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Taking measures to prevent diseases, improve our health, and extend our lifespan
A disease affecting people from all walks of life
The condition where technology controls a person
Individuals may be referred to addiction treatment centers if deemed necessary
Promoting mental well-being by coping with stress and recognizing abilities
One of the most widely abused substances globally due to nicotine addiction
Activation of the brain's reward pleasure mechanism by repeating a certain behavior
Complete well-being physically, mentally, and socially
A product containing vaporized nicotine reported as harmful.
1.85 million out of 3 million deaths in 2017 were preventable.
The process of recovery by combating addiction
Inability to quit substances despite knowing the physical and psychological harms
Risking something valuable in hopes of gaining something more valuable
The beginning of the body's purification process after quitting substance use
The process of reintegrating into society healthily
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), alcohol addiction is defined as a disorder resulting from the repeated or continuous use of alcohol. According to the diagnostic criteria of the American Psychiatric Association’s DSM-5, alcohol addiction is a problematic pattern of alcohol use leading to clinically significant distress or impairment in daily functioning, as manifested by at least two of the following symptoms within a twelve-month period.
Use of alcohol is one of the leading global health risk factors and contributes to numerous diseases, creating significant social and economic burdens on communities. Alcohol addiction often occurs alongside various psychological and physical problems. Individuals diagnosed with alcohol addiction may have an increased risk of dependence on other substances and experience mental health issues such as mood disorders, depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, and personality disorders. Physically, alcohol addiction can lead to liver enlargement, fatty liver, jaundice, cancer, cirrhosis, high blood pressure, heart enlargement, sudden cardiac events, and vascular blockages.
Alcohol use also impairs brain function, resulting in frequent difficulties such as balance problems, challenges in performing skill-based tasks, alcohol-related dementia, and memory impairment.
Alcohol lowers testosterone levels (male hormone) while increasing estrogen levels (female hormone). It disrupts vitamin balance in the body, causes dehydration, and promotes fat accumulation, which can lead to weight problems, muscle loss, and weakness.
Alcohol use damages the nervous system, potentially causing tremors in the hands and tingling or numbness in the legs.
Some individuals use alcohol believing it positively affects or facilitates sexual activity; however, contrary to this perception, it often causes multiple problems.
Alcohol consumption during pregnancy can lead to growth and developmental delays in the fetus.
Research shows that alcohol use is responsible for approximately 3 million deaths worldwide each year. The harms caused by alcohol affect not only the individual consuming it but also their family members and those around them, leading to various health disorders and social problems.
References
For more detailed information on the topics covered in this section, you may refer to the following sources:
• American Psychiatric Association (2014). DSM-5: Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (Trans. E. Köroğlu). Ankara: Hekimler Publishing House.
• 101 Questions on Addiction (2019). [Link: 101 Soruda Bağımlılık | Yeşilay (yesilay.org.tr)]
• Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) (2023). Health at a Glance 2023. [Link: https://www.oecd.org/content/dam/oecd/en/publications/reports/2023/11/health-at-a-glance-2023_e04f8239/7a7afb35-en.pdf ]
• World Health Organization (2025). ICD-11 for Mortality and Morbidity Statistics: Disorders due to Use of Alcohol. [Link: https://icd.who.int/browse/2025-01/mms/en#1676588433 ]
• World Health Organization (2020). Alcohol and Cancer in the WHO European Region: An Appeal for Better Prevention. [Link: https://iris.who.int/bitstream/handle/10665/336595/WHO-EURO-2020-1435-41185-56004-eng.pdf ]
• World Health Organization (2024). Alcohol Fact Sheet. [Link: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/alcohol ]
Distinguishing alcohol addiction from occasional alcohol consumption can be challenging since alcohol is widely accepted and consumed in many cultures. Symptoms of alcohol addiction include:
Development of Tolerance: The need for increasing amounts of alcohol to maintain the same effect.
Withdrawal Symptoms: Mental and physical distress resulting from reducing or quitting alcohol use, alleviated by resuming alcohol consumption.
Loss of Control: Exceeding planned amounts of alcohol use.
Time and Energy Expenditure: Excessive time and energy spent on obtaining, using, or recovering from alcohol effects.
Social and Occupational Issues: Decreased or complete abandonment of significant social and professional activities due to alcohol use.
Failed Attempts: Unsuccessful attempts to control or quit alcohol use.
Conscious Harmful Alcohol Use: Continuing alcohol consumption despite awareness of its harmful effects.
Recognizing early warning signs is crucial, considering the worsening trend of alcohol addiction over time. Early diagnosis and treatment can help individuals avoid negative consequences. If you know someone struggling with alcohol addiction, providing support is essential. Avoiding shame or guilt can help reduce the individual's resistance to seeking help.
Alcohol addiction causes physical and psychological damage by affecting different parts of the central nervous system. Some effects include:
• Esophageal, laryngeal, gastric, and pancreatic cancers.
• Impaired brain functions such as thinking, decision-making, and movement.
• Sleep disorders, headaches, eye damage.
• Heart and circulatory diseases.
• Impaired blood clotting.
• Severe liver damage.
Acknowledging alcohol misuse or the development of alcohol addiction can take time due to alcohol's social nature as a psychoactive substance. Many individuals continue social alcohol use while developing alcohol addiction. Those using alcohol and seeking treatment, along with their families, can seek treatment from addiction treatment centers and psychiatric clinics associated with hospitals. Treatment should be tailored to the individual's needs, with the main goal being sobriety, requiring long-term follow-up after treatment.
Differential diagnosis and treatment of accompanying psychiatric disorders are crucial. Long-term follow-up after treatment is necessary, as relapses often occur within the first 6 months. The family of individuals with alcohol addiction plays a significant role in the addiction treatment. If the individual continues drinking, the spouse stating that they cannot stay with them as long as they continue may be a sufficient reason for the individuals with alcohol addiction to attempt quitting alcohol. If the individual refuses to undergo an original treatment program for alcoholism, the relationship between the doctor and the individual with alcohol addiction should not be severed, and a psychosocial crisis where the individual accepts treatment should be awaited.
Some considerations for the relatives of a substance-using person include:
• Helping the individual with alcohol addiction see the consequences of their behavior.
• Showing genuine interest and remembering that alcohol problems are an illness.
• Acquiring knowledge about addiction treatment methods.
• Being prepared for the individual with alcohol addiction to accept help.
• Pre-arranging with the treatment center for necessary organization.
• Recognizing early warning signs, considering the worsening trend of addiction over time.
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