Alcoholism and Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD)

Alcohol Addiction and AUD (Alcohol Use Disorder) Statistics

Research studies have verified that nearly 30 percent of Americans reported having misused alcohol through either alcohol abuse, alcohol dependence, or alcoholism at some point in their lives. Following are other important statistics related to AUD (Alcohol Use Disorder) from alcohol abuse, alcohol dependence, or alcoholism:

• Alcohol abuse is prevalent among males, whites, and young unmarried persons.
• Patients often begin therapy eight years after they first acquire the condition.
• Alcohol abuse begins at the age of 22.5 on average, whereas alcohol dependence begins at the age of 21.9 on average.
• Around the globe, alcohol plays a significant role in one out of every 25 fatalities.
• Females are more affected by alcohol use than males.

Causes of Alcoholism and Alcohol Use Disorder

Alcohol abuse or addiction may be due to several interconnected variables. Further, genetic, behavioral, and social/environmental variables are examples of factors that might contribute to the advancement of alcoholism. Also, a genetic link is one of the biological elements that may contribute to alcoholism.

So, instances of abuse, underlying experiences, feelings of melancholy, and anxiety are just a few of the psychological elements linked to alcoholism. Further, when confronted with terrible emotions, sentiments, or grief, alcohol usage might be a means of escaping such situations.

Alcohol Abuse and Dependence Signs and Symptoms

A person with alcohol abuse may experience::

• Due to drug misuse, people neglect their obligations at work, home, and school
• Alcohol as a relaxing or de-stressing technique
• You can't control or manage your drinking or your actions when you're drunk
• Even if you wanted to, you couldn't stop drinking
• Loss of interest in activities previously enjoyed
• Isolated drinking, stockpiling alcohol in unusual locations, or concealing evidence/empty bottles
• Enhanced resistance to alcohol, requiring higher doses to experience its effects

Similarly, alcoholics may exhibit the following signs and symptoms:

• Mood changes
• Appetite decline
• Sleeplessness
• Vomiting and Nausea
• Headaches
• Loss of weight
• Problems with the digestive system

Treatment Strategy

Many individuals begin alcoholism treatment with detox. High-risk drinkers should not quit independently, and withdrawal might cause serious complications, including seizures. Hence, a professional or a medically supervised detox is necessary. Inpatient therapy in a facility or longer-term rehabilitation center may be essential for individuals at high risk of experiencing significant withdrawal symptoms. After supervised detox, treatment may begin. Alcohol rehab options vary, including, inpatient treatment, intensive outpatient treatment (IOP), partial hospitalization (PHP), short-term treatment, and long-term treatment being most prevalent.

Aftercare and Long-Term Health

Recovering alcoholics require continued assistance after treatment. Many treatment programs include support groups, including in-person and virtual aftercare programs. Further, millions of individuals have overcome alcoholism and live sober, fulfilling lives, and recovery is achievable no matter how terrible your issue. People leaving treatment also want to be aware that alcoholism relapse can happen and that there are relapse prevention resources available.