Alcohol Use Disorder
Alcohol has been and remains the most common substance of abuse in Canada. While the legal age of alcohol consumption is 19 in most provinces, people typically begin experimenting with alcohol in their min-teens and start drinking without incident in their early twenties and beyond. Despite the common place that alcohol holds in our society, there is a continuum of risks and problems associated with alcohol consumption.
Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) is a recognized medical condition that refers to the regular use of alcohol despite recurrent adverse consequences. To be diagnosed with AUD, individuals must meet certain criteria outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). Under DSM–5, the current version of the DSM, anyone meeting any two of eleven defined criteria during the same 12-month period receives a diagnosis of AUD. The severity of AUD—mild, moderate, or severe—is based on the number of criteria met.
The Eleven Symptoms of Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) as per the DSM-5:
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Alcohol is often taken in larger amounts or over a longer period than was intended.
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There is a persistent desire or unsuccessful efforts to cut down or control alcohol use.
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A great deal of time is spent in activities necessary to obtain alcohol, use alcohol, or recover from its effects.
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Craving, or a strong desire or urge to use alcohol.
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Recurrent alcohol use resulting in a failure to fulfill major role obligations at work, school, or home.
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Continued alcohol use despite having persistent or recurrent social or interpersonal problems caused or exacerbated by the effects of alcohol.
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Important social, occupational, or recreational activities are given up or reduced because of alcohol use.
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Recurrent alcohol use in situations in which it is physically hazardous.
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Alcohol use is continued despite knowledge of having a persistent or recurrent physical or psychological problem that is likely to have been caused or exacerbated by alcohol.
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Tolerance, as defined by either of the following:
- A need for markedly increased amounts of alcohol to achieve intoxication or desired effect
- A markedly diminished effect with continued use of the same amount of alcohol.
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Withdrawal, as manifested by either of the following:
- The characteristic withdrawal syndrome for alcohol (refer to criteria A and B of the criteria set for alcohol withdrawal)
- Alcohol (or a closely related substance, such as a benzodiazepine) is taken to relieve or avoid withdrawal symptoms.
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If you would like to learn more about the treatment programs provided by EHN Canada, enrol yourself in one of our programs, or refer someone else, please call us at one of our phone numbers. Our phone lines are open 24/7—so you can call us anytime.
