What is alcohol use disorder?

Alcohol use disorder, sometimes called alcoholism, is a widespread medical condition. People who suffer from this condition cannot stop drinking even though their alcohol use completely upends their lives, as well as the lives of those around them. It can be mild, moderate or even severe. Treatments might be medication and behavioural therapy. In some individuals suffering from this condition, with treatment, most people are able to either reduce the amount of intake or stop drinking completely.

What are the symptoms of alcohol use disorder?

The severity of alcohol use disorder can be mild, moderate, or severe depending on the number of symptoms that appear. Some of the possible signs and symptoms include:

• You are unable to limit the amount of alcohol you consume.
• Desire to cut down or inability to cut down alcohol consumption
• A lot of time spent on drinking, seeking or getting over alcohol use
• Having a strong desire or need to drink alcohol.
• Failure to fulfil major roles at work, school, or home because of repeated alcohol use
• Continuation of drinking even if it is causing physical, social, work, or relationship problems
• Giving up or cutting back on social and work activities and hobbies to use alcohol
• Using alcohol in a way that is not safe, such as when driving or swimming.
• Building a tolerance to alcohol so that you require more to experience its effect or you experience a lesser effect from the same amount
• Experiencing withdrawal symptoms, which include nausea, sweating, and shaking, when you stop drinking or drinking to avoid these symptoms.

Alcohol use disorder involves periods or episodes of drunkenness-alcohol intoxication-and the presence of signs of withdrawal.

• Alcohol intoxication: It means that the more alcohol present in your blood, the more you are likely to suffer from bad effects. Intoxication from alcohol is manifested through behavioural problems and changes in mental status. It may include inappropriate behaviour and unstable moods, poor judgment, slurred speech, problems with attention or memory, and poor coordination. It can also lead to periods called "blackouts", where you cannot remember things. Extremely high levels of alcohol can result in coma, severe permanent brain damage, and even death.
• Alcohol withdrawal: It can result from heavy and prolonged use of alcohol that is stopped or significantly reduced. Symptoms may appear within several hours to 4 to 5 days after stopping the use of alcohol. Other symptoms include sweating, pounding in the chest, shaky hands, difficulty sleeping, nausea and vomiting, hallucinations, restlessness and irritation, anxiety, and rarely seizures. Symptoms are sometimes severe enough to compromise your ability to work at your job or to go about your social life.

What causes alcohol use disorder?

Researchers do not know all of the reasons why someone may develop alcohol use disorder but have identified some factors.

• Genetics: Studies reveal that people with a history of alcohol use disorder among their family members are also at a higher risk of suffering from the condition.
• Psychological disorders: Conditions such as depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder may increase your risk for alcohol use disorder.

What are the complications of this condition?

Hangovers and withdrawal are two problems that an alcoholic suffers from. Alcohol, however, is a chemical carcinogen. If a person consumes beverages with heavy alcohol for a prolonged time, then the patient suffers from esophageal cancer. Other complications associated are:

• Alcohol cardiomyopathy.
• Alcoholic hepatitis.
• Alcoholic poisoning.
• Cerebellar degeneration.
• Hepatic cirrhosis.
• Delirium tremens.

 How is alcohol use disorder diagnosed?

If you feel you suffer from AUD, you can be taken to a physician for consultation. They would ask you questions on how often you drink and the related health history.

They can take blood tests for a diagnosis based on general checks, giving special attention to areas the drinker most afflicts-the brain and nervous system at large, as well as parts of the heart and the liver.

Your provider will determine whether you have alcohol use disorder and the severity of your condition as mild, moderate or severe:

• Mild: Your symptoms meet two to three criteria.
• Moderate: Symptoms meet four to five criteria.
• Serious: Symptoms coincided with six or more criteria.

What are the treatments for alcohol use disorder?

The treatment depends on your situation. In case the condition is severe, a healthcare provider may advise inpatient medical treatment or residential rehabilitation. The other treatments are:

• Behavioural treatment: This form of treatment emphasizes counselling and changes in your drinking behaviour. You might work with addiction counsellors or psychologists.
• Medication: Naltrexone and acamprosate are two drugs approved as treatments for alcohol use disorder. Topiramate and gabapentin may reduce cravings in some individuals as well.
• Support groups: A support group is a way to connect with others who understand your situation.

Is there a cure for alcohol use disorder?

According to research, most patients who acquire this disease manage to recover by drinking less or not at all. Relapse occurs as well. There is even a possibility of getting intoxicated as a reaction to other unfortunate events such as loss of work, divorce, death, or loss of close members. Discuss this issue with your physician when you are stressed and consider you may relapse.

How do I take care of myself?

While being in treatment for alcohol use disorder is a tremendous first step toward taking good care of yourself, getting through treatment and staying sober the rest of your life means becoming healthier one day at a time. Here are a few suggestions that may guide you during recovery:

• Get some exercise: Exercise is a wonderful way to deal with stress, whether it's the everyday grind or being stressed about not drinking alcohol.
• Know your triggers: When you have alcohol use disorder, sometimes it's known what situations may cause the desire to have a drink.
• Seek support:Sometimes, it's helpful to talk with others who understand what you are going through, whether it's a 12-step program or just time with a therapist.

When should I see my doctor?

That will depend on your needs. If you're a patient who's getting some kind of treatment for your alcohol-related condition, for instance, cirrhosis, ask your healthcare provider whether some new symptom is an alcohol-related side effect. When you are a patient receiving some form of counselling, talk to your provider about being prepared for when you'll feel like you need a little more mental health support, given high-stress situations.

How soon should I go to the emergency room?

People with severe or moderate alcohol use disorder who suddenly quit alcohol may develop delirium tremens (DT). This is a form of alcohol withdrawal. Severe, it can be potentially deadly, causing severe medical issues such as seizures and hallucinations that require immediate attention by a medical professional.

What should I ask my doctor?

You will have many questions going through treatment and recovery. Here are some suggestions:

• Do you believe I have an alcohol use disorder?
• Is it a problem?
• Treatment recommendations
• Would treatment help me quit alcohol consumption?

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