Do you associate the word alcoholism with the drunken bum on the streetside or the loud one starting a fight in the bar? That reality is not always the case. Alcoholism, now commonly known as alcohol use disorder, can affect anyone.
But who fits the alcohol use disorder criteria? To begin considering the possibility of whether you have a problem or not, you need to understand the modern definition of alcohol use disorder (AUD). Knowing what AUD means exactly makes it more recognizable when a social habit has evolved into a clinical concern that may necessitate alcohol addiction treatment. If you want to determine if your current patterns require professional intervention, just briefly review below how alcoholism is diagnosed.
Professionals look past stereotypes to genuinely review a substance’s impact on your individual changes in health and upholding responsibilities. They diagnose alcohol use disorder using specific criteria, rather than personal judgement. The criteria for alcoholism involves specific habit markers and scales of influence that measure the severity of the condition. If you are worried about your relationship with alcohol, or if you’ve been told your case is severe, there are many high-quality Tennessee rehabs where you can find help. Sometimes simply talking to a rehab, even those near your home in Nashville, can give you piece of mind. Entering one of these facilities offers the perfect environment to reset and focus entirely on long-term wellness.
Be courageous and speak to your doctor about alcohol use disorder (AUD) so you can move toward a healthier future. If you need a more focused and specialized care close to Knoxville, there are various levels of support available to meet your symptoms of AUD criteria. You can also explore luxury centers by Nashville that offer comprehensive amenities to support your physical and emotional healing. Contact us today if you need help getting started and read on to learn more and find out if you need help with your alcohol consumption.
Alcohol Use Disorder
Alcohol use disorder is a condition that affects someone persistently over a long period of time. Most often this chronic disease is characterized by a person’s inability to control alcohol consumption. If a person is suffering from alcohol use disorder then drinking is causing problems for them, and they will continually feel urges to pick the drink back up. Engaging in alcohol use regularly without being responsible will lead to several health problems, with several possible and harmful ramifications like liver disease, heart disease, and multiple types of cancers.
Being a dependent alcohol drinker can raise the likelihood of developing issues with your mental health and cognitive capabilities. If you’re seeing signs of either of these realities, you should get help as soon as possible. Neither you nor someone you love should have to continue struggling with alcoholism. Recovery lies just behind a door and you just have to knock. Our Apex Recovery team can help you learn more about the several treatment options available to you when you are ready.
Alcohol Use Disorder Criteria
The most common criteria for diagnosing AUD are listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). However, there are various different criteria that doctors may pull from. Another source is the World Health Organization’s International Classification of Diseases (ICD) criteria.
The DSM-5 manual is the most recent version of the DSM manual and lists updated criteria used to diagnose alcohol use disorder.
Behavioral Changes as a Result of AUD
People who suffer from AUD usually notice changes in their behavior that are unexpected or worrisome. Sometimes they withdraw from social situations and isolate themselves from friends and family, or they even begin noticeably neglecting their appearance and hygiene.
Missing work or school can become commonplace once AUD becomes more severe, creating problems with their job or grades. Behavioral changes in alcoholics may also lead them to engage in frequent risky behaviors, like driving while intoxicated or having unsafe sex.
Types of AUD Classifications
There are two different types of alcohol use disorder: dependence and abuse.
A person who is dependent on alcohol has a physical dependence on the substance. They will experience withdrawal symptoms if they try to stop drinking. A withdrawal symptom may appear as shaking or sweating and in some cases nausea or sleep disturbances.
A person who abuses alcohol does not have a physical dependence on the substance. However, they are not drinking responsibly and therefore may still experience negative consequences. Alcohol abuse can lead to several unsavory life impacts like financial problems, relationship difficulties, and sometimes even legal trouble.
What Should I Do if I Need Help?
If you suspect that you or someone you love is struggling with alcohol addiction, don’t wait for the shoe to drop. Taking action early is the most effective way to prevent long-term damage. Reaching out for support is an act of strength not a sign of weakness, it’s a critical step toward a healthy life.
There are many professionally run programs where you can find support. You can ease into starting recovery by talking to your doctor about alcohol use disorder (AUD) to receive a medical evaluation. There are also local resources available for you like contacting specialized alcohol helplines. Mental health professionals, such as therapists and licensed counselors, are also trained in diagnosing alcohol use disorder. If you feel more comfortable bringing up the concern with your therapist or counselor, you can ask them to help you navigate the psychological aspects of recovery.
Symptoms and Signs of AUD
- Blackouts or periods of memory loss
- Changes in sleeping patterns
- Changes in appetite
- Shaking or tremors
- Sweating
- Nausea or vomiting
- Headaches
- Anxiety or depression
- Irritability or mood swings
- Difficulty concentrating
- Slurred speech
- Impaired coordination
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Fatigue or drowsiness
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Stomach pain
- Blurred vision
- Ringing in the ears
- Cold sweats
- Weakness or fatigue
Treatment For AUD
Treatment looks different for everyone, but most programs will start with an alcohol detox. Doctors extensively consider an individual’s history and the severity of their AUD criteria. One of the most common options is entering a 12-step program. Programs like these give you a peer-supported community that guides you through the eyes of someone who has been in your shoes.
Beyond support groups, comprehensive treatment often includes:
- Medical Detox: To safely manage withdrawal symptoms.
- Behavioral Therapy: To identify triggers and build healthy coping mechanisms.
- Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT): To reduce cravings and prevent relapse.
- Inpatient Rehab: Often recommended for severe cases to provide a stable, substance-free environment.
If you are unsure which path to take, consult a specialist who understands the diagnostic criteria for alcoholism. They can help determine the level of care, whether it be outpatient support or a focused stay at a 30-day treatment facility, that best suits your needs.
Prevention of AUD
There are several different things you can do to avoid developing alcohol use disorder. It’s a good idea to take preventative measures even if you do not think you are struggling with alcoholism, and if you are struggling with chronic alcoholism, it’s important to seek help as soon as possible. There are several different treatment options available, and the sooner treatment starts, the better the chances of recovery.
Tips to Avoid Chronic Alcoholism
Implement a few proactive changes to significantly lower your risk of developing alcoholism. Listen to your body and stay away from habits that aren’t in your best interest. You really need to stay aware of your mental and physical state to help you maintain a healthier relationship with alcohol. Read through these simple tips so you can help yourself prevent the progression of chronic alcohol misuse.
- Limit your alcohol intake. If you haven’t developed a problem, just drink responsibly. If you can’t control the amount you drink, stop altogether.
- Drinking alcohol in excess can be dangerous. Binge drinking should be avoided because it commonly leads to AUD.
- Avoid situations where you’re likely to drink in excess. Don’t place yourself in a scenario that makes it difficult for you to turn down alcohol.
- Don’t drink if you’re feeling down or stressed. Alcohol and low mood combine and make the sinkhole of depression deeper.
- Make sure to eat before you drink. Having even a bit of food can lessen the impact of moderate alcohol intake.
- Stay hydrated by drinking water in between alcoholic beverages. Alcohol is a diuretic, so if you drink water then dehydration is less likely and you will reduce the risk of a hangover.
- Pace yourself when drinking. Sipping slowly will help you to drink less overall. Keep track of how much alcohol you’re consuming. This will help you to be aware of how quickly you’re drinking and how intoxicated you’re becoming.
Health Risks: Medications, Pregnancy, and Safety
Alcohol consumption poses severe risks beyond behavioral symptoms when combined with certain life stages or medical treatments. Understanding these physical interactions will help you in protecting your long-term health and the safety of those around you.
- Avoid mixing alcohol with other drugs, including over-the-counter medications. This can lead to dangerous interactions.
- Don’t drink if you’re pregnant. Drinking alcohol while pregnant can cause many serious health problems for both you and your baby.
- If you take medication, talk to your doctor about the risks of drinking alcohol. Some medications can interact with alcohol, and drinking while taking them can be dangerous.
- Don’t drink and drive. Drinking and driving are not only illegal, but it’s also very dangerous. If you’re going to drink, make sure to find a designated driver.
Navigating Your Next Steps Toward Sobriety
If you have concerns about your drinking, it’s time to take the next step. Apex admissions can help you explore the rehab admission cost, teach you the definition of alcohol use disorder, and plan for a sustainable journey. For many, a Christian recovery program offers the faith-based foundation needed to maintain sobriety. Specialized care is also available, including programs for mothers and dedicated care for seniors. For a focused reset, a 30-day treatment stay provides intensive support, while a luxury rehab Nashville offers the privacy required for restoration.
Get Help with Recovery from Addiction
If you’re questioning whether you have an addiction, look at the symptoms listed above. If they resonate with you, talking to your doctor about alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a vital next step. Professionals use the diagnostic criteria for alcoholism to determine the best level of care. Once you understand the AUD criteria, you can decide if you need that conversation. Whether you are simply curious about how is alcoholism diagnosed or are ready for immediate intervention, reach out to us at Apex Recovery today by calling (877) 881-2689.
Our team is experienced in diagnosing alcohol use disorder and will help you get your life back on track. The programs we offer include everything from detox to inpatient care. We accept most major insurance plans and offer self-pay options.
Get started on the road to recovery now.
