Addiction is a disease of the individual. This means that although two people may struggle with alcohol addictions, alcohol’s impacts on their physical, psychological, and spiritual health will be different. Because the effects of alcoholism vary so widely, it can be difficult for addiction treatment professionals to diagnose the severity of alcohol use disorders accurately. For this reason, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) list specific diagnostic criteria that help addiction treatment professionals accurately diagnose alcohol use disorders based on mild, moderate, or severe symptoms.Â
When someone continues to consume alcohol regardless of knowing there are harmful physical and psychological consequences to their actions, they have an alcohol use disorder. Drinking, even social drinking, is considered problematic if your friend or loved one chooses to drink regardless of how drinking impacts their performance at home or work, how alcohol contributes to declining relationships, causes new or worsening health problems, or leads to legal issues directly related to alcohol. Additionally, someone who chooses alcohol to dull pain associated with a physical or mental health condition or drinks because they cannot feel pleasure or joy otherwise may meet the diagnostic criteria for an alcohol use disorder.
Addiction, alcoholism, or alcohol use disorders are all words to describe the same situation. When someone has developed an alcohol addiction, they experience a psychological and physical need to consume alcohol. Eventually, the physical craving for alcohol becomes so intense and overwhelming that it can be debilitating. Consequently, your friend or loved one will turn to alcohol (almost constantly) to alleviate the emotional and physical discomfort associated with not having alcohol in their body.
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders or DSM suggests eleven specific criteria mental health and addiction treatment providers can use to diagnose the presence and severity of alcohol use disorders. It is important to note that you do not need to exhibit all eleven criteria to have an alcohol use disorder. The severity of their addiction will depend on the number of criteria met. Although symptoms may appear different from person to person, some of the most common that appear in most situations include: