Alcohol misuse or alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a complex brain disease that affects the way a person feels about drinking, as well as the number of drinks a person drinks and the frequency with which he or she does so.
About 17.1 million American adults, or 8.5 percent of the adult population, report having an alcohol use disorder. An even larger number (more than one in ten) will develop an AUD at some point in their life. However, the majority of people with AUD do not seek treatment. If you or someone you know has an AUD, you can learn what treatment options are available to you in our comprehensive guide.
What are the symptoms of Alcohol Use Disorder?
The symptoms of an Alcohol Use Disorder can vary from person to person. Some are familiar, such as drinking too much, developing a tolerance for alcohol, and experiencing withdrawal symptoms when not drinking. Other symptoms may be less noticeable, including the need to drink to avoid “social situations.” There are three common signs of an AUD:
– A persistent, high level of craving for alcohol that is out of proportion with a person’s drinking habits
– The inability or unwillingness to control or cut back on alcohol use
– Problems related to alcohol that occur during a person’s day-to-day life.
If you or someone you know has these signs, it is important to seek help.
How Is Alcohol Use Disorder Diagnosed?
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) defines AUD as a neurobiological disorder, meaning the disease is caused by neurochemical changes in the brain. AUD has both physical and behavioral components. The DSM-5 requires an individual to have at least one of these three symptoms to meet diagnostic criteria for AUD:
1) A high risk of alcohol-related consequences
2) Craving or a strong desire or urge to drink
3) Continued use despite problems related to drinking
If you think you might have an alcohol use disorder, you must speak with your doctor about your concerns. With proper diagnosis and treatment, many people can recover from AUD.
Treatment for Alcohol Use Disorder
Alcohol use disorder is a complex, chronic brain disease that requires treatment. There are currently no medications for AUD, so a person with an AUD may need to try several different treatments before finding one that works for them. Alcohol use disorder is often treated with behavioral and/or medical therapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or motivational enhancement therapy (MET). These therapies help the patient learn how to stop drinking and cope with urges in non-harmful ways.
Help for Alcohol Use Disorder
Alcohol misuse or alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a complex brain disease that affects the way a person feels about drinking, as well as the number of drinks a person drinks and the frequency with which he or she does so. AUD is marked by persistent craving for (and an inability to control) alcohol. It is characterized by some negative consequences, including alcohol-induced impairment, social problems, and a greater likelihood of experiencing an alcohol-related crash or traffic violation.
About 17.1 million American adults, or 8.5 percent of the adult population, report having an alcohol use disorder. An even larger number (more than one in ten) will develop an AUD at some point in their life. However, the majority of people with AUD do not seek treatment. medication such as naltrexone; self improvement gatherings like Alcoholics Anonymous; peer support gatherings; sober residing homes; private recovery habitats; organized aftercare projects; and concentrated short term programs.
Strategies for Overcoming Alcohol Use Disorder
One of the most effective ways to overcome an AUD is to use cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). The goal of CBT is to help individuals change their thinking patterns and behaviors. To achieve this, CBT includes identifying internal triggers as well as external factors that can trigger a desire for alcohol. With this information, individuals can reduce their risk of relapse by creating strategies for coping with stressors without turning to alcohol.
Drug helped treatment utilizes meds that assist with checking liquor desires and reduce withdrawal side effects. Medication-assisted therapy is more successful than other treatments such as psychotherapy alone or CBT combined with medication.
A third option for overcoming an AUD is staying sober through self-help groups like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA).
Conclusion
Alcohol use disorder, also known as alcohol addiction, is a serious addiction that can lead to legal, health, and social problems. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms listed below, you may be dealing with the debilitating effects of alcohol abuse and dependence.
