Alcohol Use Disorder, commonly referred to as alcoholism as defined by the Mayo Clinic “is a pattern of alcohol use that involves problems controlling your drinking, being preoccupied with alcohol, continuing to use alcohol even when it causes problems, having to drink more to get the effect or having withdrawal symptoms when you rapidly decrease or stop drinking.”
If your pattern of drinking results in repeated significant distress and problems functioning in your daily life, you likely have Alcohol Use Disorder.
Symptoms
- Being unable to limit the amount of alcohol you drink
- Making unsuccessful attempts to stop or reduce your drinking
- Drinking more than you should
- Having a strong urge to drink
- Failing to fulfill major obligations because of your drinking
- The amount of alcohol you drink is interfering with work and social activities
- Drinking while driving
- Have the urge to increase the amount you drink
- Experience withdrawal symptoms such as nausea, sweating and shaking
Causes
- Genetic
- Psychological
- Social
- Environmental
Risk factors
- Age—those who start drinking at an early age are at a greater risk of Alcohol Use Disorder
- Alcohol Use Disorder occurs more frequently between the ages of 20—30
Family history
- Depression, stress and other mental health problems
- Social and cultural factors
Effects
- It impacts your safety and others while driving
- It impacts your health
- It impacts your family, your social life and your work
