Alcohol use disorder means that a person drinks alcohol even though it causes harm to themselves or others. It can range from mild to severe. The more symptoms of this disorder you have, the more severe it may be. People who have it may find it hard to control their use of alcohol.
People who have this disorder may argue with others about how much they're drinking. Their job may be affected because of drinking. They may drink when it's dangerous or illegal, such as when they drive. They also may have a strong need, or craving, to drink. They may feel like they must drink just to get by. Their drinking may increase their risk of getting hurt or being in a car crash.
Over time, drinking too much alcohol may cause health problems. These may include high blood pressure, liver problems, or problems with digestion.
The physical signs of alcohol use disorder can be vague in the early stages of the disease. Some early symptoms include:
As alcohol use disorder gets worse, physical symptoms of long-term heavy drinking can develop. You may:
Alcohol use disorder may be diagnosed at a routine doctor visit or when you see your doctor for another problem.
Your doctor will ask questions about your symptoms and past health and will do a physical exam. Your doctor also may ask questions or do tests to look for health problems linked to alcohol, such as cirrhosis.
People who drink too much also may have mental health conditions. These may include depression, anxiety disorders, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). If you have alcohol use disorder and a mental health condition, it's called a dual diagnosis. A dual diagnosis can make treatment for alcohol use disorder harder.
If your doctor thinks you have a mental health condition, your doctor may do a mental health assessment.
Getting help is up to you. But you don't have to do it alone. There are many people and kinds of treatments that can help.
Treatment for alcohol use disorder can include:
Some people are able to stop or cut back on drinking with help from a counselor. People who have moderate to severe alcohol use disorder may need medical treatment. They may need to stay in a hospital or treatment center.
You may have a treatment team to help you. This team may include a psychologist or psychiatrist, counselors, doctors, social workers, nurses, and a case manager. A case manager helps plan and manage your treatment.
Recovery from alcohol use disorder means finding a way to stay sober. Here are some things that can help.
Talk to people involved in your recovery. Decide who you can call, where you can go, and what to do if you have a lapse or relapse.
People you can turn to include your support group sponsor, your doctor, your counselor, family, friends, or a crisis hotline.
It may be helpful to write down your triggers and plan ahead for how to deal with them. You might need to avoid certain situations or people or stay away from a favorite place or activity. If you know you can't avoid a trigger, bring a friend with you for support.
An important part of recovery is being sure you have support. You can:
Some people find that relieving stress helps them during recovery.
You can find ways to manage stress, such as sharing your feelings with others or writing to express your journey through recovery. Do something you enjoy, like a hobby or volunteer work. Learn how to relax your mind and body with breathing exercises or meditation.
When you have alcohol use disorder, you often get away from some of the basics of good health. Part of recovery is finding your way back to a healthy lifestyle.
If you can, talk with your family or friends about your drinking and recovery. Your family and friends need to know that they didn't cause your alcohol use disorder but that they can help you during recovery.
©2011-2024 Healthwise, Incorporated