Alcohol use
disorder (AUD) is considered a medical condition. Its hallmark trait is an
inability to control the use of alcohol despite the negative effects drinking
is having on someone's life.
AUD can be mild,
moderate or severe. No matter how severe it is, though, there are treatments
that can help.
Warning
signs
Among the
possible signs that someone has AUD:
• They've had
times when they drink more or longer than intended.
• They've tried
more than once to cut back on drinking or stop altogether, but they couldn't.
• They continue
to drink even though it's causing problems with friends, family, work or
school.
• They've cut
back participating in, or have stopped doing, favorite activities so they can
drink more.
• They've more
than once done things while drinking—such as driving, swimming, using machinery
or having unprotected sex—that put them at risk for serious harm.
• They find they
have to drink more than they once did to get the effects they want.
Why
AUD is a problem
Alcohol use can
have serious impacts on someone's health. It can lead to injuries from
accidental falls and traffic crashes. It can cause miscarriage or other
problems in pregnant women.
Over the long
term, chronic alcohol use can cause, among other things:
• Heart disease,
high blood pressure and liver disease.
• Certain
cancers.
• A weak immune
system.
• Cognitive
problems.
• Mental health
problems.
How
to stop drinking
For many people,
the first step is to admit they have a problem with alcohol. And that can be a
very difficult thing to do. Take a hard look at the warning signs of AUD. Any
of them are a cause for concern if you have them.
The second step
is to ask for support. That may mean talking to family and friends, as well as
to your doctor. Your doctor can prescribe medications to help you quit
drinking. They can also refer you to a mental health therapist who can help you
identify any underlying causes for your alcohol use and better ways to deal
with them.
You may also want
to join a mutual-support group like Alcoholics Anonymous. These kinds of groups
are available in most communities at low or no cost. You also may be able to
find a mutual-support group online.
Sources: Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention; HelpGuide; National Institute on Alcohol
Abuse and Alcoholism