Alcohol Use Disorder Warning Signs
Do you question whether you are an alcoholic or not? Alcoholism is a disease that affects nearly 18 million people and their families in the United States. An estimated 16 million people have been medically diagnosed with “Alcohol Use Disorder.” To assess whether you have AUD, answer these questions. Here is some additional information that will assist you in determining if you are struggling with alcoholism.
Alcoholic … We Call it Alcohol Use Disorder
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Health Disorders (DSM V), published by the American Psychological Association dispels symptoms related to morality and focuses on the science. And so does D’Amore. Alcoholism is know as Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD). It is a disease of the brain that compels people to drink, even when it causes the person problems.
According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, “AUD is a chronic relapsing brain disease characterized by compulsive alcohol use, loss of control over alcohol intake, and a negative emotional state when not using.” An alcoholic’s brain is wired a bit differently than a person who can put a drink or mind-altering substance down. The brain is altered due to the alcohol, causing the person to crave alcohol more than a non-alcoholic. This is one reason why some people can be social drinkers, while others need residential psychiatric services for the chronic pain and suffering related to the Alcohol Use Disorder.
What Causes an Alcohol Use Disorder?
Addiction experts assert that alcoholism stems from various avenues related to a person’s genes, exposure to trauma, environment, as well as individual neurobiology and personality. Research indicates that if a parent is an alcoholic, their children are more at risk of being to a variety of mental health disorders, including Alcohol Use Disorder. At the same time, a person’s environment plays a role as well. If someone is in an environment where others are drinking all the time, that person is more susceptible to alcoholism. Exposures to verbal or sexual abuse, or other deplorable conditions, are also contributing factors. Additionally, one’s emotional and mental makeup invariably play a role.
Alcohol Use Disorder Risk Factors
Over time, the chronic use of alcohol will disrupt many aspects of one’s life. Problems that occur, include:
- Health complications
- Emotional problems
- Relationship problems
- Career and financial problems
Risk Drinking
The more you drink, the more at risk you are of becoming an alcoholic.
- Are a male who drinks more than 15 drinks per week
- Are a woman who drinks more than 12 drinks per week
- You drink five or more drinks at a time once or more per week
- You drink and suffer from depression, anxiety, bipolar, or another mental health disorder
A person in an AUD, finds that when the effects of alcohol are wearing off, withdrawal symptoms, such as trouble sleeping, shakiness, restlessness, nausea, sweating, a racing heart, or a seizure? They experience the sense of things that were not there or hear voices that were not actually uttered.
Mild, moderate or severe Alcohol Use Disorder is a cunning, systemic behavioral health challenge. It can slyly infiltrate one’s life over time and suddenly everything feels destroyed. If you would like to stop drinking, it is time to reach out for help via a counselor at D’Amore Healthcare or an alcohol rehab center.
D’Amore Healthcare is a dual diagnosis and substance abuse addiction treatment center in Orange County, CA.
We provide information and treatment for people dealing with the life-shattering cycle of mental illness, substance abuse and addiction.
If someone needs immediate help, call 24-hours a day at 714.375.1110 or contact us online.
