For AUD to be diagnosed in America, the patient must meet the criteria of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders published by the American Psychiatric Association.
You must have a pattern of drinking that results in substantial impairment or distress.
Alcohol tolerance Intoxication requires a high level of alcohol. If the liver is damaged or unable to properly metabolize alcohol, tolerance levels may drop. Tolerance levels could also be affected by damage to the central nervous system.
Withdrawal Symptoms: When a person stops drinking alcohol or reduces the amount, they might experience tremors insomnia, and nausea. They might drink more to avoid these symptoms.
Beyond Intentions: An individual drinks more alcohol or for longer periods than they intended.
Inadequate Attempts To Reduce Alcohol Consumption: An individual is trying to reduce their alcohol consumption but failing. They may be persistent in their desire to reduce.
Persistence This is when a person continues to drink alcohol even though they know it is hurting their physical and mental health.
There may be other conditions that cause symptoms or signs of alcohol misuse. As an example, falling and memory problems can result from aging.
An individual may be referred to a doctor for a medical condition like a stomach problem or a digestive problem but they might not disclose how much alcohol they drink. This could make it difficult for doctors to screen for potential alcohol dependency.
The health worker may ask several questions if they suspect that the patient is abusing alcohol. If the patient answers in one way or another, the doctor might then use a standardized questionnaire.
Tests For Alcoholism
Blood tests cannot reveal the amount of alcohol consumed in the last 24 hours. They cannot determine whether someone has been drinking heavily for a very long time.
If the blood tests reveal that the red blood cell size has increased, this could be a sign of long-term alcohol abuse.
However, screening with the correct questionnaire is an effective method of obtaining an accurate diagnosis.
Many people who drink more than alcohol do not believe that alcohol is a problem. They may reduce the amount of alcohol they consume.
The following treatment options are available to treat alcoholism at Alta Centers:
Do It Yourself: There are some people with an alcohol problem who can cut back on drinking, or even stop altogether without the need for professional assistance. You can find free information online at Alta Centers. Self-help books are also available online.
Counseling: A licensed counselor can help someone to discuss their problems and devise a plan that will address the drinking. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is frequently used to treat alcohol dependence.
As they can lead to increased alcohol consumption, these problems must be treated. It is important to treat other alcohol-related issues like hypertension, liver disease, and heart disease.
Residential Programs: These services include expert professional assistance, individual or group therapy, and support groups. Training, family involvement, treatment, therapy, and other options for alcohol misuse. It can be helpful for some people to be away from temptation.
Drug That Can Provoke A Severe Reaction To Alcohol: Antabuse, also known as disulfiram, causes severe reactions in people who drink alcohol. These include nausea, vomiting, and headaches. It can be used as a deterrent but will not cure the problem or treat the compulsion to drink.
Treatment: Medications could help to avoid withdrawal symptoms (delirium tremens / DTs) which can occur following quitting. Treatment typically lasts for 4-7 days. A benzodiazepine medication called chlordiazepoxide can be used to detoxify (detox).
Abstinence: Many people go through detox and then reintroduce alcohol shortly afterward. Access to counseling, medical support, support groups, family support, and other resources can help individuals avoid alcohol over time.
Alcoholics Anonymous: Alcoholics Anonymous is an international fellowship that includes men and women who are struggling with alcohol. It is nonprofessional and self-supporting. There is no minimum age or educational requirement. Anyone interested in quitting drinking can apply for membership.