Description

Alcohol use disorder is a pattern of alcohol use that involves problems controlling your drinking, being preoccupied with alcohol, or the continued use of alcohol, even when the causes of the problems. This disorder also involves having to drink more to get the same effect, or having withdrawal symptoms when you rapidly decrease or stop drinking. Alcohol use disorder includes a level of alcohol consumption that's sometimes called alcoholism.

Unhealthy alcohol use includes any alcohol use that puts your health or safety at risk or causes other alcohol-related problems. It also includes the excessive consumption of alcohol — a pattern of alcohol consumption, where a man has five or more drinks within two hours, or one woman has at least four drinks within two hours. Excessive consumption of alcohol causes serious health and safety risks.

If your pattern of consumption of alcohol results in the repetition of significant distress and problems functioning in your daily life, it is likely to have alcohol use disorder. Can vary from mild to severe. However, even a mild disorder can escalate and lead to serious problems, so early treatment is important.

Symptoms

Alcohol use disorder can be mild, moderate, or severe, depending on the number of symptoms. Signs and symptoms may include:

  • Be unable to limit the amount of alcohol you drink
  • Want to reduce the amount you drink, or making attempts to do so
  • To spend a lot of time drinking, getting alcohol or recovering from alcohol consumption
  • The feeling of a strong desire or urge to drink alcohol
  • Not complying with the main obligations in the workplace, at school or in the home, due to the repeated use of alcohol
  • Continuing to drink alcohol even though you know that is causing physical, social, work or relationship problems
  • Waive or reduce social and work activities and pastimes for the use of alcohol
  • The use of alcohol in situations where it is not safe, as when driving or swimming
  • The development of a tolerance to the alcohol, so you need more to feel its effects, or has a lesser effect of the same amount
  • Experiencing withdrawal symptoms such as nausea, sweating and shaking — when you do not drink, or drink to avoid these symptoms

Alcohol use disorder can include periods of drunk (alcohol intoxication), and the withdrawal symptoms.

  • Alcohol intoxication results as the amount of alcohol in your bloodstream increases. The greater the concentration of alcohol in blood, the more likely you are to have any ill effects. Alcohol intoxication causes behavior problems and mental changes. These can include inappropriate behavior, unstable mood, lack of judgment, slurred speech, problems with attention or memory, and poor coordination. You may also have periods called "blackout", where you do not remember events. Very high levels of alcohol can lead to coma, permanent brain damage or even death.
  • Alcohol withdrawal can occur when the consumption of alcohol has been intense and prolonged, and then stopped or greatly reduced. May occur within several hours of 4 to 5 days later. Signs and symptoms include sweating, palpitations, tremors, sleep problems, nausea and vomiting, hallucinations, restlessness and agitation, anxiety, and sometimes seizures. The symptoms can be severe enough to affect their ability to function at work or in social situations.

What is considered 1 drink?

The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism defines a standard drink as either of these:

  • 12 ounces (355 milliliters) of beer (about 5% alcohol)
  • 8 to 9 oz (237 266 ml) of liquor of malta (around 7% alcohol)
  • 5 ounces (148 milliliters) of wine (about 12% alcohol)
  • 1.5 ounces (44 ml) of liquor, or distilled spirits (40% alcohol)

When to see a doctor

If you feel that you sometimes drink too much alcohol, or consumption of alcohol is causing problems, or if your family is worried about their consumption of alcohol, talk with your health care provider. Other ways of getting help, such as talking with a mental health professional, or seek the help of a support group like Alcoholics Anonymous or a similar type of self-help groups.

Because denial is common, you may feel like you don't have a problem with the drink. You might not recognize how much you drink or how many problems in your life are related to the consumption of alcohol. Listen to the family, friends or coworkers when you are prompted to examine their consumption habits or to seek help. Consider talking with someone who has had a drinking problem, but is stopped.

If your loved one needs help

Many people with alcohol use disorder hesitate to get treatment because they do not recognize that they have a problem. An intervention from loved ones can help some people to recognize and accept that you need professional help. If you are concerned about someone who drinks too much, ask a professional with experience in the treatment of alcohol for tips on how to get closer to that person.

Causes

Genetic, psychological, social, and environmental factors that may influence how alcohol affects your body and behavior. The theories suggest that for certain persons who drink has a different and stronger impact it can cause alcohol use disorder.

Over time, drinking too much alcohol can change the normal function of the areas of the brain associated with the experience of pleasure, the judgment and the ability to exert control over his behavior. This can result in craving of alcohol to try to restore good feelings or reduce the negative.

Risk factors

The consumption of Alcohol may begin in adolescence, but the alcohol use disorder occurs more frequently in the decade of the 20's and 30 years, although it can begin at any age.

Risk factors for alcohol use disorder include:

  • Steady drinking over time. Drinking too much on a regular basis over a long period of time or drinking to excess on a regular basis can lead to alcohol-related problems or alcohol use disorder.
  • Starting at an early age. People who begin to drink — especially the excessive consumption of alcohol at an early age have a greater risk of alcohol use disorder.
  • The history of the family. The risk of alcohol use disorder is higher in people who have a parent or other close relative who has problems with alcohol. This may be influenced by genetic factors.
  • Depression and other mental health problems. It is common for people with a mental health disorder such as anxiety, depression, schizophrenia or bipolar disorder have problems with alcohol or other substances.
  • History of trauma. People with a history of emotional trauma or other type of trauma are at greater risk of alcohol use disorder.
  • Having bariatric surgery. Some research studies indicate that having bariatric surgery may increase the risk of developing alcohol use disorder or relapse after recovery from alcohol use disorder.
  • Social and cultural factors. Have friends or a partner near you drink regularly, and may increase the risk of alcohol use disorder. The glamour that the drink is sometimes portrayed in the media, you can also send the message that it is okay to drink too much. For young people, the influence of parents, peers and other role models can affect the risk.

Complications

Alcohol depresses the central nervous system. In some people, the initial reaction may be to feel an increase in energy. But as you continue to drink, sleepy, and have less control over their actions.

The excess of alcohol affects the speech, the coordination of muscles and the vital centres of his brain. Excessive consumption of alcohol binge can even cause a life-threatening coma or death. This is of particular concern when you are taking certain medications that depress the function of the brain.

Impact on safety

Drinking in excess can reduce their skills of judgment and reduce inhibitions, leading to bad decisions and dangerous situations or behaviors, including:

  • Motor vehicle accidents and other types of accidental injuries, such as drowning
  • Relationship problems
  • Poor performance at work or in school
  • Increase the likelihood of committing a violent crime or be a victim of a crime
  • Legal problems or problems with employment or finances
  • Problems with the use of substances
  • Participation in the risk of unprotected sex, or experiencing sexual abuse or date rape
  • Increased risk of attempted or completed suicide

Impact on your health

Drinking too much alcohol on a single occasion or over time can cause health problems, including:

  • Disease of the liver. Excessive consumption of alcohol can cause increased fat in the liver (hepatic steatosis) and inflammation of the liver (alcoholic hepatitis). Over time, excessive consumption of alcohol can cause the irreversible destruction and scarring of liver tissue (cirrhosis).
  • The digestive problems. Excessive consumption of alcohol can result in the inflammation of the lining of the stomach (gastritis), as well as stomach and esophageal ulcers. It can also interfere with the body's ability to get enough B-complex vitamins and other nutrients. Excessive consumption of alcohol can damage the pancreas, or lead to the inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis).
  • The problems of the heart. Drinking in excess can lead to high blood pressure and increases the risk of an enlarged heart, heart failure or stroke. Even a single binge can cause serious irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia) known as atrial fibrillation.
  • The complications of Diabetes. Alcohol interferes with the release of glucose from the liver and may increase the risk of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). This is dangerous if you have diabetes and are already taking insulin or certain other diabetes medications to lower your blood sugar level.
  • Problems with sexual function and periods. Drinking in excess can cause men to have difficulty maintaining an erection (erectile dysfunction). In women, excessive alcohol consumption can disrupt the menstrual cycle.
  • Eye problems. Over time, excessive alcohol consumption can cause involuntary rapid eye movement (nystagmus), as well as the weakness and paralysis of the muscles of the eyes due to a deficiency of vitamin B-1 (thiamine). A deficiency of thiamine can cause other changes in the brain, such as dementia, irreversible if not treated immediately.
  • Birth defects. The use of Alcohol during pregnancy can cause a miscarriage. It can also cause fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (Fasds). Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders, can cause a child to be born with physical and developmental problems that lasts a lifetime.
  • The damage in the bones. Alcohol may interfere with the realization of new bone. The bone loss can lead to thinning of the bones (osteoporosis) and an increased risk of fractures. Alcohol can also damage the bone marrow, which makes blood cells. This can cause a low platelet count, which can result in the appearance of bruising and bleeding.
  • The neurological complications. The excessive consumption of alcohol can affect your nervous system, causing numbness and pain in hands and feet, thought disorders, dementia, and short-term memory loss.
  • Weakened immune system. Excessive alcohol use can make it harder for your body to resist disease, increasing the risk of various diseases, especially pneumonia.
  • Increased risk of cancer. Long-term, excessive use of alcohol has been associated with an increased risk of many cancers, including mouth, throat, liver, esophagus, colon, and breast. Even moderate consumption of alcohol can increase the risk of breast cancer.
  • Drugs and alcohol interactions. Some of the medications that interact with alcohol, increasing their toxic effects. Drink while you are taking these medicines can increase or decrease their effectiveness, or make them dangerous.

Prevention

Early intervention can prevent alcohol-related problems in adolescents. If you have a teenager, be alert to the signs and symptoms that may indicate a problem with alcohol:

  • Loss of interest in activities and hobbies and in personal appearance
  • Red eyes, slurred speech, problems with coordination and memory lapses
  • Difficulties or changes in relationships with friends, such as joining a new crowd
  • The decrease of the degrees and problems in school
  • Frequent changes of mood and defensive behavior

You can help to prevent adolescent alcohol use:

  • A good example with your own consumption of alcohol.
  • Talk openly with your child, spend quality time together and participate actively in the life of your child.
  • Let your child know that the behavior that you expected and what the consequences will be for not following the rules.

Diagnosis

It is likely to start by seeing your primary health care provider. If your doctor suspects you have a problem with alcohol, you may be referred to a mental health provider.

To assess your problem with alcohol, your supplier may:

  • Ask you some questions related to their consumption habits. The provider may ask permission to speak with family members or friends. However, confidentiality laws prevent your provider give you any information about you without your consent.
  • Perform a physical exam. Your health care provider may do a physical exam and ask you questions about your health. There are many signs that indicate that the complications of alcohol use.
  • Suggest that the laboratory tests, and imaging tests. Although there are no specific tests to diagnose alcohol use disorder, certain patterns of laboratory test results may strongly suggest it. And you may need tests to identify the health problems that may be linked to their consumption of alcohol. The damage to the organs may be seen in the tests.
  • To complete a psychological evaluation. This assessment includes questions about your symptoms, thoughts, feelings and behavior patterns. You may be asked to complete a questionnaire to help answer these questions.

Treatment

Treatment for alcohol use disorder can vary, depending on your needs. The treatment may consist of a brief intervention, individual or group counseling, an outpatient program or a residential stay in the hospital. Working to stop the consumption of alcohol to improve the quality of life is the main goal of treatment.

Treatment for alcohol use disorder can include:

  • Detoxification and abstinence. The treatment may start with a detox — withdrawal that is medically managed. Sometimes called detox, this usually takes 2 to 7 days. You may need to take sedating medications to prevent withdrawal symptoms. Detoxification is usually done in inpatient treatment center or a hospital.
  • The learning of new skills and make a plan of treatment. This process usually involves alcohol treatment specialists. You can include the setting of goals, behavior change techniques, use of self-help manuals, counseling and follow-up care at a treatment center.
  • Psychological counseling. Counseling and therapy for groups and individuals to help you better understand your problem with alcohol and support the recovery of the psychological aspects of alcohol consumption. You can benefit from the couple or family therapy, family support can be an important part of the recovery process.
  • Oral medications.A drug called disulfiram can help prevent you from drinking, although not a cure for alcohol use disorder or remove the urge to drink. If you drink alcohol while you are taking disulfiram, the drug produces a physical reaction that may include flushing, nausea, vomiting, and headaches. Naltrexone, a drug that blocks the good feelings alcohol cause, you can prevent the excessive consumption of alcohol and reduce the desire to drink. Acamprosate can help you fight the cravings of alcohol once you stop drinking. Unlike disulfiram, acamprosate and naltrexone does not make you feel sick after taking a drink.
  • Inject the medication. Vivitrol, a version of the drug naltrexone, is injected once a month by a health care professional. Although it is similar medication can be taken in pill form, the injectable version of the drug may be easier for people in recovery from alcohol use disorder to use consistently.
  • Ongoing support. Aftercare programs and support groups to help people recover from alcohol use disorder stop drinking, to manage relapses and to deal with the necessary life-style changes. This may include medical or psychological care or attend a support group.
  • The treatment of psychological problems. The Alcohol use disorder commonly occur along with other mental health disorders. If you have symptoms of depression, anxiety or another mental health condition, you may need talk therapy (psychotherapy), medications, or other treatment.
  • Medical treatment for health conditions. Many alcohol-related health problems improve significantly once you stop drinking. But some health conditions may justify the continuation of treatment and follow-up care.
  • The spiritual practice. The people who are involved with some kind of regular spiritual practice you may find that it is easier to maintain recovery from alcohol use disorder or other addictions. For many people, obtaining a greater understanding of your spiritual side is a key element in the recovery.

Oral medications. A drug called disulfiram can help prevent you from drinking, although not a cure for alcohol use disorder or remove the urge to drink. If you drink alcohol while you are taking disulfiram, the drug produces a physical reaction that may include flushing, nausea, vomiting, and headaches.

Naltrexone, a drug that blocks the good feelings alcohol cause, you can prevent the excessive consumption of alcohol and reduce the desire to drink. Acamprosate can help you fight the cravings of alcohol once you stop drinking. Unlike disulfiram, acamprosate and naltrexone does not make you feel sick after taking a drink.

Residential treatment programs

For severe alcohol use disorder, you may need a stay in a residential treatment center. Most residential treatment programs include individual and group therapy, support groups, educational lectures, participation of the family, and the activity of the therapy.

Residential treatment programs typically include the licensed alcohol and drug counselors, social workers, nurses, doctors, and others with knowledge and experience in the treatment of alcohol use disorder.

Alternative medicine

To prevent the replacement of a conventional medical treatment or psychotherapy with alternative medicine. But if used in addition to your treatment plan when you are recovering from alcohol use disorder, these techniques may be useful:

  • Yoga. The Yoga series of postures and exercises, controlled breathing can help you relax and manage stress.
  • Meditation. During meditation, you focus your attention and eliminate the stream of jumbled thoughts that may be crowding your mind and causing stress.
  • Acupuncture. With acupuncture, hair-thin needles are inserted under the skin. Acupuncture can help reduce anxiety and depression.

Lifestyle and home remedies

As part of your recovery, you need to focus on changing your habits and different life style choices. These strategies can help:

  • Consider the possibility of their social status. Make it clear to your friends and family that you are not drinking alcohol. Develop a support system of friends and family who can support your recovery. You may need to distance themselves from their friends and social situations that prevent recovery.
  • Develop healthy lifestyle habits. For example, a good sleep, regular physical activity, managing stress more effectively and eat well all can make it easier for you to recover from alcohol use disorder.
  • Do things that do not involve the consumption of alcohol. You can find many of their activities involve drinking. Replace them with hobbies or activities that are not centered around alcohol.

Coping and support

Many people with alcohol problems and their families to find that participation in support groups is an essential part of coping with the disease, dealing with or preventing relapse and stay sober. Your health care provider or a counselor can suggest a support group. These groups are also often appears on the web.

Here are some examples:

  • Alcoholics Anonymous. Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is a self-help group for people recovering from alcoholism. AA offers a sober peer group and it is built around a 12-steps as a powerful model for achieving total abstinence.
  • Women for Sobriety. Women for Sobriety is a non-profit organization that offers a self-help group program for women who want to overcome alcoholism and other addictions. Focuses on the development of coping skills related to emotional and spiritual growth, self-esteem, and a healthy lifestyle.
  • Al-Anon, and Alateen. Al-Anon is designed for people who are affected by someone else's alcoholism. Alateen groups are available for children, teenagers, people with alcoholism. In sharing their stories, the members of the family to gain a greater understanding of how the disease affects the entire family.
  • Celebrate Recovery. Celebrate Recovery is a Christ-centered, 12-step recovery program for people struggling with addiction.
  • SMART Recovery. SMART Recovery provides mutual support meetings for people who are looking for science-based, self-empowered recovery from addiction.

Preparing for your appointment

Here's some information to help you prepare for your appointment, and what to expect from your doctor or mental health provider.

Consider their habits of consumption. Take an honest look at the frequency and amount that you drink. Be prepared to discuss the problems that alcohol can be the cause. You may want to take a family member or friend along, if possible.

Before your appointment, make a list of:

  • The symptoms that I had, including those that may seem unrelated to your drinking
  • Key personal information, including any major stresses or recent life changes
  • All the drugs, vitamins, herbs, or other supplements you are taking and their dosages
  • Questions to ask your provider

Some questions are:

  • Do you think you drink too much, or show signs of problems with the drink?
  • Do you think I need to reduce or stop drinking?
  • Do you think that alcohol could be causing or worsening of my other health problems?
  • What is the best course of action?
  • What are the alternatives to the solution that you are suggesting?
  • Do I need any medical test for underlying physical problems?
  • Are there brochures or other printed material I can have? What sites do you recommend?
  • It would be helpful for me to meet with a professional with experience in the treatment of alcohol?

Do not hesitate to ask any other questions.

What to expect from your doctor

Be prepared to answer the questions of your doctor or mental health provider, which may include:

  • How often and how much do you drink?
  • Do you have any family members with alcohol problems?
  • Do you sometimes drink more than you want to drink?
  • Having family members, friends or co-workers never suggests that you need to reduce or stop drinking?
  • Do you feel the need to drink more than you did before to get the same effect?
  • Have you tried to stop drinking? If so, was it difficult and do you have any of the symptoms of withdrawal?
  • It has had problems in school, at work or in their relationships that may be related to the use of alcohol?
  • There have been times that he has behaved in a dangerous, harmful, or violent when they were drinking?
  • Do you have any physical health problems, such as liver disease or diabetes?
  • Do you have a mental health problem, like depression or anxiety?
  • Do you use recreational drugs?

Your health care provider or mental health provider will ask you additional questions based on your responses, symptoms, and needs. Prepare and anticipate the questions will help you make the most of your appointment time.

Symptoms and treatment of Alcohol use disorder