What is alcohol dependence?

Alcohol dependence is a condition where you drink alcohol regularly and find it difficult to control your drinking. Alcohol dependence is also known as alcoholism or alcohol use disorder.

Alcohol dependence is different to alcohol abuse. Abuse of alcohol, also known as binge drinking, is when you drink a lot of alcohol in one session to get drunk.

Alcohol dependence is a treatable condition — it's never too late to seek support and make changes.

What are the symptoms of harmful alcohol use?

If you are dependent on alcohol, you may:

• have strong urges to drink alcohol
• struggle to stop drinking alcohol
• have a hard time controlling how much you drink
• need to drink more to feel the same effects

You may also notice symptoms, such as:

• insomnia (difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep)
• low sexual desire
• abdominal (tummy) pain
• muscle cramps
• tachycardia (increased heart rate)
• weight gain or weight loss

If you are physically dependent on alcohol, you might have withdrawal symptoms when you stop drinking. These can include:

• nervousness
• seizures
• sweating
• confusion

Other signs that you might be dependent on alcohol include if you:

• drink alone
• hide alcohol from members of your household
• experience relationship problems due to drinking
• lie about how much you drink
• drink early in the day

Alcohol dependence is not the same as alcohol abuse. If you abuse alcohol, you may not crave alcohol, but you might still experience withdrawal symptoms when you stop drinking.

What causes alcohol dependence?

There are many different reasons why you may become dependent on alcohol.

Alcohol use disorder can occur due to poor drinking habits, such as:

• drinking alcohol early in life
• heavy drinking
• frequent drinking

Alcohol dependence can also occur when alcohol is used as an unhealthy coping mechanism for:

• mental health conditions, such as anxiety or depression
• trauma
• stress

When should I see my doctor?

If you notice any signs of alcohol dependence, talk to your doctor. Your doctor can:

• check your overall health
• support you to reduce or stop drinking
• help you manage any withdrawal symptoms
• monitor your progress over time

They can also refer you for further help from a psychologist or counsellor.

Your doctor should discuss your alcohol dependence in a supportive way. If you don't feel comfortable or supported, don't be afraid to find another doctor.

It can take effort and strength to seek support for alcohol dependence. It's important to remember that asking for help is not a weakness, and you deserve support.

How is alcohol dependence diagnosed?

There is no specific test to diagnose alcohol dependence. If your doctor thinks you are dependent on alcohol, they will ask you about your symptoms and experiences.

They may also:

• recommend a liver function test (a blood test to check the health of your liver)
• examine you for other signs of alcohol dependence, such as jaundice (yellow skin)
• check your blood pressure

How is alcohol dependence treated?

It's never too early or too late to get treatment for alcohol dependence.

Treatment options for alcohol dependence vary depending on how severe your dependence is.

Reducing your alcohol intake

Your doctor can recommend some changes to help you reduce your alcohol intake. You can try:

• making plans that don't involve alcohol
• meeting with friends who don't drink alcohol
• only drinking with food
• drinking non-alcoholic drinks, like water, between alcoholic drinks
• choosing lower strength alcoholic drinks
• counting your standard drinks and setting a limit for yourself

If you do choose to lower your alcohol intake, you may notice benefits, such as:

• sleeping better
• having healthier skin
• thinking more clearly
• getting sick less often

Alcohol dependence is a treatable condition. Getting treatment is a positive step towards improving your health.

Getting support

Your doctor can help you find support to manage your alcohol dependence, such as a:

• counsellor
• support group
• treatment program

Treatment options might include:

• behavioural treatment to help improve your coping skills
• peer support through groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous
• spending time at a detoxification facility
• attending rehabilitation

How can I prevent harmful alcohol use?

The Australian Guidelines recommend that you should have no more than 10 standard drinks each week and no more than 4 standard drinks on any one day.

Keeping track of how much you drink and staying within these limits can help prevent harmful alcohol use.

If you want to reduce or stop drinking alcohol, it can help to have a plan. Think about:

• your goals — why you want to cut down or quit drinking
• your triggers — where and when you tend to drink
• your support — how you will avoid triggers and who you can turn to for help

If you have children, it's important to talk to them about drugs and alcohol, including the dangers of binge drinking.

Read more about tips for safe and responsible drinking.

What are the complications of alcohol dependence?

Alcohol dependence can affect your health and wellbeing, and that of the people around you.

If you are dependent on alcohol, you have an increased chance of illnesses including:

• liver disease and liver failure
• mental illnesses, such as anxiety and depression
• heart disease
• high blood pressure
• cancers, such as stomach cancer and bowel cancer
• stroke and dementia
• diabetes

Alcohol use disorder can impact your mental health and worsen existing mental health conditions.

Alcohol can also affect those around you. Alcohol dependence is a major factor in:

• car accidents
• family violence
• crime

Getting treatment for alcohol dependence can help prevent complications.

Caring for someone with alcohol dependence

Caring for someone who misuses alcohol can be difficult. If you are a family member or friend of someone with alcohol dependence, it's normal to feel:

• upset
• angry
• anxious
• stressed

Support is available to help you manage these feelings. You can seek help from carers' associations in your state or territory. They can provide counselling and help to organise respite care.

Visit the Carer Gateway website or call 1800 422 737 for more information.

Resources and support

Visit the Alcohol and Drug Foundation page for information on:

• the Australian alcohol guidelines
• how to have a conversation with family or friends about the impact of their alcohol use

You can also call the National Alcohol and Other Drug hotline on 1800 250 015. This hotline provides free and confidential advice about alcohol and other drugs. It will automatically direct you to the Alcohol and Drug Information Service in your state or territory.

For more information on services in your state or territory:

• Australia Capital Territory
• New South Wales
• Northern Territory
• Queensland
• South Australia
• Tasmania
• Victoria
• Western Australia

The Self-Help Addiction Resource Centre supports people concerned about a loved one's drug or alcohol use. Call 1300 660 068.

Alcoholics Anonymous offers help to people with alcohol dependence. Call 1300 222 222.

Beyond Blue provides support for people with mental health issues. Call 1300 22 4636 or chat to a counsellor online.

The Holstep Health page offers counselling for and by members of the LGBTIQA+ community.

Languages other than English

The Health Translations page offers information in multiple languages, including topics such as:

• alcohol and pregnancy
• alcohol and partying
• talking to your child about alcohol use
• alcohol awareness

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders

The Alcohol and Drug Foundation page has information for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islanders on:

• alcohol and drug treatment journey
• different types of drug and alcohol treatment
• why people drink alcohol

13YARN has a factsheet about understanding the misuse of alcohol and other drugs.

You can also call the healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222 (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria). A registered nurse is available to speak with you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.