A simple way for a doctor to diagnose you with alcohol addiction is through the ;CAGE questionnaire. Each of your answers will be scored between 0 and 4, and if you score 20 or more points then you will likely be diagnosed with an alcohol addiction. Your doctor may use the AUDIT to diagnose you with an alcohol addiction.
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Some studies have found that certain genes can be passed down through generations of family members, making them more predisposed to developing an addiction. When this happens, research shows, alcoholics and addicts have a reduced ability to control their powerful impulse to use the substance, even when they are aware it is not in their best interest. At this point, their reward system has become pathological, or, in other words, diseased. Alcohol use can progress to a point where drug addiction the only thing that can relieve the withdrawal symptoms is more alcohol. The problem is the alcoholic’s mental obsession with alcohol is much more subtle than a song playing in one’s mind.
What are the Symptoms of Alcoholism?
For over 20 years Dr. Umhau was a senior clinical investigator at the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism of the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
Physical Changes in the Brain
Genetics and other factors play a significant role in the development of alcohol use disorder. Research has shown that a person’s risk for developing alcoholism is influenced by their family history, as well as their mental health, stress levels, and social environment. Therefore, genetics can play increase a person’s risk for developing alcohol abuse; other factors, such as mental health disorders and social stressors, can also contribute to the development of the disease.
To overcome alcoholism, you need comprehensive treatment and long-term support. At Louisville Recovery Center, we provide personalized care for overcoming this chronic disease. We offer innovative therapies like alcohol detox and medication-assisted treatment to guide you to sobriety safely. He has a nursing and business/technology degrees from The Johns Hopkins University.
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- Of those physicians with known outcomes, 81 percent completed their contracted period of treatment and supervision.
- Studies found that this approach led to better management of the patients over time and improved AOD use outcomes over the course of the follow-up (Dennis et al. 2003).
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This emphasizes the need for medical treatment and support rather than solely attributing alcohol misuse to personal choice. Moreover, peer pressure significantly impacts drinking behavior among adolescents and young adults, potentially increasing the genetic risk for AUD. In social settings where alcohol use is prevalent, individuals are more likely to engage in heavy drinking. The steps for understanding and treating alcohol abuse aren’t as straightforward, demanding a deeper dive into the murky waters of the illness paradigm of alcoholism. Diagnosing alcoholism involves a physical exam, blood tests, and a psychological evaluation. Doctors may also use questionnaires to assess the severity of the addiction.
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Alcoholism, also known as alcohol use disorder (AUD), is why is alcoholism considered a chronic disease often categorized as a chronic disease, but it possesses unique characteristics that distinguish it from other chronic and acute diseases. To fully understand what sets alcoholism apart, it is essential to define the differences between chronic and acute diseases. Alcoholism is a chronic disease because it has distinct characteristics and a progressive nature that sets it apart from simple excessive alcohol consumption. The biological characteristics of alcoholism are a major factor in its classification as a chronic disease.
Is Alcoholism Also Considered As a Mental Disorder?
The journey from alcohol abuse to dependence is a subtle yet perilous one. It often begins with increased frequency and quantity of drinking, leading to a higher tolerance. As tolerance builds, the individual may consume more alcohol to achieve the same effects, which can quickly spiral into a pattern of dependence.
It is a condition that persists over time and requires ongoing management and treatment to prevent complications and maintain quality of life. Examples of chronic diseases include diabetes, heart disease, and asthma. Just like most other chronic diseases, alcoholism does not have a cure. You cannot just stop drinking right away because it may cause many alcohol withdrawal symptoms. Genetics is a reason for alcohol use disorder many people with alcoholism. Just like with diabetes and heart diseases that run in a family, genetics affects one’s risk of alcoholism.
After months or years of abstinence, most people who have completed all the stages of recovery from alcoholism exhibit improved functioning and decision-making. Likewise, alcohol addiction is a disease that can sometimes be avoided through prevention strategies and educational initiatives. Like other health problems, some people take risks and develop an alcohol use disorder despite prevention measures. Drinking heavily over a long period can lead to chronic diseases and serious medical issues that significantly reduce both quality of life and life expectancy.