Alcohol is one of the most commonly used substances in the United States, with approximately 219.2 million individuals having engaged in alcohol use during some point of their lives. (1) With such a high prevalence rate, there is no wonder why some individuals may engage in alcohol use that causes them clinical levels of distress. The word “alcoholic” is a term used to describe those who have a physical and psychological dependence to alcohol. The clinical diagnosis for those with uncontrollable alcohol use is known as alcohol use disorder.
According to the National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAA), there are two different types of excessive drinking patterns. (2)
- Heavy Drinking — For men younger than 65 years old, this is defined as consuming 2 standard drinks per day or more than 14 per week. For women of all ages, and men older than 65 years old, this is defined as consuming more than 1 standard drink per day or 7 per week.
- Binge Drinking — A pattern of alcohol use where an individual consumes large amounts of alcohol in a short period of time. More specifically, consuming 5 or more standard drinks for men, and 4 or more for women, within a 2 hour timeframe.
In 2021, approximately 29.5 million individuals met the diagnostic criteria and were diagnosed with alcohol use disorder. (3)
If you suspect that you, or someone you love, are engaging in heavy or binge drinking, alcohol use disorder may be present. At Guardian Recovery, we offer comprehensive treatment programs for those experiencing alcohol and other substance use disorders. With alcohol specific detoxification services, we can help those wanting to stop their alcohol use do so in a medically supervised and safe environment. Providing evidence-based therapeutic interventions, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, we are dedicated to helping each individual develop coping techniques that can be utilized throughout their recovery process. Contact us today to learn more and to get started on your road to recovery.
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How Alcohol Interacts with the Dopamine Pathway & Receptors
The way that alcohol interacts with the brain is one of the reasons why it can be addictive. Engaging in alcohol use impacts brain chemistry by altering dopamine levels in the brain. (4) Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that is naturally produced in the brain. Neurotransmitters are chemicals that send messages throughout the body and are responsible for controlling thought processes, emotions, and behaviors. (5)
Dopamine Release & Pleasure Response to Alcohol Consumption
Regular, everyday activities can produce small bursts of neurotransmitters throughout the brain, producing feelings of pleasure. (6) Dopamine is responsible for producing feelings of pleasure and reward, making it one of the bodies “feel good” chemicals. Research has found that individuals are more likely to engage in excessive alcohol use due to the surge of dopamine that is released when they drink.
The Link Between Alcohol Addiction & Dopamine Dysfunction
Experiencing feelings of pleasure reinforces the behaviors that humans engage in, whether they are healthy behaviors or not. Since alcohol releases dopamine into the brain, the brain is taught to continue to seek alcohol in order to experience this feeling repeatedly. (7) Over time, the brain learns to rely solely on alcohol in order to release dopamine into the brain, encouraging an individual to continue to drink. This creates and perpetuates the cycle of addiction. Research has found that women experience a more significant effect of dopamine from alcohol use than men. (8)
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Alcohol, Dopamine, & Impaired Decision Making
According to the National Library of Medicine, long-term alcohol use can lead to cognitive impairments. (9) Research has also found that individuals who are dependent on alcohol, engage in riskier behaviors, and poorer choices, when compared to those who are not dependent on alcohol, even after long periods of sobriety. (10) Adolescents who engage in alcohol use have been found to have impaired decision making skills during adulthood. Alcohol has such a huge impact on decision-making due to a disruption in normal dopamine networks. (11)
Dopamine & Genetic Factors in Alcohol Addiction
Genetics heavily influence alcohol addiction. Research shows that those experiencing alcohol dependence have a sensitivity to dopamine that is influenced by genetics. (12) Heretiabily, in terms of alcohol use, is estimated to be as high as 60 percent. (13) Research has also shown that those with a genetic variant that impacts neurotransmitter levels, are more likely to engage in alcohol use and begin at an earlier age. (14)
The Connection Between Dopamine & Cravings for Alcohol
Sensory cues, such as smelling or tasting alcohol, can cause an individual to crave alcohol. (15) Scientists believe that dopamine heavily impacts these cravings. (16) Some individuals are born with less dopamine receptors than others, and this deficiency in dopamine makes them more prone to cravings. (17) Specifically, individuals with alcohol use disorder who have a reduced number of the D2 dopamine receptor are more likely to experience alcohol cravings. (18)
Dopamine & the Risk of Relapse in Alcohol Addiction
Relapse occurs when an individual engages in substance use following a period of sobriety. With over three-fourths of individuals receiving treatment for alcohol addiction experiencing a relapse, understanding how dopamine can impact relapse can be a helpful tool in understanding addiction. (19) Research has found that those experiencing alcohol use disorder, who have recently received treatment, have a relapse risk that is related to the extent of their cravings, which is associated with a reduced number of dopamine receptors. Not only can dopamine impact relapse, but the severity of their cravings can as well. (20) At Guardian Recovery, we offer relapse prevention training to help equip those in treatment with the tools needed to aid in combating the risk of relapse.
Medications to Regulate Dopamine Levels for Alcohol Use Disorder Treatment
Medication assisted treatment, or MAT, is the use of certain medications that can help alleviate some of the withdrawal symptoms associated with medical detoxification. MAT can also help those detoxing from alcohol use avoid dangerous withdrawal symptoms, such as seizures or suicidal ideation.
Medications used to regulate dopamine levels in alcohol use disorder treatment include:
- Disulfiram — Increases dopamine levels in the brain. (21)
- Naltrexone — Stabilizes dopamine levels, reducing the urge to engage in alcohol use. (22)
- Acamprosate — Stabilizes dopamine levels, reducing cravings. (23)
- Benzodiazepines — Stabilizes dopamine levels and binds to GABA receptors, helping reduce severe withdrawal symptoms such as seizures and delirium tremens. (24)
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If you suspect that you, or someone you love, are experiencing alcohol use disorder, attending a treatment program is the safest way to begin a sober lifestyle, as trying to detox from home can be dangerous. At Guardian Recovery, we can provide you with a complimentary initial, psychological assessment to provide you with the proper, clinical diagnosis and develop your personalized treatment plan. One of our Treatment Advisors is ready to speak with you and help guide you through our simple admissions process. Contact us today to start your recovery journey.
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Disclaimer: Does not guarantee specific treatment outcomes, as individual results may vary. Our services are not a substitute for professional medical advice or diagnosis; please consult a qualified healthcare provider for such matters.
- https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/alcohols-effects-health/alcohol-topics/alcohol-facts-and-statistics/alcohol-use-disorder-aud-united-states-age-groups-and-demographic-characteristics
- https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/alcohol-health/overview-alcohol-consumption/moderate-binge-drinking
- https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/alcohols-effects-health/alcohol-topics/alcohol-facts-and-statistics/alcohol-use-disorder-aud-united-states-age-groups-and-demographic-characteristics
- https://www.forbes.com/sites/daviddisalvo/2012/10/16/what-alcohol-really-does-to-your-brain/
- https://www.forbes.com/sites/daviddisalvo/2012/10/16/what-alcohol-really-does-to-your-brain/
- https://nida.nih.gov/publications/drugs-brains-behavior-science-addiction/drugs-brain
- https://nida.nih.gov/publications/drugs-brains-behavior-science-addiction/drugs-brain
- https://www.forbes.com/sites/daviddisalvo/2012/10/16/what-alcohol-really-does-to-your-brain/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4691370/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4812130/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4812130/
- https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapsychiatry/fullarticle/1151053
- https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapsychiatry/fullarticle/1151053
- https://niaaa.scienceblog.com/261/study-identifies-genetic-variant-that-may-contribute-to-alcohol-and-drug-addiction/
- https://medicine.iu.edu/news/2013/04/kareken-beer-taste-dopamine
- https://medicine.iu.edu/news/2013/04/kareken-beer-taste-dopamine
- https://www.intechopen.com/chapters/50688
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK53355/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK53355/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK53355/
- https://store.samhsa.gov/sites/default/files/d7/priv/sma15-4907.pdf
- https://store.samhsa.gov/sites/default/files/d7/priv/sma15-4907.pdf
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36001425/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4606320/
