Alcohol use disorder: how is it diagnosed?

Alcohol, a psychoactive substance with dependence-causing properties, has been widely used in many cultures for centuries. However, The harmful consumption of this substance carries a heavy social and economic burden for societies. In addition, there are several mental pathologies associated with its consumption. One of them is alcohol use disorder.

Recently, causal relationships have been established between harmful consumption and the incidence of infectious diseases such as tuberculosis and HIV. On the other hand, alcohol consumption by a pregnant woman can cause fetal alcohol syndrome and prenatal complications. As we see, Alcohol can cause serious problems in the person who consumes it uncontrollably.

The problem of non-responsible alcohol consumption

Alcohol consumption is a causal factor in more than 200 diseases and disorders. It is associated with the risk of developing mental health problems, including alcoholism.

In addition, There are important non-communicable diseases such as liver cirrhosis, some types of cancer, cardiovascular diseases related to uncontrolled consumption, trauma and traffic accidents. Furthermore, alcohol has an impact on the evolution of disorders that many people suffer from.

Alcohol use disorder

Alcohol use disorder is defined as a cluster of behavioral and physical symptoms. Among them, abstinence, tolerance and the intense desire to consume stand out.

Alcohol abstinence It is characterized by symptoms that develop between 4 and 12 hours after reducing consumption, after prolonged and intense alcohol intake. Because withdrawal can be very unpleasant, people may continue using to avoid or relieve their symptoms.

Some of these symptoms can last for months at low intensity and lead to a relapse. Once a repetitive, intense pattern of drinking develops, people with alcohol use disorder They may spend a large amount of time obtaining and consuming alcoholic beverages.

On the other hand, after continued consumption of similar amounts of alcohol, a lesser effect is produced, therefore The person needs to increase their dose to experience the initial effect. This loss of sensitivity and the need to increase the amount of alcohol characterize tolerance.

When drinking alcohol becomes an uncontrollable desire

The intense desire to consume alcohol is evidenced by a great urgency or need to drink that makes it difficult to think about anything else. That is, the mind of the alcoholic person is totally focused on drinking.

Thus, academic and work performance deteriorate, either due to the effects of consumption or poisoning in the workplace or study. Other consequences are neglect of both childcare and domestic responsibilities. In addition, academic and work absenteeism is usually common.

The person could consume alcohol in dangerous circumstances (for example, when driving a car, operating machinery…) and they may even continue with consumption despite knowing that it causes them significant physical, psychological and social problems.

How is alcohol use disorder diagnosed?

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) establishes a series of criteria to diagnose this disorder. These criteria are the following:

TO. Problematic pattern of alcohol consumption that causes clinically significant deterioration or discomfort and is manifested by at least two of the following events within a period of 12 months:

Alcohol is consumed often in larger quantities or for a longer time than anticipated.There is a persistent desire or unsuccessful efforts to quit or control alcohol consumption. A lot of time is spent on the activities necessary to obtain alcohol, consume it, or recover from its effects. Cravings or a powerful desire or need to consume alcohol.Recurrent alcohol consumption leading to failure to fulfill fundamental duties at work, school or home.Continued alcohol consumption despite suffering social or interpersonal problems persistent or recurrent, caused or exacerbated by the effects of alcohol. Alcohol consumption causes the abandonment or reduction of important social, professional or leisure activities. Recurrent alcohol consumption in situations in which it causes a Physical risk.Continuing to consume alcohol despite knowing that you suffer from a persistent or recurring physical or psychological problem probably caused or exacerbated by alcohol.Tolerancedefined by any of the following facts: A need to consume increasing amounts of alcohol to achieve the desired intoxication or effect. A noticeably reduced effect after continued consumption of the same amount of alcohol.Abstinencemanifested by any of the following events: Presence of the characteristic alcohol withdrawal syndrome. Alcohol (or a very similar substance, such as a benzodiazepine) is consumed to relieve or avoid withdrawal symptoms.

A problem with a solution

Alcohol use disorder It is usually associated with the same problems caused by the consumption of other substances (for example cannabis, cocaine, heroin, amphetamines, sedatives, hypnotics or anxiolytics). The risk factors are the following:

Constant consumption. Drinking regularly or having a high consumption of alcohol on a continuous basis can cause dependence or any other problem related to this substance.Age. People who consume alcohol at a young age and also consume high doses are at greater risk of suffering from an alcohol use disorder.Family background. The risk of suffering from an alcohol use disorder is greater in those people with family members or parents with alcohol problems.Depression and mental health problems. Some mental disorders such as depression or anxiety are related to problems with alcohol or other types of substances.Social and cultural factors. Social relationships, along with the environment and culture, can increase the risk of suffering from post-alcohol use disorder.

On the other hand also Alcohol can be consumed to relieve the unwanted effects of other substances. or to replace these if they are not available.

As we see, excessive alcohol consumption is problematic and can become a disorder if a series of criteria are met. However, this disorder has a solution. Going to a specialist is the most recommended. He will be able to explain the different types of treatments available and which one best suits each person’s circumstances.

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