SEVEN KEY RISK FACTORS OF
ALCOHOL ABUSE
Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) can lead to personal, professional, financial, medical, and legal issues such as getting charged with driving while impaired. This is why you should know the common risk factors of AUD.
WHAT IS
ALCOHOL USE DISORDER?
The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) defines it as “a chronic relapsing brain disease characterized by an impaired ability to stop or control alcohol use despite adverse social, occupational or health consequences.”
- Had times when you drank more or longer than you intended?
- More than once, wanted to reduce or stop drinking – and tried to – but you could not do it?
- Wanted a drink so badly that you couldn’t think of anything else?
- During or after drinking, put yourself into situations where you could get hurt (such as driving while impaired)?
- Experienced withdrawal symptoms when the effects of alcohol wore off (such as nausea, sweating, shakiness, restlessness or trouble sleeping)?
- Spent a lot of time drinking, being sick or getting over the after-effects?
- Found that drinking or being sick from drinking interfered with home, family, employment or school?
- Stopped or cut back on activities that were once important or interesting to you, or which gave you pleasure, in order to drink?
- Continued to drink even though it caused trouble with family or friends?
- Had to drink more than you previously did in order to get the desired effect, or found that your usual number of drinks had much less effect than before?
According to the American Psychiatric Association Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5):
- MILD AUD: Presence of 2 to 3 symptoms
- MODERATE AUD: Presence of 4 to 5 symptoms
- SEVERE AUD: Presence of 6 or more symptoms
Recognizing
Seven Key Risk Factors
No single factor leads to Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD). Many different factors can interact and cause a person to develop the condition, while many people may never develop AUD despite the presence of several common risk factors.
Mental Health DisordersIndividuals who suffer from mental health disorders such as depression, bipolar disorder or social anxiety are more likely to develop AUD. Many people use alcohol to cope with their mental illness, or “self-medicate.” A person with mental health problems may be unable to recognize problems with alcohol use.
Personality TraitsThe main personality traits related to binge drinking or “heavy episodic drinking” are high impulsivity, high sensation-seeking, anxiety sensitivity, neuroticism, extraversion, and low conscientiousness. Many people who engage in binge drinking eventually develop AUD.
TraumaMany people drink in the aftermath of a traumatic event such as an auto accident or military service. A person with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) may drink to cope with jittery or “keyed-up” feelings.
StressA person may suffer from stress that is not severe enough to merit a clinical diagnosis but may still develop alcohol dependence issues in response to work pressures or financial struggles.
Genetics & FamilyAlcohol dependence is a common, complex genetic disease. Children who grow up in homes where parents abuse alcohol are also more likely to develop AUD.
Social & CulturalSome people drink to “fit in” with others in social settings, which may lead to alcohol dependence. The acceptance of alcohol use and easy accessibility can also serve as contributing factors.
Personal Drinking HistoryIndividuals who begin drinking at an early age may be more likely to develop AUD as they grow older. Early alcohol use rewires the brain to desire and depend on alcohol, and these effects are cumulative.
ResourcesIf you believe that you suffer from AUD or want to learn more, helpful resources include:
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration National Helpline: a confidential, 24/7 hotline providing treatment referrals and other information.
- Alcoholics Anonymous: an international fellowship of people who have had a drinking problem.
- National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism: offering information and links to resources.
Legal Problems Related to
Alcohol Use Disorder?
If you have encountered legal problems caused by alcohol use disorder such as being arrested for driving while under the influence of alcohol, you should seek help from an experienced attorney as soon as possible in order to protect your legal rights and, ultimately, your future.
The attorneys of Kurtz & Blum, PLLC, serve clients in Raleigh and throughout surrounding communities in and around Wake County.
434 Fayetteville St.
Suite 710
Raleigh, NC 27601
Phone: (919) 832-7700
