What is an Alcohol Use Disorder? The Recovery Village #AlcoholUseDisorder #AlcoholAddiction

Summary

This lesson offers an overview of alcohol use disorder, a condition affecting 86% of adults who have consumed alcohol in their lifetime. It clarifies that alcohol use disorder is a disease, not a lack of willpower or a mental illness. The script highlights the disorder's prevalence, its genetic factors, and the diagnostic criteria from the DSM-5. It also emphasizes the importance of recognizing and treating this condition, which is the fourth leading preventable cause of death in the United States.

Takeaways

• 🍻 Alcohol is a widely used psychoactive substance affecting the brain.
• 🌟 According to a 2018 survey, 86% of adults have consumed alcohol in their lifetime.
• 📅 70% of adults reported drinking alcohol in the past year, and 55.3% in the past month.
• 📚 Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) is a disease recognized by the American Medical Association since 1956.
• 🚫 AUD is not a weakness, lack of willpower, or a mental illness.
• 🔟 Approximately 1 in 10 people who drink alcohol develop AUD.
• 🍺 The average alcohol consumption for those with moderate to severe AUD is 74 drinks per week.
• 🏥 Alcohol-related causes are responsible for 88,000 deaths annually in the United States.
• 📊 Alcohol use is linked to 50% of liver diseases and is the fourth leading preventable cause of death.
• 📖 The DSM-5 lists 11 criteria for diagnosing AUD, ranging from mild to severe depending on the number of criteria met.
• 🧬 Genetics play a significant role in AUD, with genes ABH1B and ALDH2 having the strongest relationship.

Q & A

What percentage of adults have consumed alcohol in their lifetime according to the 2018 national survey?

According to the 2018 national survey on drug use and health, 86 percent of adults have consumed alcohol in their lifetime.

How many adults reported drinking alcohol in the past year and past month?

Seventy percent of adults reported drinking alcohol in the past year, and 55.3 percent reported drinking alcohol in the past month.

Is alcohol use disorder considered a disease?

Yes, alcohol use disorder is considered a disease. The American Medical Association officially termed it a disease in 1987.

What is the approximate percentage of alcohol consumers who develop an alcohol use disorder?

Approximately one out of ten who drink alcohol develop an alcohol use disorder.

What is the average alcohol consumption for those with moderate to severe alcohol use disorder?

The average alcohol consumption for those with moderate to severe alcohol use disorder is 74 drinks a week or over 10 drinks a day.

How many people die annually from alcohol-related causes in the United States?

Tragically, 88,000 people die annually from alcohol-related causes in the United States.

What is the fourth leading preventable cause of death in the United States?

Alcohol-related causes are the fourth leading preventable cause of death in the United States.

What percentage of liver disease is attributed to alcohol use?

Fifty percent of liver disease is attributed to alcohol use.

How many criteria are there for alcohol use disorder according to the DSM-5?

There are 11 criteria for alcohol use disorder according to the DSM-5.

What are the two genes that have the strongest relationship to alcohol use disorder?

The two genes that have the strongest relationship to alcohol use disorder are ABH1B and ALDH2.

What is the implication of having the ABH1B and ALDH2 genes for alcohol metabolism?

Individuals with the ABH1B and ALDH2 genes often metabolize alcohol more quickly, which can lead to drinking more alcoholic beverages to achieve the desired effect.

What is the risk for developing an alcohol use disorder if you have a family member with the condition and you consume alcohol?

If you have a family member with alcohol use disorder and you drink alcohol, you are at a significantly higher risk for developing an alcohol use disorder than the average individual.