• “Alcohol addiction is just a lack of willpower.”

This is a common misconception. Although it may seem so from the outside, alcohol addiction is not something that can be overcome by willpower alone. Alcohol addiction is actually caused by chemical changes in the brain. It therefore requires more complex treatment.

• “Only people who drink alcohol every day are addicted.”

Alcohol addiction occurs mostly in people who drink alcohol regularly, but people who drink alcohol less frequently are also at risk of addiction. Alcohol dependence is not primarily characterized by frequency and quantity, but by loss of control and continued consumption of alcohol despite negative symptoms. 

•  “Alcohol addiction is not only a physical addiction.” 

Alcohol addiction is not just a physical addiction, but one that has both physical and psychological components. Physical addiction is characterized by withdrawal symptoms, while psychological addiction is characterized by individuals using alcohol as a means of instant emotional relief or coping with stress.

• “Alcohol only damages the liver.” 

Alcohol dependence not only causes chronic liver disease, but also cardiovascular disease, cancer and neuropsychiatric disorders and can affect public health on many levels.

• “Alcohol addiction cannot be cured.”

Contrary to this misconception, alcohol addiction is a treatable condition. Progress can be made with a combination of psychological treatment and medication. 

Learning the truth about these misconceptions about alcohol addiction is crucial for individuals struggling with addiction to receive support and treatment without feeling inadequate, hopeless and guilty. If we better understand the root causes and effects of alcohol addiction, we as a society can combat addiction in a more informed way. 

According to the American Psychiatric Association's DSM-5 diagnostic criteria and World Health Organization (WHO) data, the most common symptoms of alcohol dependence are as follows:

1. Loss of Control and Diminished Dominance over Use

• Impaired ability to control alcohol use
• Wanting to drink less or quit drinking altogether but not being able to do so
• Drinking more or longer than planned
• Alcohol is increasingly becoming a priority in everyday life

2. Physical Addiction and the Development of Tolerance

• The need to consume more alcohol to feel the same effect as before (developing tolerance)
• Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when alcohol is stopped (shaking, sweating, anxiety, nausea, insomnia, nervousness, etc.)

3. Social and Professional Problems

• Failure to fulfill responsibilities at work, school or home
• Deterioration in family, friend and work relationships
• Not learning from negative experiences and continuing to drink despite alcohol use
• Having persistent social or interpersonal problems but continuing to use alcohol

4. Risky Behaviors and Health Problems

• Drinking alcohol in potentially dangerous situations (for example; drinking while driving)
• Accidents, injuries or health problems due to alcohol use
• Continuing to drink despite physical and psychological health problems

5. Craving and Emotional Effects

• The desire to drink alcohol becomes strong and uncontrollable
• Feelings of depression, anxiety and restlessness when not drinking alcohol
• Drinking alcohol instead of enjoying daily activities

1. Psychological Factors

• Depression and Anxiety Disorders

There is a strong association between alcohol dependence and depression and anxiety. Many people turn to alcohol to cope with feelings of stress, anxiety and unhappiness. But in the long run, alcohol's depressing effect on the central nervous system can lead to a vicious cycle, increasing depressed mood and anxiety levels.

• Low self-esteem and lack of self-control

Individuals who lack self-confidence are at risk of developing addiction due to the social anxiety-reducing effect of alcohol. Furthermore, people with poor impulse control may find it difficult to limit their alcohol consumption, which may lead to risky patterns of use.

• Traumas and Childhood Experiences

Individuals who face traumatic experiences such as physical or emotional abuse, domestic violence or loss of a parent are at increased risk of alcohol addiction. Individuals who try to cope with such traumas may become addicted to alcohol over time.

2. Environmental and Social Factors

• Impact of Family and Close Environment

The environment in which an individual grows up and lives affects the risk of alcohol addiction. Individuals who grow up in families where alcohol use is common may normalize this substance and start consuming it at an earlier age. Similarly, an environment that encourages alcohol use among friends is also an important factor that increases the risk of addiction.

• Social Acceptance and Cultural Factors

In some societies, alcohol consumption is considered an essential part of social life. Encouraging alcohol consumption, especially in social settings such as celebrations, meetings and parties, can increase the risk of individuals becoming addicted.

• Impact of the Media

Advertisements that present alcohol in a positive light and representations of alcohol in popular culture may lead individuals to use alcohol. Young people in particular may be influenced by messages in the media encouraging alcohol consumption and may experience alcohol use at an early age.

3. Factors Related to Economic Conditions and Living Conditions

• Financial Difficulties and Work Stress

People struggling with work stress or financial difficulties may turn to alcohol to reduce their stress. Over time, alcohol use can become a momentary coping mechanism that turns into addiction.

• Unemployment and Social Isolation

Unemployment and loneliness are directly related to alcohol addiction. Individuals who have lost their jobs or have a limited environment turn to alcohol to fill their free time and cope with the negative emotions that pull them down.

4. Alcohol Use at an Early Age

Research shows that individuals who start drinking alcohol at an early age are more likely to develop addiction later in life. Drinking alcohol, especially during adolescence when development is ongoing, can lead to permanent changes in brain chemistry. 

Alcohol dependence is a condition that seriously affects not only physical health but also psychological, social and economic life. The World Health Organization (WHO) and various scientific studies show that long-term and uncontrolled alcohol consumption carries great risks for both individuals and society.

1. Effects on Physical Health

Alcohol addiction causes serious damage to the body in the long term. Alcohol directly affects the digestive system, liver, heart, blood vessels and brain. These effects vary depending on the duration of the addiction and the amount of alcohol consumed, but in the long run they become inevitable.

• Effects on the Brain and Nervous System

In the long term, alcohol consumption causes central nervous system effects such as impaired concentration, learning difficulties, memory loss and mood disorders. It impairs cognitive functions, increases the risk of developing neurological diseases, causes brain volume shrinkage and leads to diseases such as dementia.

• Liver Damage and Alcoholic Hepatitis

The liver is the organ responsible for metabolizing alcohol in the body. Continuous and excessive alcohol consumption makes it difficult for the liver to fulfill this function, leading to fatty liver disease, hepatitis and eventually cirrhosis. Cirrhosis is a serious disease in which the liver tissue is damaged and hardens, resulting in the organ losing its function. Alcohol-related liver disease is one of the leading causes of alcohol-related deaths worldwide.

• Heart and Vascular Diseases

Alcohol abuse increases the risk of high blood pressure by raising blood pressure. It can also cause serious health problems such as heart rhythm disorders, blocked arteries and heart failure. Studies show that long-term alcohol use leads to weakening of the heart muscle and cardiomyopathy.

• Weakening of the immune system

Continuous alcohol consumption suppresses the immune system, making the body vulnerable to infections. Individuals with alcohol addiction have a higher incidence of pneumonia, tuberculosis and other infectious diseases.

• Increased Risk of Cancer

According to the International Agency for Research on Cancer, alcohol directly increases the risk of many types of cancer, including cancers of the mouth, throat, esophagus, stomach, liver, pancreas and breast. Alcohol turns into a toxic substance called acetaldehyde in the body, which can cause DNA damage and cellular mutations.

2. Psychological and Spiritual Damages

Alcohol addiction is one of the most important factors that negatively affect mental health. Alcohol has an immediate relaxing effect, but in the long term it can lead to depression, anxiety and other psychological disorders.

• Depression and Anxiety

Alcohol temporarily makes a person feel better with its relaxing effects on the nervous system, but in the long run it causes depressive moods. Anxiety and depression disorders are very common in individuals with alcohol addiction.

• Psychosis and Hallucinations

Excessive alcohol consumption can lead to alcohol-induced psychosis, especially in cases of long-term addiction. This can cause the person to lose their sense of reality and hallucinate. 

• Increased Risk of Suicide

Alcohol increases the likelihood of sudden and uncontrolled behaviors in addicted individuals as it weakens their decision-making mechanisms. Research shows that alcohol dependence significantly increases the risk of suicide.

3. Effects on social life

• Alcohol addiction affects not only the individual, but also their family and close environment, and consequently society as a whole. Alcohol dependent individuals may exhibit aggressive behavior and cause serious problems in family relationships and marriages.
• According to a household survey conducted in some developing countries, 43.2% of adult men reported that their children had experienced at least one alcohol-related injury such as neglect, psychological and physical abuse.
• In the long term, individuals with addiction may face problems such as poor performance at work, absenteeism and job loss. For young alcohol addicts, it can lead to a decline in academic achievement and dropping out of school.

• In addition, individuals with alcohol addiction are at high risk of causing traffic accidents and committing crimes by driving under the influence of alcohol. According to research, the majority of traffic accidents in the world are caused by drunk drivers.

• Increase in Health Expenditures

Alcohol addiction also imposes huge costs on the healthcare system. The treatment of liver diseases, psychiatric disorders and other health problems associated with addiction leads to increased expenditures for countries.

Recovering from alcohol addiction is a process that requires patience and determination. Treatment usually consists of several stages, each of which plays an important role in the fight against addiction.

1. Detoxification (Purification Process)

The first step in treatment is the detox process, which completely cleanses the body of alcohol. This stage helps to detoxify from the physical effects of addiction and is usually carried out under the supervision of a doctor.

2. Medication 

Following the detox process, some patients may be treated with medication. These medications help to reduce cravings for alcohol and drugs while alleviating withdrawal symptoms.  

3. Psychosocial Support

Not only physical, but also psychological and emotional support is crucial in the fight against addiction. Therapy, counseling and support groups are effective ways to learn to cope with addiction and manage triggers.

4. Social Rehabilitation

The final stage aims to help the individual adapt to social life. Re-establishing healthy relationships with work, family and social environment is a critical step in the process of complete recovery from addiction.  

The most important thing in the fight against addiction is to get support and know that you are not alone. If you or someone close to you is struggling with addiction, getting professional help can make the process easier.

• Raising awareness about addiction
• Keeping alcohol use under control
• Managing stress in healthy ways
• Saying no to social pressure
• Participate in training and awareness programs
• Asking for help and joining support groups

Alcohol addiction is a preventable addiction. Reviewing your own habits, finding healthy alternatives and accessing the right information are the most powerful steps towards preventing addiction. If you or someone close to you is experiencing loss of control over alcohol consumption, seeking support from a professional is a critical step to prevent addiction. Remember, accurate information and strong willpower are the keys to a healthy life.