Dependence
Alcohol dependence means the body and brain have adapted to regular alcohol use. Drinking can start to feel necessary rather than optional, and stopping suddenly may cause withdrawal.
How dependence develops It usually builds over time rather than appearing overnight.
Regular drinking can change the way the brain and nervous system respond to alcohol. Over time, the body can become used to having alcohol present and begin to react when the level drops.
This can happen alongside rising tolerance, stronger cravings and drinking more often than before.
Read about tolerance →Signs of dependence Dependence is more than simply drinking a lot.
Needing alcohol to feel normal or steady.
Strong cravings or feeling driven to drink.
Drinking earlier in the day than you used to.
Finding it difficult to stop once you start.
Needing more alcohol to get the same effect.
Feeling shaky, sweaty, anxious or unwell when alcohol wears off.
Continuing to drink despite clear harm to health, work, money or relationships.
Why stopping suddenly can be dangerous If the body is dependent on alcohol, withdrawal can become a medical emergency.
Withdrawal can cause shaking, sweating, nausea, anxiety, poor sleep and a fast heartbeat. Severe withdrawal can cause seizures, hallucinations and delirium tremens (DTs).
Severe alcohol withdrawal can be fatal. If you drink heavily every day, need alcohol to stop withdrawal symptoms, or have had withdrawal before, get medical advice before stopping.
Read about alcohol withdrawal → NHS 24 — 111 for urgent care when it is not life-threatening CallSevere confusion, hallucinations, seizures or collapse are emergencies. Phone 999 or go to A&E.
Emergency — phone 999 CallDependence can look different from person to person There is no single picture of what an alcohol-dependent person looks like.
Some people drink throughout the day. Others drink heavily in the evening but still experience withdrawal by morning. Some keep working and appear outwardly well while alcohol has become central to how they function.
You do not have to lose your job, home or family before dependence is serious enough to need help.
Dependence can be treated Treatment may include withdrawal support, medication, counselling and longer-term recovery help.
The first step is an assessment of your drinking, withdrawal risk and health. Your GP or a local alcohol service can help decide what treatment is appropriate and whether you need medical support to stop safely.
Read about treatment and recovery →Where to get help You do not need to be certain you are dependent before asking for advice.
Start with your GP, Drinkline Scotland or a local alcohol service.
Drinkline Scotland — 0800 7314 314 Call Find alcohol support and local services in Scotland ↗ Alcoholics Anonymous — 0800 9177 650 Call Find an AA meeting ↗