Alcohol is legal and widely available in most areas of the United States. Surveys show that most adults in the US drink alcohol at least occasionally. While many people may include alcohol consumption in a generally healthy lifestyle, some struggle to control their alcohol use. An estimated 28.9 million people in the U.S. have an alcohol use disorder.
People who live with alcohol use disorder (AUD) may require comprehensive treatment to stop safely. Without treatment, people with AUD may continue to drink, even when it causes significant harm. It is essential to seek treatment as soon as you recognize the symptoms of AUD.
This article will explore alcohol use disorder (AUD) and how to recognize it. You will learn:
- How alcohol affects the body
- The guidelines for moderate and heavy drinking
- What alcohol use disorder is and its risks
- What causes AUD
- How to recognize and treat AUD
- Where to find comprehensive AUD treatment
If you or someone you love struggles with alcohol abuse or addiction, you are not alone. Find support and comprehensive treatment at First Step Behavioral Health. Contact our intake specialists to explore our treatment and recovery support programs. Reach out to ask questions or to schedule an intake appointment.
What is Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD)?
Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a formal diagnosis outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fifth edition (DSM-V) that medical and mental health professionals use to describe alcohol abuse and addiction. A medical professional can diagnose a person with AUD if they engage in heavy drinking or have a dependence on alcohol.
The DSM-V outlines 11 diagnostic criteria that are used to diagnose an alcohol use disorder. To be diagnosed, a person must experience two or more symptoms for a mild AUD, four to five symptoms for a moderate AUD, and six or more for a severe AUD.
Recognizing Alcohol Use Disorder Symptoms
People may develop AUD over the course of weeks, months, or years. The mental and physical effects of alcohol abuse can be significant. They can harm a person’s health, relationships, ability to function, and more.
Recognizing the signs of alcohol use disorder can help you seek the treatment you or a loved one needs. Some common signs of alcohol abuse or addiction include:
- Frequently drinking more than you planned to
- Having multiple failed attempts to quit drinking despite wanting to stop
- Experiencing cravings for alcohol
- Spending a lot of time getting alcohol, drinking, or recovering from a hangover
- Missing work, falling behind at school, or neglecting other responsibilities because of your drinking
- Doing risky things while drinking, like driving, or drinking in other situations that are physically dangerous
- Continuing to drink, even when it harms your health, emotional well-being, relationships, work, or other parts of your life
- Drinking alcohol to deal with stress or mental health symptoms
- Spending excess time on obtaining, drinking, and recovering from the effects of alcohol
- Tolerance–needing to drink more alcohol over time to produce the desired effects
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms (nausea, anxiety, insomnia, tremors, sweating, etc.) when you stop drinking
The severity of a person’s AUD depends on how many symptoms they experience.
- Mild AUD = 2-3 symptoms
- Moderate AUD = 4-5 symptoms
- Severe AUD = 6 or more symptoms
People who struggle with alcohol use disorder may feel out of control of their drinking. They may want to quit but find that it’s impossible to do it on their own.
If you or someone you love exhibits signs of alcohol use disorder, seek treatment right away. Contact the First Step Behavioral Health specialists to explore our treatment programs or to schedule an appointment.
How Do People Develop AUD?
The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) studied alcohol abuse in the US. It found that more people over the age of 12 abused alcohol in the previous year than any other substance.
Alcohol abuse, including heavy drinking, can lead to serious complications. But how do people develop alcohol abuse or addiction?
A person may begin to drink alcohol for many reasons. They may want the effects of alcohol, use it to self-medicate a mental health condition, or drink to fit in with peers. Over time, people who drink regularly may develop tolerance.
Tolerance occurs when the body adjusts to a certain amount of alcohol. People with alcohol tolerance may need to drink more to get “buzzed.” Or, people may be able to drink a lot without appearing intoxicated.
People may recognize tolerance without recognizing it right away. For example, someone who has a glass of wine after work every night may begin to notice they don’t feel the effects after a few weeks of doing this. They may begin to have a second glass. Over time, they may discover they need a third to feel relaxed.
People who develop tolerance to alcohol may begin to engage in heavy drinking. They may develop symptoms of withdrawal if they stop drinking. They may experience other signs of alcohol addiction, including:
- Craving alcohol
- Spending a lot of time and energy getting alcohol, drinking, and dealing with hangovers
- Neglecting responsibilities, hobbies, and relationships because of their drinking
- Doing risky things while drinking, like driving or having unsafe sex
- Having legal, social, or financial trouble related to their drinking
People with alcohol addiction typically require intensive medical treatment to stop drinking safely. They also require ongoing support to maintain sobriety for life.
Contact the First Step Behavioral Health specialists to learn more about diagnosing AUD or to explore your treatment options.
What Causes Alcohol Use Disorder?
Alcohol abuse and addiction are complex conditions. Mental health and addiction experts believe many factors may contribute to alcoholism. Here are some of the potential factors leading to AUD.
Family history
Researchers believe AUD can have hereditary and genetic roots. People with close family members (parents or siblings) with AUD are more likely to develop this condition.
Genetic factors, such as variants in how the body processes alcohol, may increase a person’s risk of AUD. People may also be more likely to develop AUD if they grow up in a household with others who engage in heavy or binge drinking.
Mental health conditions
Stress, anxiety, depression, trauma, and other mental health conditions may increase the risk of developing alcohol abuse or addiction. People may drink to cope with their uncomfortable emotions or mental health symptoms. Over time, this may lead to tolerance and physical dependence.
Environment
People who grow up or live in environments where others abuse alcohol may have a higher risk of developing AUD. It can be harder to avoid alcohol use when facing peer pressure or cultural norms around drinking. People may also be at higher risk of relapse after completing rehab.
Early alcohol use
Studies show that people who drink early in life (before 15 years old) have a higher risk of developing long-term alcohol abuse and addiction.
Alcoholism is a complex condition. It is critical to seek comprehensive treatment that can help identify and address the roots of addiction. Contact the First Step Behavioral Health specialists to learn more about our assessment, treatment, and recovery programs.
What are the Risks of AUD?
Alcohol use disorder (AUD) affects every part of a person’s health and well-being. Long-term alcohol abuse can lead to serious, even life-threatening risks.
Here are some of the most significant risks of alcohol use disorder.
Health problems
Long-term alcohol abuse can lead to chronic health problems, including:
- Liver disease
- Stroke
- Digestive problems
- High blood pressure
- Heart disease
- Reduced immune system
Alcohol abuse can also lead to physical dependence, which can be challenging to overcome. People with AUD will typically continue to drink, even when it causes life-threatening harm. It is critical to seek treatment as soon as you recognize the signs of AUD.
Mental health conditions
People with mental health conditions are at higher risk of developing AUD. Heavy drinking can also worsen the symptoms of mental health conditions, including:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Bipolar disorder
- Schozophrenia
People with AUD and other mental health conditions require comprehensive treatment for both conditions. Dual-diagnosis treatment programs offer mental health support and addiction treatment.
Contact the First Step Behavioral Health team to learn more about our programs or to schedule an appointment.
Social problems
Many people drink alcohol to reduce social anxiety or for its pleasant effects. However, heavy drinking or alcohol addiction can cause social issues. People may get into fights, neglect responsibilities, have unsafe sex, or become isolated.
Alcohol overdose
Alcohol overdose is a serious risk among people with AUD. People may develop a high tolerance for alcohol, leading them to drink more and more. Drinking too much may overwhelm the central nervous system, leading to dangerous respiratory depression and other life-threatening risks.
Alcohol use disorder is a complex condition with serious risks. If you or someone you love exhibits symptoms of AUD, seek treatment right away. Contact the First Step Behavioral Health specialists to learn more or schedule an appointment.
How Does Alcohol Affect the Body?
Alcohol affects many systems of the body. People may experience mild to severe symptoms of alcohol intoxication, depending on the amount of alcohol they consume.
Here is an overview of how alcohol affects different symptoms.
Digestive system
Alcohol can affect the stomach and gastrointestinal system in several ways. Alcohol may irritate the stomach lining, which can lead to appetite loss, nausea, and vomiting. People may also experience diarrhea during and after drinking.
Excessive alcohol consumption may cause severe, chronic inflammation of the stomach lining. People may experience a painful, long-term condition called alcoholic gastritis. Heavy drinking may also increase the risk of developing painful ulcers.
Central nervous system
Alcohol depresses central nervous system (CNS) activity. It slows brain activity, resulting in a range of side effects, including:
- Loss of coordination
- Slow reaction times
- Impaired judgment
- Slurred speech
- Poor balance
The CNS depressant effects of alcohol become stronger as people drink more alcohol. Drinking too much can lead to dangerous or life-threatening CNS depression. Combining alcohol and other CNS depressants, like benzodiazepines, increases the risk of dangerous complications and overdose.
Emotions
People may feel giddy, relaxed, excited, or euphoric when they start drinking. Drinking more may lead to mood swings, lower inhibitions, and erratic emotions.
Behaviors
Alcohol can significantly affect a person’s behavior. Impaired judgment, loss of coordination, and lowered inhibitions can lead people to do or say things they usually wouldn’t. People are at risk of impulsive or risky behaviors, such as:
- Getting into fights
- Unwanted or unsafe sexual behaviors
- Driving while intoxicated
- Using other substances
Alcohol intoxication increases the risk of accidents, injuries, being the victim of a crime, and other dangers. People who feel they cannot stop drinking on their own must seek professional treatment to quit.
How Much Alcohol is Too Much? Understanding the Guidelines
Unhealthy drinking behaviors like binge drinking and heavy drinking can lead to serious health problems. Alcohol use is common in the United States, and alcohol is available in many settings and social situations. It can be challenging to identify when drinking patterns have become problematic.
So, how much alcohol is too much?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offer guidelines about drinking and how to recognize a problem. Here is an overview of the CDC’s recommendations.
Moderate drinking
The CDC recommends that people abstain from drinking or drink only in moderation. It defines moderate drinking as:
- One alcoholic drink per day for women
- Two alcoholic drinks per day for men
A “drink” is not simply any beverage containing alcohol. It is a specific unit of measurement. According to the CDC, a “drink” means:
- 5 ounces of wine
- 12 ounces of beer
- 1.5 ounces of distilled spirits
- 8 ounces of malt liquor
Some drinks served in restaurants or in the home may contain more than one “serving” of alcohol. For example, a standard pint of beer is 16 ounces, meaning a single pint would count as more than one “drink.” Similarly, restaurants may serve mixed drinks that contain more than one “shot” (1.5 ounces) of distilled spirits.
Understanding the CDC’s guidelines and recommendations can help you keep track of your drinking accurately.
Heavy drinking
Heavy drinking is an unhealthy pattern of drinking that may lead to long-term health problems. According to the CDC, heavy drinking means:
- For women, consuming eight or more alcoholic drinks in a week
- For men, drinking fifteen or more alcoholic drinks in a week
Heavy drinking is associated with severe medical conditions, including:
- Liver disease and damage
- Kidney disease
- Cardiovascular issues, including elevated risk of stroke, high blood pressure, and heart attack
- Certain cancers, including throat, breast, colon, and stomach
- Brain damage
- Ulcers and other gastrointestinal effects
- Addiction
People who become addicted to alcohol may continue to drink, even when it causes serious harm to their health and well-being. They typically require intensive medical and mental health care to safely detox and move forward.
Binge drinking
Binge drinking involves consuming a large amount of alcohol in a short period. A binge can raise a person’s blood-alcohol levels quickly, which may result in alcohol poisoning or other consequences. Experts define binge drinking as women consuming four or more drinks in a short period, or men consuming five drinks in a short period.
Binge drinking is not always a sign of alcohol addiction. People may engage in a drinking binge without developing tolerance or dependence. However, frequent binges put a person at risk of serious complications and can be a sign of an unhealthy relationship with alcohol.
Contact the First Step Behavioral Health specialists to learn more about recognizing unhealthy drinking behaviors or to explore our treatment programs.
The Stages of Alcoholism
In most cases, alcohol use disorder develops over a prolonged period. People usually progress through several stages of alcoholism.
Here is an overview of the stages of alcoholism.
Pre-alcoholic stage
People in the pre-alcoholic stage may develop an unhealthy relationship with alcohol. They may self-medicate mental health symptoms with alcohol or use it to cope with stress. This stage can also include binge drinking episodes or more frequent drinking.
Early-stage alcoholism
Early-stage alcoholism typically involves the beginning of tolerance. The person may discover they need to drink more to get “buzzed.” They may notice that they can drink more without appearing or feeling drunk
Middle-stage alcoholism
If people continue drinking during early-stage alcoholism, they are likely to progress to the next stage of this condition. Middle-stage alcoholism involves higher tolerance, leading to excessive drinking.
People may also begin to recognize physical symptoms associated with alcohol abuse, including:
- Gaining or losing weight quickly
- Bloating
- Puffy or red face
- Fatigue
- Tremors
- Sweating
Getting alcohol, drinking, and recovering from hangovers can take up a lot of a person’s time. They may begin to fall behind in their responsibilities, such as missing work more often.
End-stage alcoholism
End-stage alcoholism is a life-threatening condition. In this stage, people lose control over their drinking. Their body develops dependence on alcohol, and people typically need intensive treatment to quit drinking.
Without treatment, alcoholism can cause serious health complications, including:
- Liver damage and failure
- Overdose
- Heart failure
- Alcoholic hepatitis
- Pneumonia
- Cirrhosis of the liver
- Brain damage
- Cancer of the stomach, throat, mouth, breast, or stomach
- Esophageal damage
It can be very challenging for someone with alcoholism to stop drinking. In most cases, people with alcoholism require intensive medical care and mental health support to quit drinking safely. Then, they must receive comprehensive treatment to address the roots of their alcohol abuse.
What to Expect in Alcohol Withdrawal
People with alcohol dependence experience withdrawal symptoms when they stop drinking. These withdrawal symptoms can be very uncomfortable and may be dangerous in some cases.
Common alcohol withdrawal symptoms include:
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
- Excessive sweating
- Elevated body temperature
- High blood pressure
- Faster heart rate
- Nausea
- Tremors
In some cases, people may experience acute, life-threatening withdrawal symptoms requiring immediate medical attention. These include:
- Dehydration
- Seizures
- Dangerously elevated blood pressure
- Hallucinations
- Extreme confusion
People must receive round-the-clock supervision, assessment, and medical care during detox to avoid severe complications.
Contact the First Step Behavioral Health specialists to learn more about our supportive detox and treatment programs.
How is AUD Treated?
Detox is typically the first stage of alcohol use disorder treatment. A detox treatment plan may include:
- Round-the-clock supervision
- Assessments
- Medications to reduce withdrawal symptoms and ensure safety
- Holistic therapies to soothe the mind and body, like mindfulness, nutrition support, yoga, and acupuncture
- Emotional support, including counseling and support groups
This combination of therapies keeps people safe and comfortable throughout the detox process. It is essential to have supervision and medical care during detox to avoid life-threatening complications.
After a complete detox, people must continue to receive comprehensive treatment. Alcohol addiction treatment is available at inpatient and outpatient levels of care. People often participate in inpatient care before transitioning into an outpatient rehab program.
A treatment program may include:
- Assessments and screenings
- Medication management
- Mental health care
- Medical treatment
- Individual, group, and family therapy
- Relapse prevention education and psychoeducation groups
- Behavioral therapies, including motivational Interviewing, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), and more
- Holistic therapies like exercise, creative expression, animal therapy, mindfulness, and others
- Aftercare planning
Comprehensive addiction treatment programs don’t just focus on the physical aspects of substance abuse. They also uncover and treat the behavioral, environmental, and psychological roots of addiction.
Contact the First Step Behavioral Health specialists to learn about our AUD treatment programs or to schedule an intake appointment.
Do I Need Treatment for Alcohol Use Disorder?
It can be challenging to determine when you or a loved one struggles with alcohol use disorder. Ask yourself:
- Am I drinking more than before?
- Does it take more alcohol to feel buzzed?
- Is my drinking causing health problems or interfering with my relationships?
- Have any of my friends or loved ones expressed concern about my drinking?
- Can I stop drinking when I choose to?
- Am I drinking more because I’m stressed, sad, bored, lonely, or angry?
- Is it hard to socialize without alcohol?
- Am I spending more time, energy, or money on drinking or recovering from hangovers than before?
Answering “yes” to some of these questions may indicate you need help for alcohol use disorder.
If you recognize the signs of AUD, seek treatment right away. Don’t wait for more time to pass before getting the help you need and deserve.
Comprehensive treatment can help you understand your alcohol use in new ways. You will get help to overcome the physical aspects of AUD and learn new ways to prevent a relapse in the future.
Find Alcohol Use Disorder Treatment Now
If you or a loved one struggles with alcohol abuse or addiction, you are not alone. Contact the treatment specialists at First Step Behavioral Health to learn about our comprehensive, compassionate recovery support programs. Reach out to get the answers to your questions or to schedule an intake appointment today.
References:
- National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism: Alcohol Use Disorder: From Risk to Diagnosis to Recovery
- National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism: Alcohol Use Disorder: A Comparison Between DSM–IV and DSM–5
- American Psychiatric Association (APA): Alcohol Use Disorder
- Harvard Health Publishing: Alcohol use disorder (alcoholism)
- JAMA Network: Diagnostic Criteria for Identifying Individuals at High Risk of Progression From Mild or Moderate to Severe Alcohol Use Disorder
- National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism: The Basics: Defining How Much Alcohol is Too Much
- National Institute of Health (NIH): Alcohol withdrawal syndrome: mechanisms, manifestations, and management
