Alcohol Use Disorder
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A problematic pattern of alcohol consumption, characterized by compulsive use of alcohol, impaired control over alcohol intake, and a negative emotional state when not using.
According to the 5th Edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) published by the American Psychiatric Association, an alcohol use disorder is present if two or more of the following situations occur within a 12-month period:
- Drinking more or for a longer period than intended
- On more than one occasion feeling the need or attempting to cut down or stop drinking
- Spending a lot of time drinking or recovering from the aftereffects of alcohol
- Craving or thinking about wanting a drink, or having the urge to use alcohol
- Failing to fulfill major work, school, or home responsibilities due to drinking
- Continuing to drink even though it is causing relationship troubles with your family or friends
- Prioritizing drinking by giving up or cutting back on activities that were important to you or gave you pleasure
- Drinking before or during situations that are physically dangerous—while driving a car, operating machinery, swimming, or having unsafe sex
- Continuing to drink even though drinking is making you feel depressed or anxious, is linked to another health problem, or results in having memory blackouts
- Developing a tolerance for drinking—needing more than you once did to get the desired effect from alcohol, or not experiencing the same effect when drinking the same amount of alcohol
- Withdrawal, as characterized by having withdrawal symptoms (trouble sleeping, shakiness, restlessness, nausea, sweating, a racing heart, a seizure, or sensing things that are not there [hallucinations])
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If you know a healthcare professional that is experiencing an alcohol/substance use disorder, please encourage them to reach out to the NE LAP at 800-851-2336 or 402-354-8055 to begin their recovery process.
Michelle Hruska, LIMHP, LADC
NE LAP Coordinator
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