Alcohol Use Disorder

Overview

Alcohol use disorder is a pattern of alcohol use that involves problems controlling one's drinking, being preoccupied with alcohol, or continuing to use alcohol despite causing problems. It includes having to drink more to achieve the same effect, experiencing withdrawal symptoms when reducing or stopping drinking, and sometimes involves a level of drinking known as alcoholism. Unhealthy alcohol use includes any alcohol use that puts one's health or safety at risk or causes other alcohol-related problems, such as binge drinking. If one's pattern of drinking leads to repeated distress and problems functioning in daily life, they likely have alcohol use disorder, which can range from mild to severe in severity.

Understanding the disease

Symptoms

The symptoms of alcohol use disorder include being unable to limit the amount of alcohol consumed, a strong urge or craving to drink, spending a lot of time drinking, experiencing withdrawal symptoms when not drinking, and continuing to drink despite causing problems in personal, social, work, or relationship aspects of life. These symptoms can range from mild to severe. Early treatment is important in addressing alcohol use disorder to prevent further complications.

Risk Factors

Risk factors for alcohol use disorder include steady drinking over time, starting at an early age, having a family history of alcohol problems, experiencing depression or other mental health issues, and having a history of trauma. Other risk factors are having bariatric surgery, social and cultural factors like having friends who drink regularly or exposure to glamorous portrayals of drinking in the media, and the influence of parents, peers, and other role models on young people.

Development

Alcohol use disorder develops as a result of a pattern of alcohol use that involves problems controlling one's drinking, being preoccupied with alcohol, or continuing to use alcohol despite causing problems. This disorder may include binge drinking, which is defined as a male consuming five or more drinks within two hours or a female consuming at least four drinks within two hours. Risk factors for alcohol use disorder include steady drinking over time, early age initiation of alcohol use, family history of alcohol-related problems, mental health disorders such as depression or anxiety, and a history of emotional or physical trauma. Other factors that can contribute to alcohol use disorder include social and cultural influences, such as peer and parental pressure, and media portrayal of drinking.

Assessment and Diagnosis

Triage

If you suspect alcohol use disorder in yourself or a loved one, it is important to seek medical help. You should see a doctor or a mental health professional when:

1. You feel that your emotions are interfering with your work, relationships, social activities, or other aspects of your life.
2. You have trouble with drinking or drugs.
3. You experience suicidal thoughts or behaviors, in which case you should seek emergency treatment immediately. It is crucial to address alcohol use disorder as early as possible, as it can escalate and lead to severe problems if left untreated.

Diagnosis

To diagnose alcohol use disorder, a healthcare provider will typically start by asking questions related to your drinking habits. They may also ask permission to speak with family members or friends to gather more information. A physical exam will be performed to check for any physical signs indicating complications from alcohol use. Lab tests and imaging tests may also be suggested to identify health problems linked to alcohol use or to assess any organ damage. The healthcare provider may complete a psychological evaluation, including questions about your symptoms, thoughts, feelings, and behavior patterns. The diagnosis of alcohol use disorder is based on the criteria in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) published by the American Psychiatric Association.

Management and Treatment

Complications

Alcohol use disorder can lead to various complications, including:

1. Physical Complications: Excessive alcohol consumption can damage internal organs, such as the liver, heart, and pancreas. Additionally, it can weaken the immune system, making a person more susceptible to infections and illnesses.
2. Mental Health Issues: Alcohol use disorder can exacerbate or contribute to mental health problems like depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder.
3. Social Issues: Excessive alcohol use can strain relationships, damage social connections, and lead to unemployment or academic problems due to poor performance and absences.
4. Legal Issues: Alcohol use disorder can result in legal problems, such as driving under the influence (DUI) charges or other offenses committed while under the influence of alcohol.
5. Financial Issues: Excessive alcohol consumption can lead to financial problems due to spending money on alcohol, lost productivity, and potential legal fees.
6. Withdrawal Symptoms: When an individual with alcohol use disorder stops or reduces alcohol consumption, they may experience withdrawal symptoms, such as nausea, sweating, shaking, and anxiety. These symptoms can be uncomfortable and may lead to continued drinking to avoid them.
7. Increased Risk of Cancer: Long-term, excessive alcohol use has been linked to an increased risk of various cancers, including mouth, throat, liver, esophagus, colon, and breast cancers.
8. Interactions with Medications: Alcohol can interact with certain medications, making them less effective or dangerous. Mixing alcohol with prescription or over-the-counter medications can have harmful consequences. It is essential to seek professional help if you or someone you know is struggling with alcohol use disorder to address these potential complications and achieve a healthier, safer lifestyle.

Prevention

While there is no surefire way to prevent alcohol use disorder entirely, there are steps that can be taken to reduce the risk of developing it. Here are some preventive measures:

1. Education: Educate yourself and your loved ones about the risks and consequences of alcohol use, as well as the signs of alcohol use disorder.
2. Healthy Lifestyle: Encourage a healthy lifestyle that includes regular exercise, a balanced diet, and a strong support network to help individuals resist the temptation to engage in alcohol use.
3. Positive Peer Influence: Surround yourself with friends who do not engage in alcohol use or substance abuse, as peer pressure can play a significant role in the initiation of alcohol use.
4. Age Restrictions: Enforce age restrictions on alcohol consumption to prevent underage drinking, which can lead to an increased risk of alcohol use disorder later in life.
5. Early Intervention: If you notice warning signs of alcohol use disorder in yourself or a loved one, seek professional help and support early to prevent the disorder from escalating. Remember that early intervention and prevention are key in reducing the risk of developing alcohol use disorder.

Home Remedies

If you are concerned about alcohol use disorder, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis, treatment, and support. They can provide guidance on evidence-based interventions and recommend appropriate resources based on your individual needs.

Treatment

To treat alcohol use disorder, you can follow these steps:

1. Perform a physical exam and undergo a psychological evaluation: Start by consulting a healthcare provider who can perform a physical exam and evaluate your psychological state, including your symptoms, thoughts, feelings, and behavior patterns.
2. Suggest lab tests and imaging tests: Depending on your health status, your healthcare provider may recommend specific lab tests and imaging tests to identify any health problems related to your alcohol use.
3. Detox and withdrawal: If necessary, you may need to go through a medically managed detoxification program to manage withdrawal symptoms. This process usually takes 2 to 7 days and may involve taking sedating medications.
4. Learn new skills and make a treatment plan: Work with alcohol treatment specialists to develop a personalized treatment plan, including setting goals, learning new skills, using self-help manuals, and engaging in counseling.
5. Psychological counseling: Participate in individual and group counseling sessions to better understand your alcohol use disorder and support recovery. Family and couples therapy may also be beneficial.
6. Residential treatment programs: In some cases, especially for severe alcohol use disorder, you may need to attend a residential treatment program that offers comprehensive care, including individual and group therapy, support groups, educational lectures, family involvement, and activity therapy.
7. Alternative medicine: While not a replacement for conventional medical treatment, alternative techniques like yoga, meditation, acupuncture, and mindfulness can be helpful additions to your recovery journey.
8. Lifestyle and home remedies: Develop healthy habits, such as getting good sleep, engaging in regular physical activity, managing stress effectively, and eating well. Create a supportive social network and distance yourself from situations and people that may impair your recovery. Remember, the main goal of treatment is to stop alcohol use and improve your overall quality of life. Consult with a healthcare provider or addiction specialist to create a personalized treatment plan for your specific needs.

Preparing for medical consultation

To prepare for an appointment regarding alcohol use disorder, follow these steps:

1. Honestly evaluate your drinking habits: Reflect on how often and how much you drink, and identify any problems related to alcohol use. Consider taking a family member or friend along for support.
2. Make a list of symptoms and personal information: Prepare a list of any symptoms you've experienced, including those that may seem unrelated to your drinking. Also, include key personal information such as major stresses or recent life changes.
3. Gather medication information: Compile a list of all medications, vitamins, herbs, or other supplements you're taking, along with their dosages. Share this information with your healthcare provider or mental health provider.
4. Prepare a list of questions: Write down questions to ask your provider, such as whether they think you drink too much or need to cut back, and what treatment options may be appropriate for your situation.
5. Be honest about drug use: When discussing your drug use, be honest with your healthcare provider or mental health provider to ensure an accurate assessment of your addiction level and suitable treatment options. Remember to bring this information with you to your appointment and be open about your alcohol use.