Diseases
alcoholism
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Overview
Alcohol use disorder is a pattern of alcohol use that involves problems controlling your drinking, being preoccupied with alcohol or continuing to use alcohol even when it causes problems. This disorder also involves having to drink more to get the same effect or having withdrawal symptoms when you rapidly decrease or stop drinking.
Symptoms
- being unable to limit the amount of alcohol you drink
- wanting to cut down on how much you drink or making unsuccessful attempts to do
- spending a lot of time drinking, getting alcohol or recovering from alcohol use
- feeling a strong craving or urge to drink alcohol
- failing to fulfill major obligations at work, school or home due to repeated alc
Causes
- genetic, psychological, social and environmental factors can impact how drinking alcohol affects your body and behavior.
Risk factors
- steady drinking over time.
- starting at an early age.
- depression and other mental health problems.
Diagnosis
- blood tests
- perform a physical exam.
- ask you some questions related to your drinking habits
- complete a psychological evaluation.
Medicines used
Frequently asked questions
What is alcoholism?
Alcohol use disorder is a pattern of alcohol use that involves problems controlling your drinking, being preoccupied with alcohol or continuing to use alcohol even when it causes problems. This disorder also involves having to drink more to get the same effect or having withdrawal symptoms when you rapidly decrease or stop drinking.
What are the symptoms of alcoholism?
being unable to limit the amount of alcohol you drink, wanting to cut down on how much you drink or making unsuccessful attempts to do, spending a lot of time drinking, getting alcohol or recovering from alcohol use, feeling a strong craving or urge to drink alcohol, failing to fulfill major obligations at work, school or home due to repeated alc
What causes alcoholism?
genetic, psychological, social and environmental factors can impact how drinking alcohol affects your body and behavior.
Which medicines are used for alcoholism?
citalopram, quetiapine
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