Author: Alex Thompson

Alcoholism: Definition, Symptoms, Traits, Causes, Treatment

Alcohol abuse can often be hidden or disguised among drinkers who believe that because they only drink socially, their use is not problematic. By Buddy TBuddy T is a writer and founding member of the Online Al-Anon Outreach Committee with decades of experience writing about alcoholism. Because he is a member of a support group that stresses the importance of anonymity at the public level, he does not use his photograph or his real name on this website.

What is alcohol abuse?

People with AUD represent about 20–35 percent of completed suicides. If you are drinking more than that at any one time, you may be misusing alcohol. Excessive drinking is defined as 15 drinks or more a week for men and eight drinks or more a week for women.

You Drink More Than Planned

Treatment of AUD focuses on relieving symptoms of alcohol withdrawal in the short term and then suppressing alcohol cravings in the long term. However, when you lose control of your drinking, compulsively consume alcohol despite negative consequences, and/or experience cravings when not drinking, you may have developed an addiction to alcohol. In 2021, 29.5 million Americans aged 12 or older met the diagnostic criteria for an AUD. Another complication is alcohol withdrawal syndrome, which may occur after you stop drinking and can cause symptoms such as nausea, shaking, and sweating. It can also lead to serious symptoms like seizures, fever, or hallucinations, and can be a medical emergency.

If you suspect that you or someone you care about has an AUD, it may be time to seek professional help. Alcohol.org is a subsidiary of American Addiction Centers (AAC), a nationwide provider of addiction treatment facilities. Alcohol use disorder can include periods of being drunk (alcohol intoxication) and symptoms of withdrawal.

Getting Help For Alcoholism

When your alcohol use, including being sick from drinking, often prevents you from keeping up with responsibilities at home, work, or school, it’s a problem. You need to drink much more than before to get the buzz you want. Your brain adapts to alcohol over time and can become less sensitive to its effects. We’re not talking about just the time with a glass (or can, or bottle) in your hand. There’s also getting the alcohol, feeling sick after you drink, and recovering from the effects later. Keep track of all your activities in a daily diary or schedule planner for a few weeks, and take an honest look at how it adds up.

How do you know if you have AUD?

If you’re worried that you might have alcohol use disorder, don’t try to quit cold turkey on your own. You shouldn’t attempt to drive or operate heavy machinery while under the effects of alcohol. In the United States, the legal limit for driving under the influence of alcohol is 0.08 percent, except in the state of Utah, where it’s 0.05 percent.

  1. When your alcohol use, including being sick from drinking, often prevents you from keeping up with responsibilities at home, work, or school, it’s a problem.
  2. They may ask you about your drinking habits and health history.
  3. In order to be diagnosed with AUD, a person must experience any two of these symptoms within the same 12-month period.
  4. In the United States, the legal limit for driving under the influence of alcohol is 0.08 percent, except in the state of Utah, where it’s 0.05 percent.
  5. Alcohol abuse is different from AUD, the more “severe” of the two conditions.

If you feel that you sometimes drink too much alcohol, or your drinking is causing problems, or if your family is concerned about your drinking, talk with your health care provider. Other ways to get help include talking with a mental health professional or seeking help from a support group such as Alcoholics Anonymous or a similar type of self-help group. Alcohol use disorder is considered a progressive disease, meaning that the effects of drinking alcohol become increasingly more severe over time. Those who use alcohol may begin to show early signs of a problem.

They may ask you about your drinking habits and health history. Read more about alcoholism warning signs to look for in your own life or in that of a friend or family member. It can be difficult to know when you or someone you care about is struggling with alcoholism.

They may be able to help the doctor understand the root of the problem, including behaviors that trigger drinking. This information can help determine the best course of treatment for the person’s specific situation. If you don’t have any symptoms, then staying within the limits provided in the 2020–2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans could reduce your chances of having problems in the future. If you do have any symptoms, then alcohol may already be a cause for concern. The more symptoms you have, the more urgent the need for change.

Health Challenges

Alcohol abuse can come with many health complications and can lead to AUD if left untreated. The exact mechanism that causes people to misuse alcohol is unclear. As you recover from AUD, you may find it helpful to see a psychotherapist who uses cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) techniques. CBT helps you modify your thoughts and actions, while also learning alternative coping mechanisms.