As the name indicates, alcohol use disorder is a mental and physical condition where someone is addicted to alcohol. Someone addicted to alcohol will crave and rely upon it, even when it’s physically harmful to them. Most people with alcohol use disorder will have extreme difficulty stopping their alcohol use, and many will require rehab. Because of how alcohol affects the brain, alcohol use disorder is also considered a mental health condition.
While alcohol use disorder might not seem like a big deal at first, it can have life-threatening complications if it isn’t dealt with. Erratic and uncontrollable alcohol consumption damages various parts of the body and brain and can lead to organ failure and eventual death. Therefore, seeking medical and mental health assistance is vital if you or someone you love has an alcohol use disorder.
The signs and symptoms of alcohol use disorder are similar to those of other addictions. In most cases, people with alcohol use disorder will experience both physical and mental symptoms.
The defining sign that you or someone you love has alcohol use disorder is if they’re constantly inebriated or trying to get drunk. It’s important to seek help to get the medical and mental health assistance you need.
Anyone can get addicted to alcohol. However, a few risk factors could increase the chances of developing an alcohol use disorder.
If you start drinking alcohol at an early age, there’s a stronger possibility that you’ll become addicted.
Social drinking is one of the most common causes of alcohol use disorder. Social drinking is when you and your friends drink at parties or social events. While people don’t always get addicted, the more you drink socially, the more likely you are to get addicted.
Many people drink alcohol to dull their senses or escape from reality. As such, alcohol use disorder is more common among people who have suffered abuse, a serious injury, or personal trauma.
While alcoholism isn’t necessarily a genetic condition, the odds of developing alcohol use disorder increase if a parent or close relative is or was addicted to alcohol.
Doctors can diagnose alcohol use disorder using a series of tests and methods.
If you attest that you frequently drink alcohol and are exhibiting the symptoms of addiction, there’s a good chance you have alcohol use disorder.
A blood test will determine if you currently have alcohol in your system.
A physical exam of your symptoms, physical health, and mental health will further help with a definitive diagnosis.
Based on the tests and methods above, your doctor can confirm whether or not you have an alcohol use disorder.
Recovering from alcohol use disorder typically involves a painful withdrawal process followed by ongoing therapy and treatment. Your doctor might utilize certain medications to ease the painful symptoms of withdrawal and aid your recovery.
Next, you should invest in therapy, counselling, or support groups to reduce the chances of relapsing into alcohol addiction. Behavioural therapy techniques and medications can also help reduce alcohol cravings.
While it’s possible to recover from alcohol use disorder, it’s important to seek help as early as possible. It’s also important to utilize ongoing treatment and management to reduce the chances of a relapse.