Vivian Marlowe
Alcohol use disorder (AUD), or alcoholism, is a common problem, with about 39 million adults in the US drinking excessively. It can be difficult to admit to yourself and others that you have a problem with alcohol, but it is important to be open with your doctor so that they can help you. Your doctor will ask you questions about your drinking habits, do a physical exam, and take a detailed medical history. They may also speak with members of your family and use lab and imaging tests to see if your drinking has caused organ damage. Treatments may include medication and behavioral therapy, and inpatient treatment may be recommended for severe cases.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Alcohol consumption | 15 or more drinks per week for men and 8 or more drinks per week for women |
| Craving beverages containing alcohol | N/A |
| Drinking intention | Drinking more or longer than intended |
| Time spent | Spending a lot of time drinking or recovering from hangovers |
| Reduction attempts | Failing to reduce alcohol consumption |
| Obligations | Failing to meet work or family obligations |
| Activities | Giving up important social, work or recreational activities |
| Physically hazardous situations | Drinking in physically hazardous situations |
| Medical condition | Drinking with a medical condition or mental disorder that gets worse with alcohol |
| High tolerance | N/A |
| Withdrawal symptoms | Experiencing alcohol withdrawal symptoms |
| Relationship impact | Drinking despite negative effects on relationships |
| Health problems | Experiencing distress, harm, or long-term health problems |
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What You'll Learn
Be open about your alcohol use and give details
Being open about your alcohol use is a crucial step in seeking help and support. It can be intimidating to disclose such personal information, but it is important for your doctor to have this information to help maintain your health and well-being. By sharing your concerns, you've taken the first step toward regaining control over your alcohol consumption.
When speaking with your doctor, be honest and detailed about your drinking habits. Share information such as how often you drink, the typical quantity consumed, and any instances where your drinking has impacted your life negatively. For example, have you missed work or social obligations due to drinking? Have your relationships been affected? Are you experiencing cravings or withdrawal symptoms? Being detailed will help your doctor understand the severity of your alcohol use and determine if you have Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) or are at risk for it.
If you're worried about discussing your alcohol use, consider writing down your thoughts beforehand. Make a note of any questions or concerns you have, and even bring someone close to you for support. They can provide additional details or perspective that you may be uncomfortable sharing. Remember, your doctor is there to help and will ask follow-up questions, perform a physical exam, and possibly order lab tests to assess your health and guide your treatment plan.
Being open and detailed about your alcohol use is a brave step toward positive change. It empowers your doctor to provide the best care and support tailored to your needs, helping you cut back or quit alcohol use, and improve your overall health and well-being.
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Bring someone close for support
It can be difficult to share personal information about your drinking habits, especially when you are worried or embarrassed about telling your doctor. One way to make this conversation easier is to bring someone close to you to the appointment. This could be a family member or a friend who can provide emotional support and help you feel less alone during this challenging conversation.
Having someone close to you present during the appointment can also help provide additional details about your drinking habits that you may be uncomfortable sharing. They can offer a different perspective on your alcohol consumption and provide valuable information that will help your doctor make a more accurate diagnosis. This can include information about the amount you drink, how often, and any observable changes in your behaviour or health.
Before the appointment, it may be helpful to prepare this person by explaining what you hope to achieve by speaking with the doctor. You can also discuss any concerns you have and ask them to take notes during the appointment to help ensure you don't forget any important information.
Bringing someone close to you to the doctor's appointment can provide a sense of accountability and encourage you to follow through with seeking help. It is important to remember that you are not alone in this journey, and involving a trusted person can be a valuable source of support as you take steps towards improving your health and well-being.
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Write down questions and health concerns
It is important to be open about your alcohol use with your doctor and provide as many details as possible. This will help them understand your condition and determine the best treatment for you. If you are worried or embarrassed about this conversation, consider bringing a close friend or family member who can provide additional details about your drinking habits.
Before your appointment, it is a good idea to write down any questions and health concerns you may have. This will ensure that you don't forget to ask something important during your consultation. Here are some suggestions for what you could include:
- Ask about the potential side effects of mixing alcohol with any medications you are currently taking. Alcohol can interact with prescription drugs and lead to unexpected and dangerous consequences.
- If you are taking medication, enquire about alternative treatments that do not react with alcohol. This is especially important if you are not ready to quit drinking.
- Find out about the various treatment options available for alcohol use disorder (AUD). Treatment may include medication and behavioural therapy, and your doctor can advise on the best approach for your specific circumstances.
- Ask about the criteria used to diagnose AUD. Healthcare providers use the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) to determine the severity of the condition as mild, moderate, or severe. Understanding these criteria can help you assess your own drinking habits and make any necessary changes.
- Discuss your drinking habits and ask for advice on how to cut back or quit. Be honest about your current consumption and any previous attempts to reduce your drinking. Your doctor can provide guidance and support tailored to your needs.
- Enquire about support groups or counselling services that can help you manage relapses and adjust to a life without alcohol. Making lifestyle changes can be challenging, and having a support system in place can increase your chances of success.
Remember, your doctor is there to help you, and being open about your alcohol use is the first step towards improving your health and well-being.
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Understand alcohol use disorder (AUD) symptoms
Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a medical condition characterised by an impaired ability to stop or control alcohol use despite adverse social, occupational, or health consequences. AUD can be mild, moderate, or severe. It is important to understand the symptoms of AUD to seek appropriate treatment.
One of the key symptoms of AUD is craving beverages containing alcohol. If you find yourself constantly thinking about your next drink and craving alcohol, it may be a sign of AUD. AUD can also lead to physical alcohol withdrawal symptoms such as trouble sleeping, shakiness, restlessness, nausea, sweating, a racing heart, dysphoria, malaise, feeling low, or even more severe symptoms like seizures or hallucinations. Experiencing any of these withdrawal symptoms is a cause for concern and indicates a need for change.
Behavioural symptoms of AUD include continuing to drink even when it negatively affects your relationships with family, friends, and colleagues. People with AUD may also spend a lot of time obtaining and consuming alcohol, recovering from hangovers, and repeatedly trying and failing to reduce their alcohol intake. They may also give up important social, work, or recreational activities to prioritise drinking. Another sign of AUD is drinking in physically hazardous situations and continuing to drink despite having a medical condition or mental disorder that worsens with alcohol consumption.
AUD can also lead to increased alcohol tolerance, where individuals need to drink more and more to feel the effects of alcohol. Additionally, AUD can cause individuals to engage in dangerous behaviours while drinking, such as driving drunk or having unsafe sex. If you recognise these symptoms in yourself or someone close to you, it may be time to seek professional help and support.
The severity of AUD is assessed by healthcare providers using criteria from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5). Mild AUD is characterised by two to three symptoms, moderate AUD by four to five symptoms, and severe AUD by six or more symptoms. Treatment options include behavioural therapy, medication, and support groups, with the specific treatment approach depending on the individual's situation and severity of the disorder.
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Prepare for physical examinations and tests
If you think you might have a drinking problem, it's important to talk to your doctor about it. Alcohol use disorder (AUD) can lead to serious health problems, including organ damage, and can be mild, moderate, or severe. Your doctor will first ask you questions about your drinking habits and may want to speak with members of your family. They will also perform a physical examination to look for symptoms of conditions that AUD may cause.
Be open and honest: Share as many details as you can about your alcohol use, including how often and how much you drink, and any symptoms you are experiencing. This will help your doctor make an accurate diagnosis and determine the best course of treatment.
Bring a close friend or family member: If you're worried or embarrassed about sharing sensitive information, consider bringing someone you trust to the appointment. They can provide additional details about your drinking habits and offer emotional support.
Write down your questions and concerns: Before your appointment, make a list of any questions or concerns you have about your alcohol use and your health. This can include questions about the physical examination, lab tests, or imaging tests that may be performed.
Understand the criteria for diagnosis: AUD is diagnosed based on criteria listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5). Your doctor will assess the severity of your condition by evaluating factors such as your drinking habits, cravings, relationship issues, and physical withdrawal symptoms.
Be prepared for lab and imaging tests: Your doctor may recommend lab tests or imaging scans to check for organ damage or other health issues caused by excessive alcohol use. These tests may include blood work, liver function tests, or imaging scans such as ultrasounds or CT scans.
Remember, seeking help for a drinking problem is a courageous step towards improving your health and well-being. Your doctor is there to support you and provide the necessary care to manage your alcohol use.
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Frequently asked questions
Alcohol use disorder (AUD) can be mild, moderate, or severe. Symptoms include craving beverages containing alcohol, drinking more than intended, giving up social activities because of alcohol, and experiencing alcohol withdrawal symptoms. If you think your drinking is negatively impacting your life, it may be time to speak to a doctor.
It can be intimidating to share personal information about alcohol use, but doctors are there to help. Be open about your alcohol use and provide as many details as possible. It may be helpful to write down any questions beforehand. You can begin the conversation by saying, "I just wanted you to know" or "I wonder if you can help me with." If you are worried about discussing alcohol use with your doctor, consider bringing someone close to you to the appointment.
Doctors will ask questions about drinking habits and may want to speak with family members. They will also perform a physical exam and take a detailed medical history, including information about any medications currently being taken. The doctor will determine if the patient has AUD and if it is mild, moderate, or severe. Treatment options may include medication, behavioral therapy, residential rehabilitation, or group support.
