Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) is a chronic medical condition characterized by an individual’s inability to control their alcohol consumption despite negative consequences. It can range from mild to severe and can significantly impact a person’s physical and mental health, as well as their social and occupational functioning.
The traits or symptoms of Alcohol Use Disorder include:
- Craving: Strong and uncontrollable cravings for alcohol, leading to a compulsive need to drink.
- Loss of Control: Difficulty in limiting the amount of alcohol consumed, often leading to excessive drinking or an inability to stop drinking once started.
- Tolerance: Needing to drink larger amounts of alcohol over time to achieve the desired effect or experiencing reduced effects with the same amount of alcohol.
- Withdrawal Symptoms: Experiencing physical and psychological withdrawal symptoms when alcohol consumption is reduced or stopped. Withdrawal symptoms may include nausea, sweating, tremors, anxiety, insomnia, and in severe cases, hallucinations or seizures.
- Neglecting Responsibilities: Prioritizing drinking over important responsibilities at work, school, or home, leading to decreased performance and engagement in daily activities.
- Social Problems: Alcohol use leading to issues in interpersonal relationships, such as conflicts with family, friends, or colleagues.
- Giving up Activities: Reducing or completely giving up activities that were once important or enjoyable to make time for drinking.
- Risk-Taking Behavior: Engaging in hazardous activities while under the influence, such as driving drunk or participating in risky sexual behaviors.
- Drinking in Situations That Are Physically Hazardous: Continued drinking despite knowing it could cause harm, such as operating machinery or swimming.
- Drinking Despite Negative Consequences: Continuing to drink despite experiencing physical or psychological health issues related to alcohol use.
- Failed Attempts to Cut Down or Control Drinking: Unsuccessful efforts to reduce or stop drinking.
- Spending Significant Time Obtaining, Using, or Recovering From Alcohol: Spending a substantial amount of time drinking or dealing with the effects of alcohol.
- Drinking to Relieve Stress or Escape Problems: Using alcohol as a coping mechanism for dealing with stress, anxiety, or other emotional issues.
It’s important to note that an individual does not need to exhibit all of these traits to be diagnosed with Alcohol Use Disorder. The severity of the disorder can vary, and a diagnosis is usually made based on the number and intensity of symptoms. If you or someone you know is struggling with alcohol use, seeking help from a healthcare professional or addiction specialist is crucial for proper evaluation and treatment.
Ref: The Mayo Clinic
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