Alcohol is legal and widely available throughout most of the United States. Research shows that most adults in the US report drinking from time to time, and alcohol is included in many social situations.
Because alcohol use is legal and common in this country, it can be challenging to determine when a person’s drinking has crossed the line into a problematic behavior. Problematic patterns of drinking, such as heavy or binge drinking, can be a sign of an alcohol use disorder (AUD).
This article will explore alcohol use disorder and how to treat it.
What you will learn:
- What alcohol use disorder is
- The risk factors for AUD
- How to recognize the signs of AUD
- What to expect during AUD treatment
- Where to find comprehensive treatment and ongoing support
If you or someone you love struggles with alcohol abuse or addiction, you are not alone. Contact the Alamo Behavioral Health specialists to explore our substance abuse and mental health treatment programs. Reach out with questions, to verify your insurance, or to schedule an intake appointment.
What is an Alcohol Use Disorder?
An alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a medical diagnosis. A medical professional may diagnose someone with AUD if they have physical dependence on alcohol or abuse it. People may refer to AUD as “alcoholism” or alcohol addiction, but AUD also includes alcohol abuse.
The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) reports that alcohol is one of the most commonly abused substances in the United States. According to NIDA’s research, more people aged 12 and older reported having used alcohol in the previous year than any other substance, including tobacco.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises people to drink moderately or abstain. Moderate drinking means:
- One or fewer alcoholic drinks per day for women
- Two or fewer alcoholic drinks per day for men
Heavy drinking means consuming more than the CDC recommends over the course of a week. This means:
- For men, consuming 15 or more alcoholic drinks per week
- For women, consuming 8 or more alcoholic drinks per week
Research has shown that heavy drinking increases the risk of many health problems, including cancer, heart disease, and addiction. People who engage in heavy drinking may develop signs of addiction, including:
- Tolerance (needing to drink alcohol in greater amounts to get “buzzed”)
- Experiencing alcohol withdrawal symptoms if they stop drinking
- Craving alcohol
- Continuing to drink even when facing severe medical conditions or other life-threatening issues related to their drinking)
An alcohol use disorder may be mild, moderate, or severe. Recognizing and treating AUD as early as possible can lead to better recovery outcomes.
What are the Risk Factors For AUD?
Several risk factors may increase a person’s likelihood of developing AUD. Here is an overview of some underlying risk factors that may contribute to AUD.
Family history
Addiction researchers believe family history and genetics contribute to a person’s risk of developing AUD. Research suggests that up to 60% of a person’s risk of AUD comes from family history.
Early drinking
According to research, people who start drinking before age 15 are up to three times more likely to develop AUD later in life than those who waited until 21 to drink. The risk is higher among women who drank earlier in life than it is for men.
Trauma and mental health conditions
Living with a mental health condition, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), may increase a person’s risk of developing substance abuse or alcohol use disorder. People may self-medicate emotional pain with drugs or alcohol, increasing the risk of physical dependence.
Risk factors may play a part in a person’s likelihood of developing AUD. However, having risk factors for AUD does not guarantee someone will develop alcohol abuse. People may also develop AUD if they have no significant risk factors.
Recognizing the Symptoms of Alcohol Use Disorder
Alcohol abuse and addiction can change the way a person looks, feels, and behaves. Alcohol use disorder (AUD) can be diagnosed by a healthcare professional using 11 criteria from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-V). These criteria include:
- Drinking more or for longer than intended and having difficulty controlling the amount of alcohol consumed.
- Persistent desire or unsuccessful efforts to cut down or control alcohol use.
- Spending a lot of time drinking or recovering from its effects, causing alcohol use to consume a significant time and energy.
- Cravings, or a strong desire or urge to drink – Experiencing intense urges to consume alcohol.
- Failing to fulfill major responsibilities at work, school, or home because of drinking.
- Continuing to drink despite problems in relationships – Drinking even though it causes or worsens interpersonal issues.
- Giving up important social, occupational, or recreational activities because of alcohol use.
- Using alcohol in physically dangerous situations, like driving or operating machinery while under the influence.
- Continuing to drink despite knowing it is causing or worsening physical or psychological problems.
- Developing tolerance, which means needing to drink more to achieve the same effects or noticing a reduced effect with the same amount.
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when the effects of alcohol wear off, or drinking to avoid withdrawal symptoms (such as shaking, sweating, or nausea).
People with alcohol use disorder may not be able to stop drinking without significant treatment and continuing support. Early treatment can lead to the best outcomes and long-lasting recovery. Seek treatment as soon as you recognize the signs of alcohol abuse or addiction.
Treating AUD
People with AUD require comprehensive treatment and ongoing support to stop drinking safely. In many cases, people begin recovery in a detox program, which includes:
- Medications to reduce withdrawal symptoms
- Emotional support, including counseling and support groups
- Mental health treatment
- A secure environment
- Holistic therapies for comfort
After detox is complete, people must continue in treatment. Comprehensive programs can help people learn how to reduce their risk of relapsing in the future and provide therapies that support overall wellness.
Getting treatment can help people manage withdrawal, develop healthy coping skills, and find critical support during each stage of recovery.
Find Treatment Now
If you or someone you love struggles with alcohol abuse, you are not alone. Contact the specialists at Alamo Behavioral Health to learn about our treatment and recovery support programs or to schedule an intake appointment.
References:
- National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA): Alcohol
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): About Moderate Alcohol Use
- National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA): Medical Complications: Common Alcohol-Related Concerns
- Springer Link: Risk and Protective Factors for Alcohol Use Disorders Across the Lifespan
- American Psychiatric Association (APA): Alcohol Use Disorder