I remember many years ago standing in my garden talking to a neighbour. I had just given up smoking and he said he had struggled with alcohol in the past and what he said next stuck with me. Smoking he said, really only harms yourself, but with alcohol, it can ruin your life, you can hurt your family, often lose them, your job and wreck your life. In all the years that I have been working, I have never met an alcoholic that does it for fun, it’s a coping mechanism and my heart goes out to people and their families that struggle with alcohol. If you are one of them and are interested in getting professional help I shall include links at the end to where to get help.
What is Alcohol Addiction?
Alcohol addiction is more than just drinking too much on a night out; it’s a physical and psychological dependency that compels a person to drink, often despite knowing the harm it causes. This can affect their health, relationships, work, and finances. Unlike someone who can stop after a drink or two, a person with alcohol addiction will find it difficult—if not impossible—to stop drinking once they start. They may also feel intense cravings or anxiety when alcohol isn’t available.
In Ireland, alcohol is a central part of social culture, from celebrating successes to bonding with friends at the pub. However, when drinking begins to take control, it can lead to a downward spiral. Alcohol addiction is not about a lack of willpower or character; it’s a complex condition that needs compassion and professional help.
Signs and Symptoms of Alcohol Addiction
How can you tell if someone is struggling with alcohol addiction? It may not always be obvious. Here are some signs that could suggest a problem:
- An increasing tolerance to alcohol, needing more to feel the same effects
- Drinking alone or hiding how much you drink
- Feeling guilty or ashamed about drinking
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety, sweating, or nausea when not drinking
- Difficulty managing responsibilities at work or home due to drinking
Imagine Sarah, a mother of two from Cork. She never thought of herself as someone with an alcohol problem. Like many, she enjoyed a glass of wine after work to unwind. Over time, one glass turned into three, and soon she found herself drinking before the kids went to bed. It wasn’t until she missed important events and felt ill when she didn’t drink that she realised the grip alcohol had on her life.
Why Do People Develop Alcohol Addiction?
There isn’t one clear reason why someone becomes addicted to alcohol. For some, it may be in their genes, while others turn to alcohol to cope with stress, trauma, or emotional pain. In Ireland, social drinking is often encouraged, and this can make it difficult to recognise when a harmless pint turns into something more serious.
Environmental factors also play a role. Ireland’s pub culture, where alcohol is a focal point for socialising, can normalise heavy drinking. People may drink to fit in or to manage the pressures of daily life. This blend of social and psychological factors makes addiction particularly challenging to address, but it’s never too late to seek help.
The Impact of Alcohol Addiction in Ireland
The effects of alcohol addiction go far beyond the individual. In Ireland, alcohol misuse is a significant public health issue, placing strain on healthcare services and affecting families across the country. It’s estimated that alcohol-related harm costs Ireland over €3 billion each year in healthcare, crime, and lost productivity. For families, the impact can be devastating. Children of people struggling with addiction often face emotional and psychological challenges, while partners may bear the weight of the addiction, leading to strained relationships and financial difficulty.
I lived with an alcoholic for many many years and know full well the impact alcoholism has not just on the person but on their family, and stress for family members, especially spouses, if your partner does not want to or is not yet capable of giving up alcohol it is important that you look at your own emotional and physical health. You have probably spent years covering for the person, explaining things away or covering up their absence but, if like was the case with myself, this takes a physical and emotional toll and you have to learn to put yourself first which can be very difficult.
How Alcohol Addiction is Treated in Ireland
If you’re struggling with alcohol addiction, it’s important to know that effective treatments are available, and recovery is possible. In Ireland, treatment can include therapy, medical support, and rehabilitation services.
Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), often used by psychologists like myself, helps individuals understand and change the patterns of thought and behaviour that contribute to addiction. Group therapy, such as AlcoholicsAnonymous (AA), can also provide crucial peer support. Medical treatments, including detox programs, may be necessary for those with severe physical dependency. There are also residential treatment centres across Ireland where individuals can receive intensive support in a safe, structured environment, such as the Rutland Centre.
Real-life Example
Take, for instance, John, a 42-year-old from Dublin who, after years of high-stress work, began using alcohol as a way to relax. What started as a Friday night ritual soon crept into his daily routine. He found himself drinking in secret and eventually lost his job due to frequent absences. It wasn’t until he sought therapy that John realised alcohol had become his way of avoiding unresolved anxiety. With professional help and support from his family, John has been sober for over a year and now mentors others on their journey to recovery.
Why Seeking Help is Essential
Many people feel that they should be able to control their drinking on their own. However, alcohol addiction is a medical condition, and like any other illness, it requires expert care. By seeking help from a psychologist, you can begin to explore the underlying reasons for your drinking and develop healthier coping mechanisms.
For example, working with a therapist like myself can help you uncover the emotional triggers behind your addiction and create a personalised treatment plan. With the right support, recovery is not only possible—it’s sustainable.
Support Available in Ireland
If you or someone you know is struggling with alcohol addiction, there are many resources in Ireland that can help. Organisations such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) offer regular meetings where you can find support from others facing similar challenges. The HSE provides addiction services, including counselling and medical treatment, through its various clinics across the country.
You can also contact the Rutland Centre, one of Ireland’s leading addiction treatment centres, or reach out to local therapists specialising in addiction, such as those in private practice. No matter where you are in Ireland, help is just a phone call away.
Conclusion
Alcohol addiction can feel like an insurmountable obstacle, but with the right help, you can regain control of your life. Whether through therapy, medical intervention, or support groups, recovery is a journey that begins with one small step. As a psychologist, I’ve seen countless individuals in Ireland turn their lives around and find freedom from alcohol’s grip. If you or a loved one is struggling, remember that help is available—and it works.