Alcohol Problems: Should You Tell Your Doctor?

Alcohol use disorder can take over your life, impacting your relationships, work, and health. While it can be intimidating to discuss alcohol problems with your doctor, it is important to be open and honest about your alcohol consumption to get the help you need. Doctors can provide effective treatment and refer you to specialists, such as harm reduction therapists, who can support your recovery journey. However, disclosing alcohol problems may have consequences, such as a permanent diagnosis on your medical records, which could potentially affect your employment. Ultimately, the decision to tell your doctor about your alcohol problem is personal, and you should carefully consider the benefits and drawbacks before proceeding.

Doctors can refer you to alcohol treatment and prescribe medication to help you moderate your drinking

Doctors can refer patients with alcohol problems to alcohol treatment and prescribe medication to help them moderate their drinking. If you feel like things are getting out of control, it is important to seek help and talk to your doctor or primary care provider. They can help you find your road to recovery. Being open and honest about your alcohol use will enable your doctor to determine the best course of treatment for you.

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a medical condition that occurs when drinking alcohol causes serious problems. It can be a long-term or lifelong condition and could come back after treatment. AUD is characterised by an impaired ability to stop or control alcohol use despite adverse social, occupational, or health consequences. Symptoms of AUD include drinking more or longer than intended, being unable to stop drinking, spending a lot of time obtaining, drinking, or recovering from alcohol, experiencing strong cravings, and continuing to drink despite the negative impact on your life, health, and relationships.

AUD can be mild, moderate, or severe, depending on the number of symptoms experienced. Treatment for AUD typically involves a combination of medication and behavioural therapy. Medications such as naltrexone and acamprosate are approved by the FDA to treat alcohol use disorder. Naltrexone works by decreasing cravings for alcohol, while acamprosate helps to ease withdrawal symptoms such as insomnia, anxiety, and restlessness. Other medications like disulfiram create an unpleasant reaction to drinking alcohol, which can deter patients from drinking as much.

Behavioural treatments, such as cognitive behavioural therapy, focus on counselling that changes drinking behaviour. Support groups, such as Alcoholics Anonymous, provide peer support for people quitting or cutting back on their drinking. Doctors can refer patients to these treatment options and provide guidance on the best course of action. It is important to remember that overcoming AUD is an ongoing process, and persistence is key.

It's illegal for employers to ask about past alcohol treatment, but they may still find out

If you are worried about your alcohol consumption, it is important to seek help. Many people choose to speak to their doctor or a therapist, who can help them find a road to recovery. Doctors can recommend treatment options and refer patients to specialists. It is also a good idea to reach out to friends and family for support.

When deciding to talk to your doctor, it is important to be open about your alcohol use and provide as many details as possible. This will help them understand your situation and choose the best care for you. If you are worried about discussing your alcohol use, you can bring a close friend or family member to the appointment, or write down any questions or concerns beforehand.

In the United States, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) protects individuals who are recovering from or have recovered from alcoholism or drug addiction. This means that employers with 15 or more employees are barred from discriminating against such individuals. It is illegal for employers to ask about past alcohol or drug addiction or treatment during the application or interview process. However, once a real job offer has been made, an employer may ask questions concerning past or present drug or alcohol use. A job offer is considered real once the employer has evaluated all non-medical information and the offer is no longer contingent on answering disability-related questions or passing a medical exam.

While employers may not directly ask about past alcohol treatment, they may still find out this information in other ways. For example, they may discover it through background checks or if the applicant discloses this information voluntarily. Additionally, if an employee seeks treatment while employed, their employer may become aware of their past alcohol treatment if they request a modified work schedule or leave of absence to attend rehabilitation.

Alcohol use disorder may take over your life, affecting your relationships and causing physical issues

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) can significantly impact an individual's life, affecting their relationships and causing various physical issues. AUD may lead to a person prioritizing alcohol over their relationships, continuing to drink despite the negative consequences on their personal connections. This can result in damaged relationships with family, friends, and colleagues. For example, a person with AUD may repeatedly fail to meet family obligations or spend less time with loved ones due to their drinking habits.

The disorder can also cause physical dependence on alcohol, leading to withdrawal symptoms when attempting to reduce or stop drinking. These withdrawal symptoms can include alcohol cravings, mood changes, and even severe medical issues such as seizures and hallucinations, known as delirium tremens (DT). DT is a life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical attention.

Additionally, AUD can increase the risk of developing various physical health complications, including esophageal cancer, alcohol-induced hepatitis, alcohol poisoning, cerebellar degeneration, and cirrhosis of the liver. These conditions can have severe and long-lasting impacts on an individual's health and well-being.

AUD can also lead to changes in mood and behavior. A person with AUD may experience increased stress, boredom, unemployment, or difficulties managing work and family life. They may also engage in hazardous drinking behaviors, such as drinking in dangerous situations or despite having a medical condition that worsens with alcohol consumption.

It is crucial for individuals struggling with alcohol use to seek professional help. Speaking with a doctor or a mental health specialist can be the first step towards recovery. Treatment options may include medication and behavioral therapy, and support from loved ones can also be beneficial during this journey. Recognizing the problem and taking the first step towards seeking help is essential for improving one's quality of life and overall health.

Doctors can help you understand what's behind your drinking and focus on healthier coping mechanisms

Alcohol use disorder, or alcoholism, is a common condition where individuals are unable to stop drinking, even when it negatively impacts their health, safety, and relationships. Treatment for AUD includes medication and behavioural therapy, with studies showing that most people can reduce their alcohol intake or quit drinking entirely. Medications such as naltrexone, campral, topiramate, and antabuse can help reduce cravings and moderate drinking. Behavioural therapy involves counselling and support groups, helping individuals change their drinking behaviour and cope with triggers.

Doctors may recommend keeping a journal or diary to track alcohol consumption and identify triggers. This can involve writing down how much you drink daily and any associated events or feelings. Understanding your drinking patterns can help set incremental goals for reducing alcohol intake. Additionally, doctors may suggest examining your family history, as genetic factors can contribute to alcohol problems.

It is important to remember that seeking help for an alcohol problem can have potential consequences, such as an AUD diagnosis on your medical records, which may impact employment opportunities. However, your doctor is bound by confidentiality, and there are laws in place to protect your privacy. If you are concerned about confidentiality or embarrassed to speak with your doctor, consider bringing a trusted friend or family member for support.

In conclusion, doctors can provide valuable assistance in understanding and addressing problem drinking. They can offer medical advice, treatment options, and referrals to specialists or support groups. By working with a doctor, individuals can gain insight into their drinking behaviour and develop healthier coping strategies to improve their quality of life.

You can take steps to lower your chances of serious problems and improve your day-to-day life

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) may take over your life. You may drink despite the damage it does to your relationships, or plan your next drink. It also causes physical issues like craving alcohol or having withdrawal symptoms. If you think you may have AUD, you’re not alone. Studies show most people with this condition recover, meaning they reduce how much they drink or stop drinking altogether.

Firstly, it is important to acknowledge that you have a problem. Alcohol is a widely accepted part of adult life, which makes it easy to label potentially damaging behaviour as merely social drinking. By acknowledging your concern about the changing role of alcohol in your life, you've taken an important first step to regaining control and balance.

Secondly, it is important to understand the underlying causes of your alcohol use. When someone understands what's behind this behaviour, whether it's boredom, anger, disappointment, fear, anxiety, or grief, they can begin to focus on healthier, more useful, and more healing coping mechanisms. Exercise is a great way to manage stress, whether it's day-to-day challenges or feeling stressed about not drinking alcohol.

Thirdly, it is important to set goals and make a plan to reduce your alcohol consumption. Keeping a journal or diary can be helpful. On a calendar, write down how much you're drinking every day and what is going on at the time. Once you have at least two weeks of data, you can start setting incremental goals to reduce your alcohol consumption. For example, if a bottle of wine lasts you two days, make a goal to make it last three days and then see how that goes for a week or two.

Finally, it is important to seek professional help if you need it. Talk to your doctor, primary care provider, psychiatrist, or mental health specialist. They can provide you with proven strategies to reduce your alcohol consumption and refer you to alcohol treatment or a harm reduction therapist. If you’re worried or embarrassed about telling your doctor, it may be a good idea to bring someone with you who's close to you. It may also be helpful to write down any questions you have about your alcohol use and any health problems it might be causing.

Frequently asked questions