What is Alcohol Use Disorder?

Nov 9, 2018 | Definitions, Education, Help Someone Else Quit, I'm Ready to Quit, Resources for Professionals | 0 comments

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While there are many people who can occasionally have a drink or two without issue, for others, alcohol causes major problems in their lives. People with alcohol use disorder (AUD) struggle to control their drinking, which negatively impacts several areas of their lives.

Definition of Alcohol Use Disorder

Alcohol use disorder refers to a pattern of unhealthy behavior related to alcohol consumption. People with AUD have difficulty controlling their drinking, are preoccupied with alcohol, use alcohol despite the problems it causes in their lives, have built a tolerance to alcohol, and go through withdrawal when they stop drinking alcohol.

Symptoms of Alcohol Use Disorder

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition (DSM-5) is the handbook used by medical professionals to diagnose mental health conditions. According to the DSM-5, AUD is indicated by the presence of two or more of these symptoms within a 12-month window:

Drinking more than intended or for longer than intended
Trying to cut down or quit drinking, but not being able to
Spending a lot of time doing activities that revolve around alcohol — obtaining it, consuming it, and recovering from using it
Frequently craving alcohol or feeling a strong desire to drink
Alcohol use that repeatedly causes issues at work, school, and home
Alcohol use despite recurring interpersonal issues caused by the effects of drinking
Giving up or cutting back on important activities due to alcohol use
Repeatedly using alcohol in hazardous situations
Using alcohol despite its known impact on a physical or psychological issue
Alcohol tolerance, meaning either a need for more alcohol to achieve desired level of intoxication or a diminished effect when drinking the same amount of alcohol
Alcohol withdrawal, meaning when you cut back on how much you drink, you experience symptoms such as vomiting, nausea, headache, sweating, anxiety, and insomnia

Do I Have Alcohol Use Disorder?

A medical professional can assess whether or not you meet the diagnostic criteria for AUD, but if you identify with two or more of the symptoms listed above, it may indicate that your drinking is a cause of concern. It may seem like a dire situation, but ultimately, AUD is treatable, and the sooner you consult with an addiction specialist, the better your chances are for going soberHow Our Alcohol Treatment Center in Denver Can Help

At Go Sober, we use a scientific approach to alcohol treatment. People with alcohol use disorder often blame themselves, believing that there is something inherently wrong with them because they can’t resist the urge to drink. In reality, there is a valid, biological reason why they struggle to go sober. It doesn’t matter how much they want to quit; long-term, excessive alcohol consumption changes their brain chemistry, creating a diagnosable medical condition. That is why we use a comprehensive, scientific approach to alcohol use disorder. With a combination of medical treatment, lifestyle changes, and a supportive community in an intensive outpatient program, we are able to work with your life to change your life.

You don’t have to be defined by your alcohol addiction. Contact our outpatient alcohol treatment center in Denver for a free hour-long consultation with one of our knowledgeable addiction specialists. During this confidential, no-obligation meeting, you have a safe space where you can be specific about your struggles with alcohol. In response to your honesty, we will give you candid advice about the best course of treatment for you and how you can stop drinking forever. If you’re interested in learning more, contact us today.

Sources

Mayo Clinic
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism
American Psychological Association

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