Distinguishing alcohol addiction from occasional alcohol consumption can be challenging since alcohol is widely accepted and consumed in many cultures. Symptoms of alcohol addiction include:

Development of Tolerance: The need for increasing amounts of alcohol to maintain the same effect.

Withdrawal Symptoms: Mental and physical distress resulting from reducing or quitting alcohol use, alleviated by resuming alcohol consumption.

Loss of Control: Exceeding planned amounts of alcohol use.

Time and Energy Expenditure: Excessive time and energy spent on obtaining, using, or recovering from alcohol effects.

Social and Occupational Issues: Decreased or complete abandonment of significant social and professional activities due to alcohol use.

Failed Attempts: Unsuccessful attempts to control or quit alcohol use.

Conscious Harmful Alcohol Use: Continuing alcohol consumption despite awareness of its harmful effects.

Recognizing early warning signs is crucial, considering the worsening trend of alcohol addiction over time. Early diagnosis and treatment can help individuals avoid negative consequences. If you know someone struggling with alcohol addiction, providing support is essential. Avoiding shame or guilt can help reduce the individual's resistance to seeking help.

Alcohol addiction causes physical and psychological damage by affecting different parts of the central nervous system. Some effects include:

• Esophageal, laryngeal, gastric, and pancreatic cancers.

• Impaired brain functions such as thinking, decision-making, and movement.

• Sleep disorders, headaches, eye damage.

• Heart and circulatory diseases.

• Impaired blood clotting.

• Severe liver damage.

Acknowledging alcohol misuse or the development of alcohol addiction can take time due to alcohol's social nature as a psychoactive substance. Many individuals continue social alcohol use while developing alcohol addiction. Those using alcohol and seeking treatment, along with their families, can seek treatment from addiction treatment centers and psychiatric clinics associated with hospitals. Treatment should be tailored to the individual's needs, with the main goal being sobriety, requiring long-term follow-up after treatment.

Differential diagnosis and treatment of accompanying psychiatric disorders are crucial. Long-term follow-up after treatment is necessary, as relapses often occur within the first 6 months. The family of individuals with alcohol addiction plays a significant role in the addiction treatment. If the individual continues drinking, the spouse stating that they cannot stay with them as long as they continue may be a sufficient reason for the individuals with alcohol addiction to attempt quitting alcohol. If the individual refuses to undergo an original treatment program for alcoholism, the relationship between the doctor and the individual with alcohol addiction should not be severed, and a psychosocial crisis where the individual accepts treatment should be awaited.

Some considerations for the relatives of a substance-using person include:

• Helping the individual with alcohol addiction see the consequences of their behavior.

• Showing genuine interest and remembering that alcohol problems are an illness.

• Acquiring knowledge about addiction treatment methods.

• Being prepared for the individual with alcohol addiction to accept help.

• Pre-arranging with the treatment center for necessary organization.

• Recognizing early warning signs, considering the worsening trend of addiction over time.

The Green Crescent Counseling Center (YEDAM) is a service provided by the Turkish Green Crescent Society for individuals aged 12 and above with substance addiction, offering completely free outpatient psychosocial support. Upon applying to the center, an individual undergoes an assessment interview with a specialist psychologist, and a treatment plan is collaboratively created. This program covers intervention in addiction, prevention of relapse, intervention in accompanying mental disorders, and support in areas such as family relationships and lifestyle. Meetings with a social worker provide support in education, employment, life skills, relationships with friends, coping with activities and surroundings, and obtaining the correct medical support for the individual.