Is Alcohol Addiction the worst addiction?

When we think of the most dangerous addictions, many of us will envision substances that require syringes or pipes before we even consider a glass of alcohol. It is natural to downplay the dangers of something so deeply ingrained in our culture.

Yet, the true harm caused by alcohol addiction is perilous to overlook. The latest reports on alcohol-related deaths in the UK reached 10,473, the highest on record.

But is alcohol alcohol addiction really the worst addiction you can have?

When does drinking become an addiction?

Not everyone who uses a substance develops an addiction and suffers the consequences. Many people consume alcohol in moderation without it disrupting their personal or professional lives. However, when drinking becomes compulsive and continues despite a person acknowledging the harm caused, it is clinically classified as Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD).

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) defines AUD using 11 criteria. The severity of an alcohol use disorder then depends on how many of these criteria a person meets:

• Mild: 2-3 criteria
• Moderate: 4-5 criteria
• Severe: 6+ criteria

Alcohol consumption guidelines and dangerous thresholds

In addition to the sliding scale of severity in alcohol use disorders, we must also take into account that alcohol affects people in different ways. There is even some research to suggest a person may inherit a stronger tolerance toward alcohol if a parent also has a higher tolerance.

The UK Chief Medical Officer proposes these guidelines to help reduce harm in drinking:

• No more than 14 units per week, spread over at least three days.
• Several alcohol-free days each week.
• Avoiding binge drinking (6+ units in one session for women, 8+ for men).

To help understand what this generally looks like in drink quantities:

• 1 pint of beer (4%) = 2.3 units
• 1 small glass of wine (12%) = 1.5 units
• 1 shot of spirits (40%) = 1 unit

What is the case for alcohol being the “worst” addiction?

Now that the measurements and quantities that constitute an alcohol addiction are laid out, we can better weigh up the myriad factors that suggest alcohol addiction is the worst or most dangerous addiction of all.

The physical toll and long-term effects

Alcohol addiction is physically destructive. Regularly exceeding moderate amounts of alcohol causes irreversible damage to vital organs in the body. The liver bears the heaviest burden for a person with a worsening addiction. Alcohol is proven to impair the functioning of your liver by causing hepatitis, fibrosis, and a life-threatening condition called “cirrhosis,” where the liver becomes permanently scarred.

In addition, alcohol is also a proven carcinogen. It is classified by the WHO as a Group 1 carcinogen, meaning it directly contributes to the risk of cancer. Research illustrates that even light and moderate drinkers are at an increased risk of 7 types of cancer, including breast, liver, colon and throat cancers. The physical damage caused by alcohol addiction may take longer to notice compared to harder drugs. Yet by the time the effects become obvious, serious, it may be too late.

The widespread impact and damage

The damage caused by alcohol addiction reaches far beyond just personal health. Alcohol use disorder causes widespread impact in multifaceted aspects of a person’s life.

One of the biggest concerns of alcohol addiction is the impairments it causes to judgement and decision-making. Research shows that alcohol addictions impair the brain’s prefrontal cortex, which is the area responsible for reasoning and self-control. This leads to impulsivity and poor decision-making, even to the point of leading a person to continue drinking when they know they should stop—a decision they wouldn’t make if they were sober.

Alcohol addictions are also proven to lower inhibitions and increase aggression. Research shows that alcohol is more closely associated with aggression than any other substance. People in the clutches of an alcohol use disorder are more prone to violent outbursts and physical altercations. We can then see how, unlike many others, alcohol addiction has intrinsic social consequences that make it one of the most destructive and far-reaching of all.

Alcohol’s accessibility and legality

Another strong argument for alcohol being the most dangerous addiction is how easy it is to access. Alcohol stands readily available, stocked on shelves of every newsagent and corner shop on your street. In the UK, it’s even legal for 16-year-olds to drink (though not purchase) beer, wine, or cider with a meal if accompanied by an adult or guardian.

This early exposure and legal acceptance is a major risk factors for an addiction-forming in a young person. Research shows that the earlier a person starts drinking, the higher their chances of developing alcohol dependence later in life.

Social and cultural prevalence

Beyond alcohol’s accessibility, its deep-rooted social prevalence may give credence to claims of it being the most dangerous addiction of all. Unlike harder drugs, which are stigmatised and viewed as inherently harmful, alcohol can be broadly accepted in many social settings and woven into our cultural norms.

We use alcohol as a way to celebrate a special occasion or to commiserate an unfortunate loss. A glass can be raised as a way to forge new memories, to let go of past regrets and to cherish the present moment with our loved ones. Drinking is glamourised in the movies we watch and is written into the lyrics of chart-topping songs. Consequently, for a person striving to remove addiction triggers from their life, it can feel nearly impossible to avoid. Alcohol’s omnipotence in our society makes relapse an ever-present risk. It undermines a person’s battle against addiction and leads them back to the substance they’re trying to escape from.

Does alcohol addiction cause the most harm?

Determining whether alcohol addiction is the “worst” depends on how the impact is measured. Substances like heroin and methamphetamine can be viewed as more immediately destructive, but alcohol’s legal status, social acceptance and cultural prevalence reinforce the fatal consequences of becoming addicted.

Additionally, alcohol misuse contributes to approximately 70 deaths daily and costs the UK economy between £27 and £52 billion annually, showing the extensive societal and economic damage alcohol causes.

So, while we feel that each person’s own addiction presents the biggest dangers to them, alcohol arguably stands as one of the most insidious and devastating addictions of all.

Where can I find help for my alcohol addiction?

If you or someone you love is struggling with alcohol addiction, we want to reach out. Alcohol’s insidious nature means that many don’t realise the dangers of addiction until it’s too late. Yet, with the right support, recovery is possible.

Breaking free from alcohol addiction starts with one step. Get in touch with UKAT today and take that first step toward a healthier life, free from alcohol addiction.