Have you ever felt like you were drinking alcohol at a party or gathering with friends to "have a good time" and then it started to spiral out of control? This could be a more serious problem than you think. This is what we medically call Alcohol Use Disorder . This is a condition that many people have, but it's not really talked about.
What exactly is Alcohol Use Disorder?
Simply put, `(Alcohol Use Disorder)` is a medical condition. A person with this condition is unable to stop or control their drinking. Even though their drinking causes problems not only in their own life but also in the lives of those around them and their family, they find it difficult to stop drinking. Think about it, there are some people who feel like they need to drink as soon as they wake up in the morning, or they feel like they are in a mess all day. They cannot go to work, they cannot do their household responsibilities properly. But they cannot give up this habit.
This condition can be mild, moderate, or severe . This means that not everyone is the same. Some people may only experience mild symptoms, while others may experience life-threatening symptoms. The good news is that there are treatments available. Medications and behavioral therapies can help control the condition. While some people may relapse after treatment, studies have shown that many people are able to reduce or stop drinking altogether . So don't give up hope.
What are the symptoms of this condition? See if you have these too...
When we think of symptoms of illness, we usually think of things like fever, cough, and body aches. But the symptoms of ``Alcohol Use Disorder'' are different. They are mainly related to changes in your mood and behavior. See if these symptoms sound familiar to you:
- Craving for alcohol: Even when you are alone, you are reminded of alcohol and feel like drinking. It is very difficult to control that craving.
- You continue to drink even though your drinking causes problems with your family, friends, and work: fights break out at home, friends get angry, and you may even lose your job. But you can't stop drinking.
- Drinking more than intended, or drinking for longer than intended: Even though you start out saying, "I'll drink a little today," you end up drinking a lot without control. Sometimes you drink for days on end.
- Spending a lot of time finding alcohol, drinking it, or recovering from a hangover: If most of the day is spent doing these things, that's also a problem.
- You keep trying to cut down on your drinking, but you can't: Even though you think, "I have to stop this," you can't do it.
- Drinking makes it difficult to fulfill work and family responsibilities: children's schoolwork and household chores are neglected.
- Giving up important social, work, or hobbies because of alcohol: Not doing things you used to enjoy because you want to drink.
- Alcohol is also used in physically dangerous situations: for example, driving while drunk or working with machinery.
- They continue to drink despite knowing that alcohol will worsen another illness or mental problem: Even if the doctor says, "Drinking is not good for this illness," they drink without listening to him.
- High tolerance to alcohol: You don't get as drunk as you used to, so you need to drink more and more.
- Withdrawal symptoms occur when you stop drinking alcohol, or you drink to avoid these symptoms: shaking hands, sweating, and dizziness in the morning, which makes you want to drink again.
Not everyone has ``Alcohol Use Disorder'' just because they have one or two of these symptoms. But if you have several of them, it's best to talk to a doctor about it.
How much do you drink before you "cross the line"?
This is a question that many people ask. According to the American Medical Association, it is not appropriate for a man to have more than two standard drinks per day. They define "heavy drinking" as five or more drinks per day, or 15 or more drinks per week.
Women should limit themselves to one standard drink per day. For women, "heavy drinking" is defined as four or more units per day, or eight or more units per week.
What is a "standard unit"? Typically, one unit is a can of beer (about 350 ml), a glass of wine (about 150 ml), or 45 ml (a shot) of a spirit such as arakku. However, the alcohol content of some types of alcohol in Sri Lanka can vary, so this is just a general idea.
If you drink beyond these limits, it is considered risky.
Why do some people have this condition?
Researchers are still unable to pinpoint the exact cause of alcohol use disorder. However, they have identified several key factors:
- Genetics: If someone in your family, such as your parents or siblings, has had an alcohol problem, you are more likely to develop the condition. This means that there may be a genetic predisposition.
- Mental health conditions: People with certain mental health conditions are more likely to turn to alcohol. For example, people with conditions like depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) may use alcohol to relieve their stress, anxiety, or worry. But it can actually make the problem worse.
Apart from this, things like social influences, living environment, and stress can also affect this.
What complications can arise if this habit continues?
Although alcohol may seem like a fun thing to drink, long-term and excessive use can be very harmful to the body. The most common problems are a hangover and withdrawal. But there are many more serious complications that can occur.
Did you know that alcohol is a carcinogen ? That means it can cause cancer. Drinking too much alcohol over a long period of time greatly increases your risk of developing esophageal cancer . Not only that:
- Alcohol-induced cardiomyopathy: The heart may become weak and enlarged.
- Alcohol-induced hepatitis: The liver can become swollen and damaged.
- Alcohol poisoning: Drinking too much at once can lead to loss of consciousness and even death.
- Cerebellar degeneration: Damage to the part of the brain that controls balance can cause problems with walking and tremors.
- Cirrhosis of the liver: The liver becomes almost completely damaged and unable to function. This is a very serious condition.
- Delirium Tremens (DT): This is a dangerous condition that occurs when alcohol is suddenly stopped. We will talk about it later.
Before facing things like this, it's wise to ask for help.
How does a doctor accurately diagnose this (Alcohol Use Disorder)?
If you suspect you have ``Alcohol Use Disorder'', the best thing to do is see a doctor. The doctor will examine you and check for any other physical symptoms that may be caused by alcohol use.
Then, they use the criteria in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) to classify mental illnesses. Remember the symptoms we talked about earlier? How many of those symptoms you have are used to determine whether you have Alcohol Use Disorder, and if so, how severe it is.
- Mild condition: If two or three symptoms match.
- Moderate condition: If four or five symptoms match.
- Severe condition: If six or more symptoms match.
This classification is done to help you choose the treatment method that is most suitable for you.
What are the treatments for this? Don't worry, there is help!
Treatment depends on your condition. If your alcohol use disorder is severe, your doctor may recommend inpatient medical treatment or residential rehabilitation. Other treatment options include:
- Behavioral treatment: This involves counseling to help you change your drinking behavior. Addiction counselors or psychologists can help you with this. They talk about the reasons you are tempted to drink, how you control your urges at that time, and help you manage those things yourself.
- Medication: The US Food & Drug Administration has approved the medications `(Naltrexone)` and `(Acamprosate)` for `(Alcohol Use Disorder). These medications help reduce cravings for alcohol and reduce withdrawal symptoms. Also, medications `(Topiramate)` and `(Gabapentin)` have been found to help reduce cravings for alcohol in some people. However, these medications should only be taken on the advice of a doctor.
- Support groups: This is very important. These groups are a great source of strength to talk to and share experiences with others who are struggling with the same problem as you. You may have heard of groups like "Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)". It's also great to feel like you're not alone.
Good results can be achieved by using one or more of these treatments together.
Can this be completely cured? Or can it be controlled?
Studies have shown that most people with ``Alcohol Use Disorder'' recover . That is, they reduce the amount they drink or stop drinking altogether. However, sometimes people relapse. This is normal, and it is not a good idea to be discouraged by it.
Especially when you have a major life crisis or stress – for example, losing a job, going through a divorce, or losing a family member or close friend – you may be overwhelmed by the grief and be tempted to drink again. If you are feeling stressed or tempted to drink again, talk to your doctor or counselor right away. They can help you.
What can be done to avoid an alcohol-related condition?
To avoid this situation, you should avoid high-risk drinking. That means:
- Women: Drink no more than four standard units of alcohol per day or eight units per week.
- Men: Drink no more than five standard units of alcohol per day or fifteen units per week.
If you drink more than this amount, consider cutting back or stopping altogether. Talk to your doctor about ways to help.
If you are someone trying to recover from this situation, how do you take care of yourself?
If you've started treatment for `(Alcohol Use Disorder)`, you've already taken a big step towards taking care of yourself. This isn't something that happens overnight, it's a journey. You have to take it one day at a time, one step at a time. Here are some suggestions that can help you on this journey:
- Exercise: Exercise is a great way to manage stress. Exercise can help with stress from everyday life, as well as the stress you feel when you're sober. Walk, run, play, do something you enjoy.
- Identify your triggers: When you have alcohol use disorder, certain situations, people, and places can make you want to drink again. Identify these triggers and try to stay away from them as much as possible.
- Seek help: This could be a 12-step program or talking to a counselor. Talking to someone who understands your situation can be a great relief and give you the strength to move forward. Your family and trusted friends can also help with this.
Remember, you are not alone. Asking for help is not a weakness, it is a strength.
When should you seek medical advice?
It will vary depending on your situation. For example, if you are being treated for a condition such as cirrhosis of the liver caused by alcohol use, you should tell your doctor if you notice any new changes or symptoms in your body. If you are receiving counseling, ask your counselor about how to manage your stress and urges to drink again, and if you need additional psychological support.
When should you go to the emergency room? This is very important!
If people with severe or moderate alcohol use disorder suddenly stop drinking, they can develop a condition called delirium tremens (DT) . This is a very serious, even life-threatening, condition that occurs when you stop drinking alcohol. It can cause serious symptoms like seizures and hallucinations. If this happens, you should seek emergency medical attention immediately. So, don't stop drinking suddenly without the advice of a doctor, especially if you are a heavy drinker.
What are the important questions to ask the doctor?
When you are being treated for this condition, you may encounter many problems during your recovery. Here are some of them:
- Do you think I have `(Alcohol Use Disorder)`?
- If so, is it a serious condition?
- What kind of treatment do you recommend?
- Will treatment help me stop drinking alcohol?
- How long does treatment take?
- What should I do to avoid turning to alcohol again?
Don't be shy about asking these questions. The better you understand your condition, the better your chances of recovery.
Some important things for you to remember (Take-Home Message)
If you think you may have Alcohol Use Disorder, first understand that you are not alone. Millions of people around the world suffer from this condition. Realizing that you have a problem is the first and most important step to recovery. So don't hesitate to talk to a doctor. They can recommend the right treatment and resources for you and help you overcome Alcohol Use Disorder.
Remember, this is a disease. It has treatment. With the right help and your dedication, you too can overcome this and live a healthy, happy life. The most important thing is to make up your mind for it.
` Alcohol addiction, Alcohol Use Disorder, Alcohol use, Alcohol symptoms, Alcohol treatment, Mental health, Drunkenness
💬 අදහස් (0)
තවමත් කිසිදු අදහසක් පළ කර නොමැත. ඔබේ අදහස පළමු වරට මෙහි එක් කරන්න.
ඔබේ අදහස එක් කරන්න