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August 7th, 2025
Alcohol Addiction | Definition, Symptoms and Effects
Alcohol is everywhere. It shows up at celebrations, family dinners, quiet nights in and stressful days out. It’s socially accepted and often treated as harmless, but over time, what begins as a simple way to relax can slowly take over.
If you’re worried about your drinking or concerned about someone close to you, this page will walk you through what alcohol addiction looks like, how it can impact life and what kind of help is available when you’re ready to take that first step.
What is alcohol addiction?
Alcohol addiction, also known as alcohol use disorder (AUD), is when drinking turns from something optional into something you feel you need. It can develop slowly, without obvious warning signs.
This kind of addiction involves both physical and psychological dependence. Physically, the body begins to crave alcohol. Mentally, it becomes a go-to for coping with stress, anxiety or boredom. For many people, the idea of stopping feels overwhelming or impossible, even if they know it’s causing harm.
Alcohol dependency in the UK
The UK’s relationship with alcohol has long been one of concern. From celebrations to coping with grief, alcohol is often at the centre of our social and emotional lives. But behind the cultural normality lies a deeper issue.
Estimates from the University of Sheffield found that between 2019 and 2020, around 608,416 adults in England were dependent on alcohol. That figure was already 2% higher than in 2015–2016, showing a worrying upward trend. Even more concerning is that these are pre-pandemic figures, with no official updates since, despite mounting evidence that alcohol use rose sharply during lockdown.
Four things stand out: the steady increase in dependency over the years, the lack of recent data, the sheer scale of the issue and the fact that this is only England, not the whole UK.
If we look at more recent indicators, the picture remains troubling. Between April 2023 and March 2024, over 310,000 adults accessed drug and alcohol services. Of those, 94,173, almost a third, were for alcohol alone. That’s a staggering number, especially considering many people never seek help. In truth, the number of people struggling with alcohol dependency could be far higher, suggesting a hidden crisis behind our national drinking habits.
How alcohol addiction develops
Alcohol changes how the brain works. It increases dopamine, which boosts feelings of pleasure and relaxation. But over time, the brain begins to rely on alcohol for these effects. The same amount no longer provides the same relief, leading to heavier drinking.
As tolerance builds, so does dependence. When someone stops drinking, they may experience withdrawal symptoms like shaking, sweating, anxiety, irritability or even seizures. Many continue drinking not to feel good but to avoid feeling unwell.
This is how alcohol addiction often develops without a dramatic turning point.
The impact of alcohol addiction
Alcohol addiction can reach into every part of a person’s life. Its effects can grow slowly or appear suddenly, depending on how much and how often someone drinks. Either way, the damage can be deep and lasting.
Physical health
Alcohol puts the body under serious strain. Long-term use can lead to liver disease, high blood pressure, digestive problems and increased risk of certain cancers. It also affects the immune system, making it harder to fight off illness.
For those who are physically dependent, withdrawal can be dangerous and needs careful medical attention to prevent seizures or complications like delirium tremens.
Mental health
Alcohol might seem to take the edge off stress or anxiety, but over time it tends to make things worse. Many people experience depression, mood swings and emotional numbness in the hours or days after drinking.
Alcohol can also affect memory, decision-making and concentration. Some people feel emotionally flat or disconnected without it. This creates a cycle where alcohol is used to feel better but ends up worsening the very symptoms it was meant to soothe.
Relationships and daily life
When drinking becomes a priority, other things start to slip. Work performance may suffer. Family life becomes strained. Many people begin hiding their drinking, lying about how much they’ve had or isolating themselves to avoid questions.
Responsibilities fall through the cracks, too. This can lead to a heavy guilt and shame buildup. The person drinking might still feel in control, but others around them begin to notice the changes and consequences.
Signs of alcohol addiction
Some signs of alcohol addiction are subtle at first. Others become harder to hide over time. Recognising these patterns can help someone understand when things have gone too far.
- Shaking, especially in the morning
- Frequent nausea, sweating or fatigue
- Headaches or poor sleep
- Noticeable weight changes
- Feeling anxious or low when not drinking
- Strong cravings or thoughts about the next drink
- Mood swings or emotional flatness
- Memory lapses or difficulty focusing
- Drinking alone or in secret
- Struggling to stop once drinking has started
- Avoiding responsibilities or skipping work
- Hiding bottles or downplaying consumption
Seeing even a few of these signs could mean alcohol is taking up more space in your life than it should.
Am I addicted to alcohol?
It’s not always obvious when drinking has crossed the line into addiction. But asking yourself some honest questions can help make things clearer.
- Do you find it hard to stop drinking once you’ve started?
- Have you tried to cut back and struggled to stick with it?
- Do you drink to manage emotions, stress or boredom?
- Is alcohol affecting your relationships, work or health?
- Do you feel shaky, anxious or unwell when you haven’t had a drink?
Even if you answer yes to just one or two, it may be time to take a closer look at your relationship with alcohol. Recognising there’s a problem is not a sign of failure. It’s a sign that change is possible.
How to help a loved one with an addiction to alcohol
If alcohol has taken control, recovery can feel like a distant idea. But with the right support, it becomes a very real and achievable path. At Primrose Lodge, we offer a structured alcohol addiction programme designed to help you break free from alcohol and build something better.
Your recovery begins with a safe, supported detox to help you stop drinking without the risk of dangerous withdrawal symptoms. From there, you’ll take part in therapies such as CBT, DBT, one-to-one counselling and group therapy to help you understand why alcohol became a coping tool in the first place.
Once your residential stay ends, our aftercare programme ensures you’re not left to figure things out alone.
If alcohol is causing harm and you’re ready to take back control, Primrose Lodge is here to walk that journey with you. Call us today, we’re waiting for your call.
Frequently asked questions
(Click here to see works cited)
- “Estimates of Alcohol Dependent Adults in England: Summary.” GOV.UK, www.gov.uk/government/publications/alcohol-dependence-prevalence-in-england/estimates-of-alcohol-dependent-adults-in-england-summary. Accessed 19 July 2025.
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