6 Signs of an Alcohol Use Disorder

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a common health concern affecting nearly 30 million people aged 12 and older. Though most are adults, 3% of those aged 12-17 are diagnosed with AUD.

AUD can be hard to recognize because it begins with acceptable social drinking. Then, it slowly sneaks up on you as it becomes a regular habit.

Learning the six signs of AUD will help you know when it’s time to seek help. When that time comes, our Michigan Avenue Primary Care team can help you safely break an alcohol habit.

We prescribe outpatient medications that reduce cravings and manage withdrawal symptoms. You can also get mental health services that support a healthy lifestyle and help you stay sober.

About alcohol use disorder

AUD refers to a pattern of frequent or heavy drinking that becomes difficult to control. As a result, alcohol use increases, and drinking causes problems in daily life, whether in your relationships and family or at work or school.

When you drink, alcohol quickly reaches your brain and triggers a surge in brain chemicals. These chemicals are responsible for helping you feel relaxed and euphoric.

Before long, the brain gets used to alcohol, physically changes, and depends on it to function. That’s when you start to crave alcohol and AUD steadily progresses.

Signs of alcohol use disorder

Many people drink regularly but aren’t at risk for AUD. For others, social drinking gradually turns into heavier drinking. The more you drink, the more likely your brain will become dependent on alcohol.

How often you drink and the number of drinks you typically have are essential parts of diagnosing AUD. However, the crucial signs go beyond the amount of alcohol you consume.

Certain behaviors predictably occur as AUD develops. These behaviors are reliable signs of AUD and the severity of the problem.

The six crucial signs of AUD include:

1. You want to stop drinking and tried, but can’t
2. You don’t take care of your usual responsibilities because of drinking
3. You keep using alcohol despite mental, physical, or life problems due to drinking
4. You devote a lot of time to drinking, being sick from drinking, or having a hangover
5. You need to drink more to get the same results
6. You have withdrawal symptoms when trying to stop

Alcohol causes the following withdrawal symptoms:

• Headaches
• Anxiety
• Insomnia
• Hand tremors
• Excessive sweating
• Nausea and vomiting
• Memory loss

If you’re a heavy drinker or have moderate to severe AUD and suddenly stop drinking, you may have symptoms such as rapid breathing, profound confusion, hallucinations, and seizures. Without medical care, delirium tremens may develop.

Delirium tremens causes abnormal heart rhythms, an inability to regulate body temperature, and worsening seizures. This is a life-threatening condition needing emergency medical attention.

Safe AUD treatment

If your body is accustomed to alcohol, it takes more than willpower to stop drinking. When you try to quit, you’ll have intense cravings that make you take a drink. You can’t control cravings because they come from a brain that needs alcohol. 

You’ll also have withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms may range from mild to severe, depending on the amount you drink and how long you’ve been drinking. As we already mentioned, withdrawal symptoms can be dangerous.

You can overcome AUD with medical treatment that helps you safely detox. We prescribe medications that reduce cravings and manage withdrawal symptoms.

We also offer mental health services. Therapy helps you understand why you’re vulnerable to alcohol and how to avoid alcohol triggers. You can also learn coping skills for any life problems that make you turn to alcohol or were caused by drinking.

If you have questions or want to overcome a drinking habit, you can turn to our compassionate team at Michigan Avenue Primary Care. Schedule an appointment by calling the office or booking online.