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What is Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD)?

Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) is a medical condition characterised by problematic drinking that leads to significant impairment or distress. AUD is a chronic, relapsing brain disease that affects people of all ages, races, and socioeconomic backgrounds. It’s important to note that alcoholism is a disease. Alcoholism can alter the brain's neurochemistry, making it possible for a person to suffer a loss of their behaviours.

What is Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD)

Alcohol addiction can manifest itself in a variety of ways. The severity of the disease, how often someone drinks and the amount of alcohol they consume vary from person to person. Some people drink all day, while others binge drink and then try to stay sober for a while.

Symptoms of AUD can range from mild to severe and may include:

• Drinking more or for longer than intended.
• Inability to cut down or stop drinking.
• Spending a lot of time drinking or recovering from the effects of alcohol.
• Craving alcohol.
• Continued drinking despite problems with work, school, or relationships
• giving up activities or hobbies to drink.
• Continued drinking despite adverse physical or psychological effects
• needing to drink more to feel the same development (tolerance).
• Withdrawal symptoms when not drinking.

It is important to note that not everyone who drinks heavily has AUD, and not everyone with AUD drinks heavily. If you or someone you know is struggling with AUD, you may seek help from a healthcare professional. Treatment for AUD can involve a combination of medication, therapy, and support groups.

• What causes AUD

The causes of Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) are complex and can involve a combination of genetic, environmental, and social factors.

• Genetics: 

Studies suggest that genetic factors can increase a person's risk of developing AUD. Research shows that individuals with a family history of AUD are more likely to develop the disorder.

• Environmental factors: 

Environmental factors, such as stress, trauma, and peer pressure, can also contribute to the development of AUD. Early exposure to alcohol and living in an environment where heavy drinking is normalized can increase the risk for AUD.

• Brain chemistry: 

Alcohol affects the brain's reward system, which can lead to the development of dependence and addiction. Over time, alcohol can change the brain's chemistry, making it harder for a person to control their drinking.

• Mental health: 

People with certain mental health conditions, such as depression or anxiety, may be more susceptible to developing AUD as they may use alcohol to self-medicate and cope with their symptoms.

• Social factors: 

Social factors, such as culture and social norms, can also contribute to the development of AUD. In some cultures, heavy drinking is normalized, making it more difficult for individuals to recognize and seek help for their drinking behaviour.

It is important to note that not everyone who drinks heavily develops AUD, and not everyone with AUD drinks heavily. A combination of factors is responsible for the development of AUD. 

• Which Brain chemicals are responsible for AUD

Several brain chemicals are involved in Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD), including:

Dopamine: Alcohol increases the level of dopamine in the brain's reward system, which is associated with pleasure and reward. Repeated exposure to alcohol can alter the brain's reward system, making it less sensitive to natural and more sensitive to the effects of alcohol. This process can lead to dependence and addiction.

• GABA: Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is a neurotransmitter that helps to regulate anxiety and stress levels. Alcohol enhances the effects of GABA, which can produce feelings of relaxation and sedation. However, chronic alcohol use can reduce the brain's natural production of GABA, leading to increased anxiety and a higher risk of developing AUD.
• Glutamate: Glutamate is a neurotransmitter that is involved in learning and memory. Chronic alcohol use can increase the levels of glutamate in the brain, leading to excitotoxicity, a process that damages brain cells and can cause cognitive and behavioural problems.
• Serotonin: Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that helps to regulate mood and anxiety levels. Chronic alcohol use can reduce the brain's production of serotonin, leading to symptoms of depression and anxiety in individuals with AUD.
• Endorphins: Endorphins are neurotransmitters that are involved in pain relief and pleasure. Chronic alcohol use can increase the levels of endorphins in the brain, leading to a sense of euphoria and well-being. However, over time, the brain can become less responsive to the effects of endorphins, leading to dependence and addiction.

Treatment for AUD can involve medications that target these neurotransmitters, such as naltrexone and acamprosate, which can reduce cravings and help individuals maintain sobriety. Therapy and support groups can also help individuals with AUD.

Alcohol Use Disorder

• What is the relation between frustration and AUD?

Frustration can be both a cause and a result of Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD).

On the one hand, frustration and stress can lead to drinking to cope with negative emotions. Individuals with AUD may turn to alcohol to relieve frustration or anxiety, which can lead to a cycle of dependence and addiction.

On the other hand, the consequences of AUD, such as legal, financial, and relationship problems, can also cause frustration, stress and behaviour. For example, an individual with AUD may become frustrated with their inability to control their drinking, which can lead to more drinking habits to cope with those feelings of frustration. Furthermore, frustration can also be a common trigger for relapse in individuals with AUD.

Frustration and stress can lead to cravings for alcohol, and without effective coping strategies, individuals may be at a higher risk for relapse.

Effective treatment for AUD involves addressing the underlying psychological and social factors and developing effective coping strategies for managing negative emotions like frustration.

Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) can help individuals with AUD to develop skills for managing stress and negative emotions while also addressing underlying cognitive distortions to the drinking behaviour. Other therapies, such as mindfulness-based stress reduction, can also help manage stress and reduce the risk of relapse.

• What is the relationship between expectations and frustration in AUD?

Expectations can also be a source of frustration for individuals with alcohol use disorder (AUD).

More often, people with AUD have unrealistic expectations of themselves and others, which may lead to frustration and stress when those expectations are difficult to meet.

For example, a person with AUD may set unrealistic expectations for themselves, such as "I should be able to quit drinking on my own" or "I should be able to control my drinking like other people." When those expectations are hard to achieve, they may feel frustrated, which can lead to increased drinking to cope with those negative emotions. In addition, individuals with AUD may have unrealistic expectations of others, such as expecting family members or friends to "fix" their drinking problem. 

• What is the relationship between self-help and AUD?

Self-help can be a vital part of the recovery process for individuals with alcohol use disorder (AUD). Professional treatment is often necessary to effectively treat AUD, and self-help strategies can support recovery and help individuals maintain sobriety.

• Join a support group:

Support groups, such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or SMART Recovery, provide a community of individuals suffering from AUD. SMART recovery can offer emotional support, encouragement, and accountability.

• Learn coping strategies.

Developing effective coping strategies for managing stress, anxiety, and other negative emotions is essential for individuals with AUD. Exercise, meditation, deep breathing, and journaling are helpful. These are productive tools for managing stress and reducing the risk of relapse.

• Avoid triggers:

One can identify and avoid triggers that lead to drinking. Triggers can include specific people, places, or situations associated with drinking. By avoiding these triggers, individuals can reduce the risk of relapse.

• Practice self-care: 

Prioritizing self-care activities, such as getting enough sleep, eating a healthy diet, and engaging in activities that bring joy and fulfilment, can support overall health and well-being and reduce the risk of relapse.

• Set achievable goals.

Setting realistic goals for recovery can help individuals stay motivated and focused. A practical goal can be as simple as attending many support group meetings or engaging in a new hobby or activity.

Self-help strategies can help you recover from AUD.