Updated: May 8, 2021<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Author: Vanessa Hamalian APRN<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Yes, it is possible to be cured of alcohol use disorder WITHOUT the guilt and the punishment.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Abstinence is not the only option.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n First, let’s discuss what Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) actually is. Alcohol Use Disorder, or AUD, is a medical condition where a person is not able to control or stop the use of alcohol in spite of negative affects at home, work, school or socially. These negative effects can be minor, embarrassing and inconvenient but they can also be severe, leading to the loss of relationships and careers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The risk factors for Alcohol Use Disorder are;<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u00b7 Early alcohol use; those who drank prior to age 15 are 5 times more likely to develop AUD as compared to those that waited until after age 21 to start drinking<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u00b7 Genetics; research has shown that alcohol use disorders in adoptees correlate more closely to the biological parents than the adoptive parents<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u00b7 Psychiatric conditions; Depression, ADHD and PTSD are all associated with a higher risk for AUD<\/p>\n\n\n\n Heavy alcohol use is a risk factor for Alcohol Use Disorder which is defined as<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u00b7 3 or more drinks in a day or 7 or more drinks a week for women<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u00b7 4 or more drinks in a day or more than 14 drinks a week for men<\/p>\n\n\n\n Binge drinking is a risk factor as well and is defined as<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u00b7 4 or more drinks in about 2 hours for women<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u00b7 5 or more drinks in about 2 hours for men<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n Here is a screening tool that is used to diagnose Alcohol Use Disorder<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n