ALCOHOL USE DISORDER

A medical condition, alcohol use disorder is also known as alcoholism. This is when you drink excessively or frequently, even if it causes emotional distress, physical harm, or other problems. You or your loved one can recover by using a combination of medication, behavioral therapy, and support.

OVERVIEW

What is an alcohol use disorder?

A medical condition that involves heavy or frequent alcohol consumption is called an “alcohol use disorder”. Alcohol use disorder patients can’t quit drinking even if it causes emotional distress, physical harm, or problems for themselves and others.

Is alcohol abuse disorder considered a disease?

A medical condition is alcohol use disorder. It is a condition that affects brain function. This requires psychological and medical treatment.

You can have alcohol use disorder mildly, moderately or severely. It can be severe or quick. This condition is also known as alcohol dependence, alcohol addiction, or alcohol abuse.

What is the prevalence of alcohol abuse disorder?

An estimated 14.5 million Americans aged 12 and older suffer from an alcohol-related disorder.

What can I do if I drink too much?

Too much alcohol can cause damage to your health. It is associated with the following:

• Brain damage, including dementia.
• Despair, depression, and suicide.
• Cancers of the breast, liver, colon, and mouth.
• If a fetus is exposed to alcohol before birth, it can cause fetal alcohol syndrome.
• Accidents, such as falls or burns, and injuries, like fractures or drowning.
• Liver problems include cirrhosis and liver disease.
• Blackouts, assaults, and DUIs can all happen, as well as homicide.

Heavy drinking can lead to problems with your relationships, including trouble with your partner.

• Money.
• Relationships with people
• Work.

SYMPTOMS & CAUSES

What is the cause of alcohol abuse disorder?

Scientists still don’t know what causes alcohol abuse disorder. It may be a combination of several of these:

• Genetics.
• Events in early childhood
• You can try to ease your emotional pain.

Alcohol abuse disorder is more common in people who:

• Drink alcohol frequently, in large quantities, or early in your life.
• Trauma, such as sexual or physical abuse.
• A family history of alcohol abuse disorder
• Mental health problems include grief, anxiety, Depression, eating disorders, and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.
• For weight problems, I have had stomach bypass surgery (Rouxen-y).

What are the signs and symptoms of an alcohol abuse disorder?

These are signs of an alcohol abuse disorder:

• It is possible to forget certain blackout events.
• Continue to drink, even if you are causing distress or harm to yourself or others.
• You may drink more than you intended.
• You feel irritable and cranky if you don’t drink.
• Frequent hangovers.
• Drinking can lead to dangerous situations, such as driving, falling, or having unsafe sex.
• You can quit your activities to drink.
• Feeling a strong desire to drink alcohol.
• Drinking can cause problems in your relationships, work, and school.
• To get the same effect, you will need to drink more.
• It’s impossible to quit drinking after you have started.
• Drinking excessively or recovering from alcoholism.
• You want to reduce but are not able.
• Alcohol addiction

If a person has an alcohol abuse disorder, they might also experience withdrawal symptoms.

• Anxiety.
• Depression.
• Irritability.
• Dry heaves, Nausea
• Racing heart.
• Restlessness.
• Shakiness.
• Sweating.
• Trouble sleeping.
• Seizures.
• Hallucinations: Seeing things that aren’t there.
• Delirium tremens.
• Coma and Death

What are the stages of alcohol abuse disorder?

In stages, alcohol abuse can progress into a disorder.

• At-risk stage When you drink socially, or to alleviate stress or feel better. You might develop an alcohol tolerance.
• You have reached this stage of alcohol abuse disorder. This stage includes blackouts, secret drinking, and a lot of alcohol thoughts.
• You are in the middle of an alcohol abuse disorder. Your alcohol consumption is out of control. This can cause problems with your daily life, including work, family, finances, and physical and mental health. Lab tests and scans can show organ damage.
• End-stage alcohol abuse disorder: Alcohol is now the primary focus of your life. Now, despair, organ damage, complications, and death are all within reach.

DIAGNOSIS AND TEST

What is the diagnosis of alcohol abuse disorder?

No one lab test can diagnose alcohol abuse disorder. Your healthcare provider will help you determine the diagnosis. If drinking is affecting your health or interferes with your daily life, you will be diagnosed.

MANAGEMENT & TREATMENT

What is the treatment for alcohol abuse disorder?

One treatment may consist of a combination of the following:

• Behavioral therapies. Counseling or talk therapy with a healthcare provider, such as a psychologist or mental counselor, can help you to change your behavior. Motivational, cognitive-behavioral, contingency, and 12-step facilitation are the most commonly used techniques.
• Medications The U.S. Food & Drug Administration approved naltrexone (and acamprosate) for the treatment and prevention of alcohol abuse disorder. Gabapentin and topiramate can be used to reduce cravings. Disulfiram, an older medication, is rarely used. These medications appear to reduce the tendency to obsess over alcohol.
• Support groups: Groups with people who suffer from alcohol abuse disorder can help you to stay sober. Alcoholics Anonymous (A.A.) meetings are often free and available in most communities. You can also find Celebrate! Recovery (Christian focus), Rational Recovery (non-spiritual), and Recovery Dharma (mindfulness/Buddhist focus).

The severity of your illness and your stage of Recovery will determine the treatment you receive. Inpatient medical (hospital), residential rehab (rehab), or outpatient maintenance may be required.

PREVENTION

What can I do to prevent alcohol abuse disorder?

To prevent alcohol use disorder, avoid high-risk drinking:

• For women or people who were assigned female at birth Limit of four to eight drinks per day.
• Men and those set to the male gender at birth: Limit of five drinks per day, or 15 drinks per week.

Consider quitting alcohol if you consume more alcohol than this. Discuss proven strategies with your healthcare provider.

OUTLOOK/PROGNOSIS

What are the prospects for those with an alcohol abuse disorder?

Many factors can affect your outlook. Milder cases are not always a problem. Severe cases can be a long-lasting struggle.

Your chances of recovering are better if you quickly recognize a potential problem and speak with your healthcare provider.