While there’s no specific blood test that can diagnose an alcohol use disorder, certain lab results can point to chronicalcohol abuse and possible alcohol addiction. That said, regular heavy drinking is an important warning sign for alcohol addiction, according to addiction experts at theNational Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. Heavy drinking in conjunction with other behaviors can also signala problem.
What are the risk factors?
While people with this condition may start drinking again, studies show that with treatment, most people are able to reduce how much they drink or stop drinking entirely. We publish material that is researched, cited, edited and reviewed by licensed medical professionals. The information we provide is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers.
Behavioral Treatments
Treating the alcohol use disorder, along with the health problems caused by chronic, heavy drinking, may be possible. The first step will likely be a medically supervised detox, which will help rid your body of toxins and manage the symptoms of withdrawal. With so many effects on the body, the usual first step in treating alcoholism is detox—or getting alcohol out of your system. https://ecosoberhouse.com/ Depending on the severity of the alcohol use disorder, this stage can be mildly annoying or severe. Early withdrawal symptoms include headaches, anxiety, nausea, irritability and shaking. If you feel that you sometimes drink too much alcohol, or your drinking is causing problems, or if your family is concerned about your drinking, talk with your health care provider.
Alcohol misuse
- When alcohol use begins to interfere with your daily life, it is time to seek treatment and find recovery from addiction.
- By the time a person reaches end-stage alcoholism, drinking has taken over their lives and has likely had a negative impact on relationships, work or school, finances, and overall health.
- Tolerance develops when the same amount of alcohol no longer produces the same effects.
However, even a mild disorder can escalate and lead to serious problems, so early treatment is important. Unhealthy alcohol use includes any alcohol use that puts your health or safety at risk or causes other alcohol-related problems. It also physical signs of alcoholism includes binge drinking — a pattern of drinking where a male has five or more drinks within two hours or a female has at least four drinks within two hours. Today, we know that the symptoms of alcoholism can vary from one person to the next.
Treating alcohol misuse
It’s a disease—an altering of the brain that controls a person’s motivation and ability to make healthy choices. Once it takes hold, it can be hard to shake loose—without the right help. Even if nothing bad has happened — yet — this is a warning sign. We’re not talking about just the time with a glass (or can, or bottle) in your hand.
Is Alcoholism Common?
Although the exact cause of alcohol use disorder is unknown, there are certain factors that may increase your risk for developing this disease. Alcohol use disorder develops when you drink so much that chemical changes in the brain occur. These changes increase the pleasurable feelings you get when you drink alcohol. This makes you want to drink more often, even if it causes harm. Long after the acute effects of intoxication have faded, excessive alcohol consumption can continue to cause health risks.