Alcohol Use Disorder
Alcohol Use Disorder
Alcohol Use Disorder
Group-I
Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a medical condition characterized by an impaired ability to stop
or control alcohol use despite adverse social, occupational, or health consequences.When a
person has uncontrolled and problematic drinking, he or she may have a health condition called
alcohol use disorder (AUD), commonly known as alcoholism. People with this disorder is said to
have alcohol dependence have lost control over the amount of consumption not considering the
quality or quantity of alcohol
AUD can range from mild to severe
Mild: experiencing two or three symptoms
Moderate: experiencing four to five symptoms
Severe: experiencing six or more of the above symptoms
Consuming more than two drinks ranging upto 15 drinks is called excessive drinking.
Causes:
The development of AUD can be influenced by various factors, including genetics, physiological
factors, psychological factors, and social influences. Some potential causes include:
1. Genetic predisposition: Family history of alcohol problems can increase the risk of developing
AUD.
2. Mental health conditions: Individuals with conditions like anxiety, depression, eating
disorders, or post-traumatic stress disorder may be more prone to alcohol use disorder. 3.
Early alcohol use: Starting to drink at an early age can contribute to the development of
AUD.
4. Trauma: Physical or sexual abuse, as well as other traumatic experiences, can increase the
likelihood of developing AUD.
5. Social and cultural factors: Peer pressure, social norms, and cultural attitudes toward
alcohol can influence alcohol use and potentially lead to AUD.
6. Impulsiveness,low self esteem and need for approval
7. To cope with emotional liabilities
8. Poverty
9. Holding your liquor and escalating to abuse
Symptoms:
The severity of AUD can vary from mild to severe, depending on the number of symptoms
experienced.A maladaptive pattern of substance use leading to clinically significant impairment
or distress, as manifested by 2 or more of the following, occurring at any time in the same
12-month period:the diagnostic criteria according to DSM-5
1. Alcohol is often taken in larger amounts or over a longer period than was intended. 2.
There is a persistent desire or unsuccessful efforts to cut down or control alcohol use.
3. A great deal of time is spent in activities necessary to obtain alcohol, use alcohol, or
recover from its effects.
5. Recurrent alcohol use resulting in a failure to fulfill major role obligations at work,
school, or home.
Physical Complications:
AUD can have detrimental effects on various body systems, leading to physical health
complications, including:
1. Liver disease: Conditions like fatty liver, alcoholic hepatitis, cirrhosis, and liver cancer
can occur.
2. Gastrointestinal issues: Alcohol abuse can lead to gastritis, pancreatitis, ulcers, and
gastrointestinal bleeding.
3. Cardiovascular problems: High blood pressure, arrhythmias, cardiomyopathy, and an
increased risk of stroke may arise.
4. Neurological complications: Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome, dementia, seizures, and
brain damage can occur.
5. Endocrine disorders: Alcohol misuse can contribute to diabetes mellitus and
hypoglycemia.
6. Immune system impairment: Increased susceptibility to infections may result.
7. Musculoskeletal issues: Osteoporosis and myopathy can develop.
8. Renal problems: Alcohol abuse may lead to acute kidney injury.
9. Reproductive complications: Erectile dysfunction and infertility can be observed.
10. Korsakoff's syndrome
Treatments & Interventions
AUD is a treatable condition, and there are several approaches to its management. Treatment
options include:
1. Behavioral therapies: Counseling sessions, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT),
aim to identify and modify drinking patterns, address triggers, and develop coping
mechanisms.
2. Mutual-support groups: Programs like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) provide peer support
and guidance for individuals recovering from AUD.
3. Medications: Certain medications can help reduce cravings or block the pleasurable
effects of alcohol, aiding in recovery.
4. Detoxification: A supervised detox process can help individuals safely withdraw from
alcohol.
It is important to consider an individual's specific needs and preferences when determining the
most suitable treatment approach. Consulting with healthcare professionals or addiction
specialists can provide valuable guidance in selecting the appropriate course of action.
Research Papers:
1. Magill, M., & Ray, L.A. (2009). "Cognitive-behavioral treatment with adult alcohol and
illicit drug users: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials." Journal of Studies on
Alcohol and Drugs, 70 (4): 516-527.
2. Budney AJ, Moore BA, Rocha HL, & Higgins ST (2006). Clinical trial of
abstinence-based vouchers and cognitive-behavioral therapy for cannabis dependence.
Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 74(2), 307–316.
3. The systematic review aimed to identify and evaluate the evidence for different models of
care for the treatment of AUD in primary health care settings (Rombouts et al., 2019, p.
2).
4. The COMDAT trial is a study protocol that compares group and individual treatment for
substance use disorders (Karsberg et al., 2021, p. 2).
These papers offer in-depth insights into various aspects of AUD, including treatment
advancements, epidemiology, neurobiology, comorbidities, and long-term health risks associated
with alcohol use disorder.
Group 1 Assignment: Alcohol use disroder
Member 1: Agnes John, 121321004001
Responsibilities:
➔ To research on the written assignment
➔ To printing out the hard copy
➔ To work on the chart presentation