What Is Alcohol Use Disorder and Could You Have It?

The term alcohol use disorder refers to alcohol abuse and dependence. This is a disease that is characterized by the addict having a pattern of consuming alcohol excessively. He or she is not concerned about the negative impact the alcohol is having on his or her life which includes work, legal, medical and their social lives.

People who suffer from alcohol use disorder often have a destructive pattern that includes several symptoms along with tolerance or withdrawn from the substance, using, even more, alcohol or for an extended period of time and having trouble with reducing the consumption.

The Reality Of Alcohol Use Disorder

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• Alcohol use disorder affects about 20% of the men in America and 10% of the women. In most cases, it begins in their mid-teens.
• The signs of alcohol intoxication generally include the smell of alcohol on the breath or skin, bloodshot eyes. The victim also displays signs of being passive and argumentative. They also begin to care less about their appearance.
• Underage consumption of alcohol is another problem that accounts for about 2000 fatalities below the age of 21 every year. Almost 50% of all violent incidents resulting in deaths involve teenagers.
• Alcohol does not have a similar effect on every person. When consumed excessively, the effects can be different for teenagers, men, women and the elderly.
• Different factors can result in the development of alcoholism. They include low self-esteem, depression, anxiety and other problems such as having parents who are dealing with this condition.
• Alcohol use disorder is not hereditary. Therefore, it is not passed from one generation to another. Environmental, psychological, and genetic factors have a role to play in alcohol use disorder.
• There is no single test to prove that an individual is suffering from alcohol use disorder. Therefore, health care professionals need to diagnose the condition by gathering comprehensive medical information about the individual, his or her family, and mental health information.

The Different Stages Of Alcohol Use Disorder

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Different stages of the alcohol use disorder have been identified, particularly in the severe cases. These are:

• Individuals could begin drinking alone to escape any problems or just to get drunk, hiding alcohol in unexpected places, getting irritated or craving for alcohol, and having problems because of the consumption.
• Some people with severe alcohol use disorder can reduce or stop drinking without help. However, most people are only able to do so when they receive professional help.
• The long-term effects of alcohol abuse can be devastating and life-threatening. they negatively affect every organ system in the body.
• Despite alcohol being proven as a harmful substance during pregnancy, the use of alcohol continues for women suffering from alcohol use disorder.

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How Can Alcohol Use Disorder Be Managed?

Adequate supervision of home and clear communication are necessary. Parents should explain the negative effects of alcohol. Nearly 70% of the people who suffer from alcoholism are in a position to reduce the number of days they consume alcohol. This would improve their overall health status within a period of six months.

However, chances of a relapse exist. Therefore, it is essential for members of the family, friends, colleagues and the community to offer adequate support to the patient towards full abstention from this problem.