Alcohol use disorder
Alcohol Use Disorder
Alcohol use disorder (AUD), pronounced /ˈælkəhɔːl juːz dɪsˈɔːrdər/, is a chronic relapsing brain disorder characterized by an impaired ability to stop or control alcohol use despite adverse social, occupational, or health consequences.
Etymology
The term "Alcohol use disorder" is a medical term coined by the American Psychiatric Association in the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) in 2013. It replaced two previous categories, alcohol abuse and alcohol dependence.
Symptoms
Symptoms of AUD include, but are not limited to, strong cravings for alcohol, prioritizing drinking over other activities, needing to drink more to get the same effect, or experiencing withdrawal symptoms when not drinking.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of AUD is typically made by a healthcare provider using the criteria outlined in the DSM-5. The severity of AUD—mild, moderate, or severe—is based on the number of criteria met.
Treatment
Treatment for AUD can involve a combination of medication, counseling, and support groups. Medications used to treat AUD include Naltrexone, Acamprosate, and Disulfiram.
Related Terms
- Alcoholism: An older term for AUD, often used interchangeably but can sometimes imply a more severe form of the disorder.
- Binge drinking: Drinking a large amount of alcohol in a short period of time, often associated with AUD.
- Withdrawal: Symptoms that occur after stopping or reducing intake of a substance such as alcohol.
- Tolerance: Needing to drink more alcohol to feel its effects.
See Also
This WikiMD.org article is a stub. You can help make it a full article.