Question

At what point is someone an alcoholic?

Answer 1

The term "alcoholic" is often used colloquially to describe someone who has a drinking problem or a dependency on alcohol. However, in a medical context, the condition is formally referred to as "alcohol use disorder" (AUD). AUD is a spectrum disorder, meaning it ranges in severity from mild to severe.

The American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) outlines specific criteria to diagnose alcohol use disorder. The diagnosis is based on the presence of at least two out of 11 possible symptoms within a 12-month period. These symptoms include:

1. Drinking more or for a longer time than intended.
2. Persistent desire or unsuccessful efforts to cut down or control drinking.
3. Spending a lot of time obtaining, using, or recovering from the effects of alcohol.
4. Craving or a strong desire to drink.
5. Failure to fulfill major obligations at work, school, or home due to recurrent alcohol use.
6. Continued alcohol use despite causing social or interpersonal problems.
7. Giving up or reducing important social, occupational, or recreational activities because of alcohol use.
8. Recurrent alcohol use in situations where it's physically hazardous.
9. Continued alcohol use despite knowing it causes or exacerbates physical or psychological problems.
10. Tolerance, where more alcohol is needed to achieve the same effect, or reduced effect when consuming the same amount.
11. Withdrawal symptoms or drinking to avoid withdrawal symptoms.

The severity of AUD depends on the number of symptoms present:

• Mild: Presence of 2-3 symptoms.
• Moderate: Presence of 4-5 symptoms.
• Severe: Presence of 6 or more symptoms.

It's important to note that everyone's situation is unique, and not all individuals who drink heavily have AUD. However, if someone is experiencing negative consequences due to their drinking and meets the criteria for alcohol use disorder, they should seek professional help and support to address their alcohol-related issues. It's essential to recognize the problem early and seek assistance before it progresses to severe stages that may have more significant impacts on health and well-being.