Alcohol Use Disorders

Alcohol use disorder  is a psychological disorder which is among group of alcohol-related disorders. This is a psychological disorder in which a person has a problematic pattern of alcohol use which leads to clinically significant impairment or distress, as manifested by among  the following at least two symptoms must shown for the duration of one year. The use of alcohol in larger amounts or for a long period than was intended. Unsuccessful efforts or constant desire to control alcohol use.

The individual having Alcohol Use Disorder  utilize most of  the part of his time  in activities required to obtain alcohol, use alcohol, or recover from its effects. Uncontrollable desire or urge to use alcohol. Recurrent use of alcohol which results in a failure to maintain important role obligations at home, school, or work.  Due to persistent  use of alcohol social or interpersonal problems are developed. Major social, occupational, or recreational activities are given up or reduced due to the use of alcohol. The person use alcohol when it is physically hazardous. The individual having Alcohol Use Disorder continues alcohol drinking recognizing  that the use of alcohol is  arising physical and psychological problems. Tolerance, which means  need for use of increased amounts of alcohol to gain intoxication or desired effect or markedly diminished effect with persistent use of the same amount of alcohol. Withdrawal is use of alcohol (or a closely related substance, like as a benzodiazepine) is used to relieve or avoid withdrawal symptoms.

According to DSM 5 Alcohol use disorder is a common disorder. In the United States, the 12-month prevalence of alcohol use disorder is estimated to be 4.6% among 12- to 17-year-olds and 8.5% among adults age 18 years and older in the United States. Rates of the disorder are greater among adult men (12.4%) than among adult women (4.9%). Twelve-month prevalence of alcohol use disorder among adults decreases in middle age, being greatest among individuals 18- to 29-years-old (16.2%) and lowest among individuals age 65 years and older (1.5%).

Treatment: Medication used for the treatment of this psychological disorder include Disulfiram, naltrexon and Acamprosate.

Behavioural therapies like cognitive behaviour therapy, Motivational enhancement therapy, Brief interventions and Marital and family counseling gives desired results.

In extreme cases some people needed intensive treatment so they have to go Residential treatment center for rehabilitation also known as rehab centers.