What Is Alcoholism? Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention

Generally, however, the difference between alcohol misuse and AUD lies in looking at how a person drinks in the short term, as opposed to over a prolonged period of time. Drinking alcohol too much or too often, or being unable to control alcohol consumption, can be a sign of alcohol misuse and, in some cases, alcohol use disorder (AUD). Many people with AUD do recover, but setbacks are common among people in treatment. Seeking professional help early can prevent a return to drinking.

Nearly all risks involved with alcohol addiction may be avoidable or treatable, with successful long-term recovery. Relapsing doesn’t mean that treatment has failed, though — it takes time to change behavior. You can work with a health professional to try new treatments that may work better for you. In many organs, the effects of alcohol increase over time, and the damage becomes apparent only after years of abuse. Talk to your healthcare provider as soon as An In-Depth Look At Kratoms Long-Term Side Effects & How to Avoid Them you notice a problem.

1. Alcohol dependence is the physical and mental inability to quit drinking.
2. Realizing you may have an issue is the first step toward getting better, so don’t hesitate to talk to a healthcare provider.
3. Psychological, genetic, and behavioral factors can all contribute to having the disease.
4. People with AUD represent about 20–35 percent of completed suicides.

It’s important that the person get back on track and resume treatment. If you think you need help with alcohol use, talk to your doctor. They can assess whether you have a risky drinking pattern, evaluate your overall health, help create a treatment plan, and refer you to programs or other healthcare providers if necessary. For serious alcohol use disorder, you may need a stay at a residential treatment facility.

What questions should I ask my healthcare provider?

Why some people abuse alcohol and others don’t is not fully understood, but a family history of addiction to alcohol places a person at higher risk. Children of parents who have trouble with alcohol have a fourfold increased risk of the disorder. Friends and family members of people who have an alcohol addiction can benefit from professional support or by joining programs like Al-Anon. For example, antidepressants, if someone with an alcohol addiction were self-medicating to treat their depression.

How do you know if you have AUD?

Studies show most people can reduce how much they drink or stop drinking entirely. If you feel that you sometimes drink too much alcohol, or your drinking is causing problems, or if your family is concerned about your drinking, talk with your health care provider. Other ways to get help include talking with a mental health professional or seeking help from a support group such as Alcoholics Anonymous or a similar type of self-help group. Certain people should avoid drinking alcohol, such as pregnant women and those with a family history of alcoholism or pre-existing medical conditions. If you’re receiving counseling, ask your provider about handling high-stress situations when you may feel like you need some additional mental health support. Although there are many risks to drinking alcohol, there also may be some benefits of moderate drinking.

If you drink more alcohol than that, consider cutting back or quitting. As alcohol abuse worsens, the person becomes preoccupied with alcohol and can lose control. He or she may have blackouts, which are episodes in which a person completely forgets what occurred when he or she was drunk even though he or she was conscious at the time. When a person becomes dependent on alcohol, and can’t get a drink, he or she develops withdrawal symptoms such as headache, nausea and vomiting, anxiety, and fatigue.

Resources for Health Professionals

Having support and seeking professional treatment increases the chances for recovery from AUD. Groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) provide support for people who are recovering. Treatment of AUD focuses on relieving symptoms of alcohol withdrawal in the short term and then suppressing alcohol cravings in the long term. Another complication is alcohol withdrawal syndrome, which may occur after you stop drinking and can cause symptoms such as nausea, shaking, and sweating. It can also lead to serious symptoms like seizures, fever, or hallucinations, and can be a medical emergency. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), moderate drinking is typically defined as two drinks or fewer for men per day, or one drink or less for women.

You may want to take a family member or friend along, if possible. Explore Mayo Clinic studies testing new treatments, interventions and tests as a means to prevent, detect, treat or manage this condition. However, genetics doesn’t guarantee a problem with alcohol. The exact mechanism that causes people to misuse alcohol is unclear.