What is alcohol use disorder?
Alcohol use disorder is a chronic and progressive medical condition characterized by problematic patterns of alcohol use that cause significant distress and impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning.
Alcohol use disorder is a spectrum disorder, ranging from mild to severe, and is diagnosed based on a combination of behavioral, physical, and psychological symptoms. Some common symptoms of alcohol use disorder include:
- Drinking more than intended or for a longer period than intended
- Inability to cut down or stop drinking
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when not drinking
- Drinking despite negative consequences, such as legal or financial problems, relationship difficulties, or health issues
- Spending a lot of time drinking or recovering from drinking
- Tolerance to alcohol, meaning that more alcohol is needed to achieve the desired effects
Factors that may contribute to the development of alcohol use disorder include genetic, environmental, and social factors, as well as mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety.
Treatment for AUD typically involves a combination of therapy, medication, and support, and may include detoxification, rehabilitation, and ongoing management of symptoms. It’s important to seek help for alcohol use disorder, as it can have serious social and physical and mental health consequences if left untreated.
Whats the difference between normal alcohol use and alcohol use disorder?
The main difference between normal alcohol use and alcohol use disorder is the impact that alcohol has on an individual’s life.
Normal alcohol use involves drinking alcohol in moderation, which means consuming a limited amount of alcohol without experiencing any negative consequences. For most healthy adults, moderate drinking is defined as up to one drink per day for women and up to two drinks per day for men.
In contrast, alcohol use disorder is a chronic and progressive medical condition characterized by problematic patterns of alcohol use that cause significant distress and impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning. Individuals with alcohol use disorder may experience a range of symptoms, including drinking more than intended or for a longer period than intended, being unable to cut down or stop drinking, experiencing withdrawal symptoms when not drinking, and continuing to drink despite negative consequences.
The severity of alcohol use disorder can range from mild to severe, with individuals with severe alcohol use experiencing significant physical and mental health consequences if left untreated.
How can Dr. Parikh help?
Psychiatrists play an important role in the treatment of alcohol use disorder and use a variety of methods to help their patients overcome this condition. Some of the most common treatment approaches used by psychiatrists for alcohol use disorder include:
- Medications: Several medications can be used to help manage the symptoms of alcohol use disorder, including naltrexone, acamprosate, and disulfiram. These medications work by reducing cravings for alcohol, reducing the pleasure associated with alcohol consumption, or causing unpleasant side effects when alcohol is consumed.
- Behavioral Therapies: Various behavioral therapies can be used to help individuals with alcohol use disorder change their thoughts and behaviors related to alcohol use. Examples of behavioral therapies include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing (MI), and contingency management.
- Support groups: Many individuals with alcohol use disorder find it helpful to participate in support groups, such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). These groups provide peer support, encouragement, and accountability in a safe and non-judgmental environment.
- Dual diagnosis treatment: Individuals with alcohol use disorder may also have co-occurring mental health conditions, such as depression or anxiety. Psychiatrists can provide treatment for both alcohol use disorder and any co-occurring mental health conditions to improve outcomes and reduce the risk of relapse.
Treatment for alcohol use disorder is typically individualized to meet the unique needs of each patient. Dr. Parikh may use one or more of these approaches in combination to help her patients achieve and maintain sobriety.