Alcohol dependence syndrome is a serious mental and physical disorder that develops as a result of regular and excessive alcohol consumption. It is characterized by loss of control over drinking, compulsive urge to consume alcoholic beverages, and the occurrence of withdrawal symptoms after cessation. Alcohol becomes the central point in the life of the dependent person, negatively affecting health, social relationships, occupational and psychological functioning.
What is ADS?
Alcohol dependence syndrome (ADS) is a chronic disease of both psychological and physical nature that develops due to long-term harmful alcohol consumption. It is diagnosed when a drinking person exhibits specific symptoms of dependence, such as:- strong need to drink
- loss of control over the amount of alcohol consumed
- increased tolerance to the effects of alcohol
- withdrawal symptoms after cessation of drinking.
ADS as a chronic disease – why it's not just a drinking problem
Alcohol dependence syndrome is not just a problem with excessive drinking. It is a serious, chronic and progressive disease whose effects reach far beyond alcohol consumption itself. Understanding that ADS is a disorder with deep biological, psychological and social foundations allows for better comprehension of the behavior of dependent individuals and the necessity of specialized treatment. ADS develops gradually. In the initial phases, it may look like occasional alcohol abuse, but over time, permanent changes occur in the nervous system. Alcohol affects the reward center in the brain, disrupting the mechanisms of experiencing pleasure, making decisions, controlling impulses, and perceiving stress. As a result, the person suffering from this condition loses the ability to independently control drinking, despite awareness of its negative consequences.Alcohol Dependence Syndrome ICD-10 and medical classification
According to the International Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems ICD-10 created by the World Health Organization (WHO), alcohol dependence syndrome is classified under code F10.2, designating mental and behavioral disorders due to use of alcohol (dependence syndrome). This is a clear confirmation that ADS in medicine is treated as a serious mental disorder requiring diagnosis and treatment. ADS ICD-10 – what does code F10 mean? In clinical practice, code F10.2 is used in medical documentation, medical certificates, health insurance, and treatment planning. It facilitates standardization of diagnosis and enables referral of the patient to appropriate forms of therapy – both outpatient and inpatient.Alcohol Dependence Syndrome – symptoms
The diagnosis of alcohol dependence syndrome (ADS) is based on strictly defined diagnostic criteria. According to the ICD-10 classification, the presence of at least three symptoms during the past year may indicate the development of alcohol dependence. Each of these symptoms reflects profound disturbances in the psychological and physical functioning of the drinking person. Among the symptoms we can identify:- Strong craving or compulsive need to drink alcohol (alcohol craving) – the person experiences an intense need for alcohol that they cannot resist, despite previous resolutions to limit or stop drinking.
- Loss of control over drinking – inability to control the amount and frequency of alcohol consumed. Drinking often ends in intoxication, even if "just one beer" was planned.
- Withdrawal symptoms – after interruption or reduction of drinking, abstinence symptoms appear, such as hand tremors, sweating, anxiety, irritability, insomnia, nausea, and in more severe cases – seizures or alcohol delirium.
- Increased alcohol tolerance – to achieve the same effect, the dependent person must drink increasingly larger amounts of alcohol. Initial doses stop working, and the body adapts to the presence of the substance.
- Neglect of other interests and responsibilities – alcohol begins to dominate life – the person gives up work, relationships, hobbies, or family responsibilities to devote time to drinking or recovery from it.
- Continuation of drinking despite clear health, psychological or social harm – even when serious consequences appear (e.g., liver diseases, relationship breakdown, problems at work), the person continues to drink, often suppressing or trivializing the problem.
ADS in medicine – remission and return to health
One can recover from alcohol dependence syndrome, although this does not mean complete "cure" in the traditional sense. ADS is a chronic disease, but it can be stopped. The goal of treatment is not a return to controlled drinking, but sustained abstinence and remission of symptoms, meaning life without alcohol, without compulsion and alcohol craving. In this case, it is about achieving a state in which the dependent person does not consume alcohol, does not experience symptoms of dependence syndrome, and regains the ability for normal, stable functioning. Remission can be short-term or long-term – maintaining it requires systematic self-work and active participation in the recovery process.Why it's important to recognize and treat alcohol disease (ADS)
Recognition and treatment of ADS is an important step in preventing further health, psychological and social harm. Alcohol dependence is a progressive disease – the earlier it is noticed and properly treated, the greater the chance of returning to health and lasting lifestyle change.:::cta Need help fighting addiction? Our specialists are ready to help you. Call or schedule an online appointment. Call: 880 808 880 | Schedule appointment :::
