It's rare for someone to admit they have an alcohol use disorder right from the start. The denial is often so strong that it's become a common theme in pop culture. Just take a look at the sincere way alcohol use disorder denial is depicted in David Foster Wallace’s "Infinite Jest". However, this doesn't mean most people refuse to go to rehab and stay sober – it just takes time. Denial is powerful, but only to a certain point. It's critical to notice the indicators of AUD and take prompt action to keep yourself or your loved ones from making more mistakes and worsening the issue. 

What is alcohol use disorder (AUD)?

According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a medical condition where a person can’t control their drinking despite negative social, professional, or health consequences. This disorder includes what some call alcohol abuse, alcohol dependence, and, more colloquially, alcoholism. AUD is a brain disorder, and it can range from mild to severe; it causes lasting changes in the brain, making it hard to quit and very easy to relapse.

Recovery and benefits of quitting alcohol in AUD treatment

However, there is some good news: no matter how severe AUD seems, evidence-based treatments such as behavioral therapies (CBT or DBT), support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), and medications can help people with AUD recover and maintain sobriety over time. In addition to the direct impact of these treatments, quitting alcohol also provides significant secondary health benefits. These include:

• Improved metabolic functions and reduced sugar cravings, which collectively contribute to a healthier body weight. It's also common for people to lose weight by quitting alcohol, as they eliminate the empty calories that alcoholic beverages often provide.
• Better sleep patterns and increased physical activity, both of which are crucial for weight management and overall health. Abstaining from alcohol can lead to deeper, more restorative sleep, which is essential for physical health and effective stress management. 
• Enhanced mental clarity and mood stability. Alcohol can interfere with neurotransmitters in the brain, affecting mood and cognitive functions. By abstaining from alcohol, individuals often experience fewer mood swings and a clearer state of mind.

Who’s at risk?

Young adults in the USA, especially those aged 18 to their late 20s, are at the greatest risk of developing AUD or substance abuse disorder (SUD). This period of stepping into adulthood involves ongoing brain development, the formation of adult identities, and significant life transitions like starting college. Therefore, it's unsurprising that young adults are a particularly high-risk demographic for AUD. Also, just imagine the pressure young people face if they choose to abstain from alcohol.

Additional risk factors

Several factors can increase the likelihood of developing AUD, including:

• Family history of AUD or SUD. Having a biological family member with a history of AUD or SUD (Substance Use Disorder).
• Mental health conditions. Suffering from disorders such as bipolar disorder, depression, or anxiety.
• Low self-esteem. Struggling with low self-worth, feeling like everyone’s somehow better than yourself.

These factors, often mixing and intersecting in complex ways, determine the risk of developing AUD. Recognizing and addressing these risks can help prevent the onset of AUD. 

Signs you might be struggling with alcohol use disorder

Let’s take a look at the signs of AUD to watch out for. If you notice any of these in yourself or your loved ones, it might be the right time to act and seek professional assistance. 

Your time is consumed by drinking alcohol (together with other alcohol-related activities) 

Spending a significant amount of time engaged in activities related to drinking is a significant indicator that you may be developing an AUD. It's important to understand that this extends beyond simply holding a bottle of wine or beer; it also includes activities like obtaining alcohol, recovering from its effects, and addressing any health issues resulting from heavy drinking. Here’s a suggestion: keep a journal or planner for a few weeks to get some valuable insights into how much time you dedicate to alcohol-related activities.

You’re pretty defensive about your drinking

When confronted about their drinking habits, individuals struggling with alcohol use disorder often react pretty defensively, making sure everyone knows that no, of course, they don’t have a problem with alcohol. It’s easy to imagine loved ones who express concern and encounter hostility in response. Those with AUD may become irate when their excessive consumption is mentioned, often making excuses or downplaying the severity of their issue.

You’ve become way more tolerant 

Have you noticed that your tolerance has increased? To phrase it better: do you need more alcohol than before to feel the same effects, the same high? If so, you might be struggling with AUD. This happens because your brain gets used to alcohol and becomes less sensitive to its effects.

You’re having blackouts, not remembering what happened “last night”

Experiencing blackouts, where you can't remember what happened the night before, is a clear sign of AUD. If you wake up unsure of your actions or words from the previous night, it may indicate you're developing or already have AUD. This loss of memory often leads to feelings of guilt and concern, highlighting the seriousness of the situation.

You’re giving up hobbies in favor of alcohol 

Consider the activities you used to enjoy besides drinking alcohol. Are those hobbies, interests, or priorities still a part of your (daily) life? If drinking and drinking-related activities have started to become more important than these hobbies and interests or if they prevent you from engaging in them altogether, it could be one of the most obvious signs of AUD.

Your bonds with other people are strained

It's not hard to guess – alcohol consumption frequently strains relationships, and this strain is a clear sign of Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD). Excessive drinking can lead to emotional distance, communication breakdowns, and feelings of neglect. Alcohol-induced behaviors like aggression or mood swings can escalate conflicts and damage trust between people. Hence, AUD often strains the bonds you share with others, bonds that are crucial in recovery.

You’re experiencing withdrawal symptoms

When the effects of alcohol wear off, you may suffer withdrawal symptoms, which include nausea, excessive perspiration, shakiness, irritability, restlessness, and signs of anxiety or depression. Your brain chemistry is changed by alcohol, and heavy drinking over time causes your brain to adapt to the situation. These withdrawal symptoms result from your brain having to readjust itself once you quit drinking suddenly.

Conclusion

It might be time to think about getting professional help and making adjustments if you observe any of these symptoms in yourself or in someone you care about; acting on time can put you at a great advantage. Regaining control over your life and health begins with acknowledging that you have Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD). It is possible to overcome AUD and create a better, healthier future with the correct support and perseverance. By seeking assistance and deciding to give up alcohol, you're moving in the right direction toward a better tomorrow full of rekindled enthusiasm, clarity, and fulfillment.

References: 

https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/brochures-and-fact-sheets/understanding-alcohol-use-disorder

https://www.addictioncenter.com/alcohol/alcoholism-causes-risk-factors/

https://bradfordhealth.com/10-signs-your-loved-one-may-be-an-alcoholic/