning disabilities (intellectual disability disorders)
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Child and adolescents’ disorders like Separation anxiety disorders, conduct
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disorders and ADHD