The 2 criteria to make the diagnosis center around the patient experiencing withdrawal symptoms when not drinking alcohol and tolerance or requiring an increasing amount of alcohol to achieve the same effect. Several factors contribute to the development of alcohol use disorder. Stress, trauma, anxiety, and depression can lead to alcohol misuse as a coping mechanism. Peer pressure, societal norms, and easy access to alcohol can encourage excessive drinking. Alcohol affects the brain’s reward system, altering brain chemistry and leading to dependence over time. Many individuals with alcohol problems may minimize or deny their drinking, either out of shame or a lack of awareness.
Disorders
- Severity is based on the number of criteria a person meets based on their symptoms—mild (two to three criteria), moderate (four to five criteria), or severe (six or more criteria).
- Support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) provide peer support and accountability, which can be incredibly effective in maintaining sobriety.
- Therapy approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and motivational enhancement therapy (MET) have shown promise in helping people with AUD reframe their thoughts around drinking, develop healthier coping mechanisms and create lasting change.
- Two medications that fit in this category are naltrexone and acamprosate.
In pregnant women who drink alcohol, there is also the danger that the child will develop fetal alcohol syndrome, a cluster of health problems including unusually low birth weight, facial abnormalities, heart defects and learning difficulties. People with severe or moderate alcohol use disorder who suddenly stop drinking could develop delirium tremens (DT). It can be life-threatening, causing serious medical issues like seizures and hallucinations that require immediate medical care. If your pattern of drinking results in repeated significant distress and problems functioning in your daily life, you likely have alcohol use disorder. However, even a mild disorder can escalate and lead to serious problems, so early treatment is important.
- This disorder also involves having to drink more to get the same effect or having withdrawal symptoms when you rapidly decrease or stop drinking.
- For anyone struggling with AUD, or if you know someone who is, it’s important to seek help.
- Understanding these factors is essential for developing effective prevention and treatment strategies.
- Lasting changes in the brain caused by alcohol misuse perpetuate Alcohol Use Disorder and increase vulnerability to relapse.
- In advanced stages, drinking becomes the central focus of life, leading to serious health issues, dependence, and loss of control, often requiring professional treatment for recovery.
- A doctor may order additional tests to find out whether alcohol-related damage to the liver, stomach or other organs has occurred.
Other chronic diseases
If you or someone you know is struggling with alcohol use, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. Speak with a healthcare professional, contact a local addiction treatment center, or explore support groups in your area. Remember, taking that first step towards seeking help is an act what is the difference between alcohol abuse and alcoholism of courage and self-compassion. These criteria include factors such as drinking more or longer than intended, unsuccessful attempts to cut down or stop drinking, and continued use despite negative consequences.
Health Consequences of Alcohol Use Disorder
Effective treatment of Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) is a nuanced and multifaceted process. It involves a combination of medical interventions, behavioral therapies, and robust support systems tailored to the individual’s specific needs and circumstances. Recognizing the complexity of AUD, treatment approaches are designed to address not only the physical aspects of alcohol dependency but also the psychological factors that contribute to the disorder. Understanding the causes and risk factors of Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) is critical for both prevention and effective treatment.
Psychological Treatments for AUD: Healing the Mind, One Step at a Time
Several initiatives and campaign tools can help such as Drink Less, Be Your Best Campaign (CDC), National Recovery Month Toolkit (SAMSHA), and Faces & Voices of Halfway house Recovery. Recovery is an ongoing process, and it’s normal and understandable to experience setbacks along the way. What matters is that you keep making an effort to move toward recovery.
Alcohol Use Disorder and the Broader Understanding of Mental Health
Identifying these risk factors is key for early intervention and prevention, allowing individuals and families to take proactive steps to lower the increased risk of developing AUD. Alcohol use may quell anxiety and lower inhibition, potentially enhancing social experiences. These qualities reinforce its role as a tool for fostering feelings of social connectedness, the authors note. In fact, studies have shown that those who report the highest levels of enjoyment from drinking in social situations also are more likely to develop alcohol-related problems. There also is evidence that people turn to alcohol in an effort to salvage troubled relationships.