What is the definition of Alcohol Use Disorder?
Alcohol use disorder (AUD), often referred to as alcoholism, is a chronic relapsing brain disease characterized by compulsive alcohol use, loss of control over alcohol intake, and a negative emotional state when not using.
Key Features of AUD:
- Craving: A strong need, or urge, to drink.
- Loss of control: Not being able to stop drinking once you’ve started.
- Physical dependence: Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when alcohol use is stopped or reduced. These symptoms can include anxiety, shakiness, nausea, and sweating.
- Tolerance: The need to drink greater amounts of alcohol to get the same effect.
Causes:
AUD is a complex disorder with multiple contributing factors:
- Genetics: Family history of alcoholism increases the risk.
- Environment: Social and cultural factors, exposure to trauma, and stress can contribute.
- Brain chemistry: Alcohol alters brain chemistry and function, affecting reward pathways and leading to dependence.
Symptoms:
AUD can range from mild to severe. Common symptoms include:
- Drinking more or longer than intended
- Wanting to cut down or stop drinking but being unable to do so
- Spending a lot of time drinking or recovering from the effects of alcohol
- Experiencing cravings for alcohol
- Continuing to drink even though it causes problems with relationships, work, or health
- Giving up important social, occupational, or recreational activities because of alcohol use
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when not drinking
Diagnosis:
Healthcare professionals diagnose AUD by evaluating a person’s drinking patterns, symptoms, and medical history. They may use questionnaires or conduct a physical exam to assess for alcohol-related health problems.
Treatment:
Effective treatments for AUD are available and can help people achieve and maintain sobriety. These include:
- Behavioral therapies: such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and motivational enhancement therapy (MET)
- Medications: to help reduce cravings and manage withdrawal symptoms
- Mutual-support groups: like the freedom room, which provide peer support and encouragement
Is alcohol use disorder genetic?
Research has shown that genes play a large part in determining the risk levels of alcohol use disorder. Although people can inherit alcoholic tendencies, the development of an alcohol use disorder is also dependent on social and environmental factors.
What treatment options are available?
The following are some types of treatment that may be available:
Medication: There are particular drugs that may help prevent you from drinking. While some don’t stop your urge to drink, they cause physical reactions including flushing, nausea, vomiting and headaches if you do drink. Others can block the good feelings that alcohol causes.
Detoxification/rehab facilities: In these programs withdrawal symptoms may be medically managed. A formal detox program is normally done through an in-patient treatment centre or hospital.
Behavioural treatment: Counselling and therapy in a group or individual format can help you better understand your relationship with alcohol, your triggers, and how to combat your urges, as well as address any unhelpful thinking patterns.
Alcohol is a drug that has immediate effects but also has an influence on the body over the long term. For more info, please talk to your GP or consult the alcohol guidelines from the National Health & Medical Research Council.