How Do You Know if You Are an Alcoholic?

Oftentimes, if you are wondering if you have a drinking problem, there is some truth behind the question that is causing you concern. Alcoholism is medically referred to as alcohol use disorder and the medical field is more often referring to those who suffer from this as a person with an alcohol disorder.

The term was coined in the medical field as a diagnosis in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), which was first published in 1952 by the American Psychiatric Association. The DSM initially termed an alcohol diagnosis as alcohol abuse and alcohol dependence. It was changed to one diagnosis of alcohol use disorder in the DSM-V version, published in 2013.

The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) reports that 14.4 million American adults have alcohol use disorder, nearly 6% of the population. There are nearly half a million children that also meet the diagnostic criteria.

There are 11 criteria included in the diagnosis and a person must meet two of them to be officially diagnosed. NIAAA offers the following questions for people to evaluate their drinking use. Have you

• had times when you ended up drinking more, or longer than you intended?
• tried to reduce or discontinue drinking more than once but unsuccessful?
• spent a lot of time drinking, getting sick, or recovering?
• had a craving for drinking?
• found time spent drinking interfered with home life, job, or school?
• continued drinking regardless of problems caused to friends and family?
• reduced or stopped important or hobby-related activities in favor of drinking?
• increased risky behaviors while drinking that could have caused injury or harm to yourself or others?
• kept drinking even though experiencing blackouts, causing health issues, or affecting mental well-being due to depression or anxiety?
• built tolerance to levels that made you need to drink more to get the same effect? Drank more to counteract that?
• noticed withdrawal symptoms when not drinking, such as sweating, shakiness, difficulty sleeping, anxiousness, depression, and short temper?

It is important to note that these criteria, while concerning in consideration of a person’s wellness, have been met with some resistance in the medical field. Some worry that it could lump some people who make a one-time mistake on the same level as others who have a significant problem with their daily life.

These are not the people who typically would benefit from inpatient rehab or intensive outpatient programs designed to help someone struggling with the effects of chronic alcohol use.

Why Do Some People Misuse Alcohol and Others Don’t?

There are many factors contributing to why one person is more likely to develop a drinking problem:

• Mental health: People with anxiety, depression, etc., may be more prone to use alcohol as a coping tool.
• Choice: Simply put, if a person chooses not to drink, they won’t develop an alcohol use disorder. Once the decision to drink is made, all the external factors mentioned here will have some impact.
• Socioeconomic status: People with a higher income are more likely to drink to excess than those with less available financial resources.
• Culture: Some cultures, such as religious or ethnic, frown on alcohol use, making alcohol dependence less likely.
• Genetics: This remains a gray area of science, but it is generally accepted that genetics plays some role in the likelihood of developing alcohol use disorder.
• Environmental: This is somewhat of a catch-all category that considers access, local restrictions, and college experiences.

Seeking Rehab for Alcohol Use Disorder

Many substance use treatment centers provide varying levels of care. These range from detox, to inpatient residential rehab, to partial hospitalization or intensive outpatient treatment, to aftercare or recovery.

Programs such as those at Essential Health Fair Oaks will provide an initial assessment and evaluation of a person’s medical history, personality, and treatment goals. This helps develop a personal and unique recovery plan to assure the best recovery outcome.

Based on this assessment, our clients will receive evidence-based therapies that have proven effective in treating alcohol use disorder, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). We balance this with holistic treatment to assure a whole-person approach to client care.

I Know I Have a Problem So Why Can’t I Just Treat It Myself?

Seeking professional help when dealing with such a dangerous and challenging problem will ensure you are getting the medical and mental supervision you need. If you had heart issues, you would most assuredly trust a cardiologist. The stigma surrounding mental health and substance use has been a barrier in the past that is receding as people see the proven success of rehab programs.

Essential Health Fair Oaks treats clients as people and that shows with our assessment to create a plan to help you achieve your recovery goals. Call us today at (916) 347–4313.