Family relationships influence drinking behavior, and these relationships often change during an individual’s recovery. Many people with AUD do recover, but setbacks are common among people in treatment. Seeking professional help early can prevent a return to drinking.
Chronic or compulsive alcohol consumption and drug use puts you and your loved ones at increased risk for health problems, legal problems, financial jeopardy, and more. AUD is a term that encompasses both alcohol abuse and alcohol dependence. Alcohol use disorder is a medical condition involving frequent or heavy alcohol use. People with alcohol use disorder can’t stop drinking, even when it causes problems, emotional distress or physical harm to themselves or others. Alcohol use disorder (AUD) remains a significant issue in the United States, affecting many individuals. Although the exact cause of AUD is not fully understood, several factors are believed to contribute to its development.
Management and Treatment
By providing appropriate interventions, support, and education, clinicians can actively contribute to the well-being and recovery of individuals affected by AUDs. Motivational interviewing is a counseling approach that aims to assist individuals in recognizing and addressing their current problems and encourages them to make positive changes in their behavior. This approach is particularly effective for individuals who may feel ambivalent or uncertain about changing their behavior or quitting alcohol. Patients may be asymptomatic or present with hypertension or insomnia in the early stages. Positive-effect regulation theory suggests that certain individuals consume alcohol to seek positive rewards, such as to experience euphoria or pleasure.
We are dedicated to transforming the despair of addiction into a purposeful life of confidence, self-respect and happiness. We want to give recovering addicts the tools to return to the outside world completely substance-free and successful. It can wreak havoc on the lives of your family and friends, create difficulties in your professional relationships, impact your employment and, on a cultural level, lead to broader socioeconomic issues. There are at least 30 to 40 genes that relate to substance abuse disorder, some specifically to alcohol. It’s important to understand that if you’ve been diagnosed with AUD or believe you may be at risk for it, any amount of alcohol consumption is too much. For someone overcoming or recovering from AUD, drinking can trigger a relapse.
Coping and support
Larger amounts of blood alcohol can impair brain function and eventually cause unconsciousness. Here’s some information to help you get ready for your appointment, and what to expect from your health care provider or mental health provider. If your What is the Difference Between Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism pattern of drinking results in repeated significant distress and problems functioning in your daily life, you likely have alcohol use disorder. However, even a mild disorder can escalate and lead to serious problems, so early treatment is important.