Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) can cause severe physical and psychological health hazards, including cardiovascular complications, liver disease, increased tolerance, and physical and psychological dependence. Research reveals that AUD can produce several negative effects on personal and professional relationships. Codependency refers to an unhealthy emotional and behavioral attachment to another person who may be struggling with alcohol dependence. It is one of the negative outcomes of AUD and can affect a spouse, sibling, parent, or friend of a person with alcohol use disorder. Codependency not only harms the ones in the relationship but also has drastic effects on surrounding friends and family.
Confidant Health is an online platform that offers Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) to help you overcome alcohol dependence, its related side effects, and codependency. MAT therapy involves administering drugs with behavioral therapies and counseling to reduce the cravings for alcohol and ensure a healthy recovery.
What is Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD)?
Heavy alcohol consumption of more than four drinks in less than two hours, despite its negative consequences on psychological and physical health, is comprehended as Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD). “The Dietary Guidelines for Americans” specifies binge drinking as more than five drinks for men and more than four drinks for women per day. Alcohol consumption takes millions of lives annually in the US, and around 14 million adults are found to be under the influence of alcohol dependence per annum. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), alcohol takes one life every 10 seconds. It clearly shows the severity of AUD and related issues.
Family background, social circle, and mental health condition are important factors in determining the risk for the development of AUD. If someone has a close relative struggling with alcohol misuse, one is more prone to follow in their footsteps.
Symptoms of Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD)
Below are the common symptoms of alcohol use disorder (AUD) that can help recognize AUD.
Behavioral changes
- Assertive and irritable behavior that results in unintentional violence
- Loss of self-control and concentration resulting in road traffic accidents
- Perplexed thoughts
- Low mood and drinking alcohol all the time, even while driving or at work
- Augmented anxiety and seclusion from loved ones
- Insomnia and fatigue
- Cravings for alcohol
- Drinking concentrated liquor
Health changes
- Liver cirrhosis
- Pancreatitis
- Irregular heart rhythm
- Repeated infections
- Impaired cognitive function, like forgetfulness, and difficulty performing simple chores
- Tremors and visual, or auditory hallucinations
- Uncoordinated physical movements
Alcohol dependence is also associated with drastic withdrawal effects that keep a person from seeking treatment for Alcohol Use Disorder. Healthy relationships are necessary for one to quit drinking alcohol. But, if someone is in a codependent partnership, this can often worsen the alcohol misuse.