20th February 2024

Epidemiology, aetiology, and pathophysiology

Alcohol use is common in the Western world, with approximately 80% of the UK population drinking alcohol during their lifetime. 20-25% of adults in the UK have also been known to drink over the recommended alcohol limits, with approximately 4% of the population reporting symptoms of alcohol dependence.

The UK Department of Health has stated that both males and females should not drink more than 14 units of alcohol per week. The 14 units of alcohol should also be spread across three days. Binge drinking can be defined as drinking over eight units of alcohol in a single session for males and six units of alcohol for females. One unit of alcohol is defined as 10ml/8g of ethanol. This can be calculated by the formula:

This is equivalent towards one standard measure of spirits or half a pint of average-strength beer.

Alcohol use has a multifactorial aetiology that combines social, psychological, and environmental factors. Research into the neurobehavioral effects of alcohol has shown the downregulation of GABA receptors and upregulation of glutamate and noradrenaline receptors. Dopaminergic pathways along the tegmental area and nucleus accumbens mediate the pleasure sensation from taking alcohol.