Alcohol dependence is a disorder characterized by a strong internal desire to use alcohol and an inability to control or limit use. This can result in prioritizing alcohol use over other activities, continuing to use alcohol even if it causes harm or negative consequences, and experiencing cravings or urges to use alcohol. People with alcohol dependence may also develop tolerance to the effects of alcohol, experience withdrawal symptoms when they stop or reduce their alcohol use, or use alcohol or similar substances to avoid withdrawal. The diagnosis of alcohol dependence is typically made if these characteristics are present for at least a year, or if alcohol use is continuous for at least three months.

Symptoms:

• Recurrent alcohol use with impaired regulation of alcohol use
• Two or more of the following:
  • Impaired control over alcohol use (e.g. frequency, intensity)
  • Increasing importance of alcohol over other aspects of life, despite negative consequences
  • Tolerance, withdrawal symptoms, or use of alcohol to prevent or alleviate withdrawal symptoms
• Symptoms must be present for at least 12 months, or for at least 3 months if use is continuous.

Additional symptoms:

• Urge or craving to use alcohol may be present
• Withdrawal symptoms consistent with alcohol withdrawal
• Tolerance may vary and can diminish with abstinence
• Reduced tolerance in individuals with certain medical conditions
• Substance use may be continued despite negative physical or psychological consequences
• Substance use may be increased to achieve desired effects or to avoid unpleasant effects
• Substance use may interfere with daily activities and responsibilities
• Substance use may continue despite knowing it is causing or exacerbating physical or psychological problems. 

Extra Caution: 

People with substance dependence have high rates of many mental disorders, including conduct disorder, ADHD, impulse control disorders, PTSD, social anxiety disorder, generalised anxiety disorder, mood disorders, psychotic disorders, and personality disorders with dissocial features, as well as subthreshold symptoms. The specific combination of mental disorders that co-occur with substance dependence varies depending on the specific substance and reflects shared risk factors and causes. These mental disorders should be distinguished from substance-induced mental disorders, in which the symptoms are caused directly by the substance’s effects on the central nervous system.

Treatments

Treatments for alcoholism may include pharmacotherapies, psychotherapies, and mutual support groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous.

Pharmacotherapies for alcoholism may include medications that reduce cravings for alcohol, such as naltrexone and acamprosate, or that produce an unpleasant reaction when combined with alcohol, such as disulfiram.

Psychotherapies for alcoholism may include individual, group, or family counselling, as well as cognitive-behavioural therapy and motivational interviewing.

We could not provide a list of clinics specialising in alcoholism in Senegal. However, such information may be available by contacting the Ministry of Health in Senegal or by searching online directories or local resources. You are welcome to direct us to clinics if you know any via contact us. It is also important to note that treatment for alcoholism should be tailored to the individual’s needs and may involve a combination of different approaches.

Advice

• Educate yourself about alcoholism and its effects on the person and on the family.
• Encourage the person to seek treatment and offer to help them find a suitable program or provider.
• Avoid enabling the person’s drinking by not providing them with money for alcohol or covering for them when they drink excessively.
• Set clear boundaries and consequences for the person’s behaviour related to their drinking.
• Take care of yourself and seek support for yourself, either through your own therapy or through a support group for loved ones of people with alcoholism.
• Remember that the person with alcoholism is ultimately responsible for their own recovery, but that you can support and encourage them in their journey.