Understanding The Self-Destructive Behaviour of Addiction and Alcohol
Alcohol Awareness Week takes place from 3rd – 9th July 2023 and is a useful time to deeper understand the mental health issue of self-destructive behaviours, such as alcohol addiction, and what we can do about it if we or someone we know needs support.
Self-Destructive Behaviour
Self-destructive behaviour and addiction are complex issues that can have significant impacts on individuals' lives.
Self-destructive behaviour refers to actions that harm oneself physically, emotionally, or socially. It can manifest in various forms, including substance abuse, self-harm, excessive risk-taking, or engaging in unhealthy relationships.
Addiction
Self-destructive behaviour can also encompass addiction. According to Your Mental Health, the overarching definition of addiction is that it is “a repetitive habit pattern that increases the risk of disease and/or personal and social problems.” Addictive behaviours can encompass a wide range of activities and substances, including alcohol addiction.
Recognising The Symptoms
Recognising the symptoms of self-destructive behaviour and addiction can help you, or someone you know, start to get the support they need.
Some common indicators include:
1. Persistent engagement in harmful behaviours despite negative consequences.
For example, unwanted physical or mental effects from drinking. If you give precedence to drinking over other daily activities and responsibilities, if drinking is more important to you than looking after your health, or if you carry on drinking despite negative consequences for your health or life.
2. Failed attempts to control or stop the behaviour and preoccupation with the behaviour, even when not actively engaged in it.
For alcohol addiction this might mean not being able to control how long a drinking session is, how much alcohol you consume when you do drink, how frequently you drink, being unable to stop drinking once you start, or drinking on inappropriate occasions or at inappropriate places.
3. Mood swings and changes in emotional well-being leading to strained relationships and conflicts with others. Others may comment on your behaviour or want to help, however, addictive behaviours can trigger feelings of shame and so conflict can arise.
4. Withdrawal symptoms upon reducing or discontinuing the behaviour.
Showing signs of increased tolerance to alcohol (having to drink more for the same effect), experiencing withdrawal symptoms, or using alcohol to prevent or alleviate withdrawal symptoms.
5. Relapsing into the behaviour after periods of abstinence. This can involve intending to stop the behaviour, managing to for a while but returning to addictive behaviour and this can become a recurring pattern.
Visit Drink Aware www.drinkaware.co.uk for more information on alcohol and addiction.
If you notice these signs in someone close to you, it is important to offer understanding, empathy, and encourage them to seek professional help. Remember, support and intervention can make a significant difference in their well-being.
According to the mental health charity Mind, if you are supporting someone seeking help for the first time, you could:
- Reassure them that it is OK to seek help.
- Help them find out what services are available locally. Turning Point's website has a tool to help you find local services for drug and alcohol use (the tool refers to it as 'substance misuse').
- Go to appointments with them, if they would like you to. This may especially help for their first visit.
If they already receive treatment or support, you could help them stick to their treatment plan or go to appointments with them.
As well as helping them find treatment and support, these are some ways to help someone feel supported:
- Find ways to spend more time together. You could try joining in with any activities that they enjoy.
- Listen to them if they want to talk about their experiences or how they feel.
- Try to explain how their alcohol or drug use is affecting you.
This Alcohol Awareness Week, why not check your drinking for greater self-awareness?
Alcohol Change UK has created an interactive quiz called Check Your Drinking: Check your drinking | Alcohol Change UK
If you feel like you need to cut down on drinking alcohol visit their tip sheet here: Tips for cutting down | Alcohol Change UK
Further Support Resources
If you or someone you know is struggling with self-destructive behaviour or addiction, there are resources available to provide assistance and guidance. Here are a few organisations that offer support:
Drink Aware
Visit their website www.drinkaware.co.uk for more information on alcohol and addiction.
Mind
For guidance on the mental health effects of addiction and how to help someone who is struggling, visit Support - Mind
The Mix
The Mix is a UK-based charity that provides free, confidential support for young people under 25 via online, social and mobile. Visit their support services page here: Get Support - The Mix
Turning Point
For Alcohol Addiction support visit Turning Point (turning-point.co.uk)
Also, their website has a tool to help you find local services for drug and alcohol use
NHS
Visit the NHS website for information and support for addiction Addiction: NHS (www.nhs.uk)
