Alcohol is one of the most commonly used recreational substances in the United States. While its legal status makes it ubiquitous in our culture, it's no less dangerous than other drugs when it's used excessively.
Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is the official diagnosis of alcoholism. It's a medical condition in which an individual is unable to stop or control alcohol use even though they experience adverse social, occupational, or health consequences. It's considered a brain disorder and can be mild, moderate, or severe, with lasting changes in the brain caused by alcohol misuse perpetuating AUD and making you vulnerable to relapse. What are the alcohol use disorder symptoms? How can you tell it apart from normal alcohol use? Recognizing Alcohol Use Disorder SymptomsAlcohol use problems can affect multiple areas of your life, including your physical, behavioral, and mental health. It may be possible to hide or dismiss the early signs of an alcohol use disorder, but addiction is progressive and will eventually be difficult to ignore. Alcohol use disorders are officially diagnosed using the 11 signs and symptoms listed in the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. Recognizing the signs of alcoholism in yourself or someone else is important for early intervention. Alcoholism can progress to affect multiple areas of your life if it is ignored. Here are some alcohol use disorder symptoms that you may notice in yourself or a loved one: Physical Symptoms Alcohol can have a significant impact on your body over time, but even some of the early signs are physical. Including the following:
Behavioral Indicators Addiction often comes with behavioral signs. It affects your reward center and rewires your priorities to the point that drinking becomes the most important thing in your life. That can have some significant consequences, including the following:
Psychological Signs Alcoholism and addiction primarily affect your brain and psychological health, which can have physical consequences. However, there are several psychological warning signs, including:
Causes and Risk Factors of Alcohol Use DisordersThe causes and risk factors of Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) are multifaceted and can include a combination of genetic, psychological, social, and environmental factors. If you meet some of these criteria, it doesn't mean you are guaranteed to develop an alcohol use disorder, but it might mean your risk is higher than average. Here's a summary of the main causes and risk factors:
Seeking Alcohol Recovery Recognizing the signs of Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) is crucial for early intervention and increased chances of recovery. If you or someone you know is struggling with AUD, it’s important to seek professional help. Wings of Life is a trusted organization that can provide support and resources to individuals and families affected by alcoholism. Don't hesitate to contact Wings of Life for help and guidance on the road to recovery. Remember, it's never too late to seek help and take control of your life. SourcesKoob, G. F. (2024, February 27). Alcohol use disorder: From risk to diagnosis to recovery. National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/health-professionals-communities/core-resource-on-alcohol/alcohol-use-disorder-risk-diagnosis-recovery#pub-toc1 National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. (n.d.). Genetics of Alcohol Use Disorder. https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/alcohols-effects-health/alcohol-use-disorder/genetics-alcohol-use-disorder Comments are closed.
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