What Is Alcohol Use Disorder?
 

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a medical condition characterized by a problematic pattern of alcohol use that causes significant impairment or distress.

AUD exists on a spectrum ranging from mild to severe and involves changes in brain pathways related to reward, decision-making, and impulse control.

What Causes Alcohol Use Disorder?
 

Alcohol use disorder develops from one's polygenetic biological baseline and a combination of general factors including:​​
​

• Psychosocial stressors 

• Social and environmental factors (early age of first use, friends/family that use alcohol)

• Co-occurring primary psychiatric conditions (increases risk for self-medication)

Secondary factors include:
 

• Medical conditions/medications (dopamine agonist-induced impulse control disorder, frontotemporal dementia, prefrontal brain injury, etc.)

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What Are the Symptoms?
 

A diagnosis involves a problematic pattern of alcohol use resulting in impairment or distress.

Symptoms may include:
 

• Drinking more or longer than intended

• Difficulty reducing or stopping alcohol use

• Strong cravings

• Spending significant time drinking or recovering from alcohol

• Problems fulfilling responsibilities

• Continued alcohol use despite relationship, work, or health problems

• Giving up important activities because of alcohol use

• Using alcohol in unsafe situations

• Continued use despite knowing it causes harm

• Increased tolerance

• Withdrawal symptoms

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What Are the Complications?
 

• Pancreatitis

• Increased risk of mouth, throat, esophagus, larynx, liver, colon, and breast cancer

• Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome (confusion, ataxia - trouble walking, opthalmoplegia - eye muscle weakness, memory loss)

• Cardiomyopathy

• Hypertension

• Stroke

• Depression and anxiety

• Cognitive decline

• Arrythmias, such as Afib

• Stomach ulcers

• Malnutrition

• Hormone imbalances

• Reduced immunity

• Social and occupational complications

• Anemia

• Alcohol withdrawal syndrome

How Is Alcohol Use Disorder Diagnosed?
 

• History

• Screening tools when appropriate

• Assessment of physical and psychological effects

• Evaluation of withdrawal risk and medical complications
   

Common Treatments
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• Medications

• Behavioral therapies

• Inpatient hospitalization for severe withdrawal

• Rehabilitation programs

• Group support programs

• Addressing underlying causes and risks
   

                                                                Medications

Opioid Antagonists - Naltrexone (ReVia, Vivitrol)
 

Glutamate/GABA Modulators - Acamprosate (Campral)
 

Aldehyde Dehydrogenase Inhibitors - Disulfiram (Antabuse)
 

Anticonvulsants (Off-Label) - Topiramate (Topamax), Gabapentin (Neurontin)

How Loria Mobile Medicine Can Help
                                                   

Private, Stigma-Free Care at Home - Receive discreet, personalized evaluations in the comfort of your own environment, eliminating travel and public office visits.

Medication Management - I prescribe medications to help eliminate cravings, stabilize brain chemistry, and support long-term recovery.

Comprehensive Care - I am able to screen and treat associated health problems with alcohol use, including anxiety, depression, liver disease, vitamin deficiencies, and more. 

Patient Safety & Education - I discuss potential side effects and adverse risks (including black-box warnings), so you can make informed decisions by weighing the benefits against the risks. I also perform assessments to ensure there are no relative or absolute contraindications to these medications; I evaluate for factors like active opioid use, bowel disease, severe liver or kidney disease, cardiovascular disease, severe depression, and current alcohol consumption levels to suggest the safest and most effective medication for your goals.