Alcoholism is the most severe form of alcohol abuse and involves the inability to manage drinking habits. It is also commonly referred to as alcohol use disorder. Alcohol use disorder is organized into three categories: mild, moderate and severe. Each category has various symptoms and can cause harmful side effects. If left untreated, any type of alcohol abuse can spiral out of control.

Why Seeking Help for Alcohol Addiction is Very Important So when patients come to see a psychiatrist for the problem of alcoholism, the first thing we do is take a history and find out is it really a problem in their life. Are they meeting the criteria of addiction: the consequences, the out of control, the cravings? Is it impacting their day-to-day function? If it is then we want to know what state of change they’re in.

Pre-contemplation is that term denial when they’re not really ready to make a change. Contemplation is they know something’s not right but they’re not ready to quit altogether or sign up for AA or go see a drug and alcohol counselor. Action is when they make a decision that they want to make a change.

What we do in our offices is really assess that and try to move people into action if that’s where they want to be, but really our goal is to promote health and healthy living and not to make a moral judgment on what to do in terms of substance use.

If you think you might have a problem with alcoholism, definitely start by talking to your family and friends. Get support. Talk to your family doctor and they’ll do an assessment to see if you need to see a specialist like an addiction specialist or a psychiatrist. There’s lots of resources out there so get help and it can be treated.

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Alcohol intolerance refers to difficulties in digesting or processing alcohol, which can manifest in various symptoms such as headaches, nausea, flushing, or gastrointestinal discomfort.

In cases of alcohol intolerance, it's important to identify the underlying cause. While some individuals may have difficulty processing alcohol itself, others may be sensitive to certain ingredients found in different types of alcohol. For instance, individuals with celiac disease and gluten intolerance may experience issues with wheat-based beers but may tolerate other types of alcohol such as sweet wines. Conversely, those with fructose sensitivity may not tolerate sweet wines but might be okay with wheat beers.

Managing alcohol intolerance typically involves limiting alcohol intake and potentially avoiding specific types of alcohol that trigger symptoms. Seeking professional guidance from a registered dietitian, family physician, or other healthcare professionals can be beneficial in understanding your body's tolerance and identifying suitable options.

It's also worth noting that maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet and regular exercise, can contribute to overall well-being, even for individuals with alcohol intolerance. However, it's essential to consult healthcare professionals for personalized advice and recommendations based on your specific condition.