AUD (Alcohol Use Disorder) is a pattern of alcohol consumption that leads to significant distress or impairment in one’s life. It is a serious medical condition that can cause both physical and mental health problems.
Even if you suddenly stop consuming alcohol then you
The diagnosis of AUD is based on following set of criteria that are used to evaluate a person’s drinking behavior.
1. Withdrawal symptoms:
An alcoholic trying to stop drinking abruptly will experience a few withdrawal symptoms. So, what are the withdrawal symptoms of alcohol? A few withdrawal symptoms are:
- Tremors
- Sweating
- Nausea
- Increased heart rate
2. Strong desire/craving for alcohol:
This can manifest as a persistent urge to drink or an inability to control one’s drinking habits.
3. Inability to limit/control alcohol consumption:
This can lead to continued drinking despite negative consequences, such as
- Relationship problems
- Legal issues
- Financial difficulties.
4. Development of alcohol tolerance:
This means that a person needs to consume more and more alcohol to achieve the desired effect.
This may lead to increased drinking and can contribute to the development of physical dependence on alcohol.
5. Continued use of alcohol:
The continued use of alcohol despite the presence of physical or mental health problems caused by drinking. These problems can include:
- Liver disease
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Some other medical conditions.
6. Social aloofness:
The reduction or abandonment of important social, occupational, or recreational activities due to alcohol use, which can lead to isolation and can contribute to the development of depression or anxiety.
The severity of AUD is determined by the number of criteria a person meets. A person who meets two or three criteria is considered to have a mild form of AUD, while a person who meets four or five criteria is considered to have a moderate form. A person who meets six or more criteria is considered to have a severe form of AUD.
Conclusion
AUD is a serious medical condition that can cause significant physical and mental health problems. The diagnosis of AUD is based on a set of criteria that evaluate a person’s drinking behavior, and the severity of the disorder is determined by the number of criteria a person meets.