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Alcohol abuse

Misuse of alcoholic beverages resulting in negative consequences / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

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Alcohol abuse encompasses a spectrum of unhealthy alcohol drinking behaviors, ranging from binge drinking to alcohol dependence, in extreme cases resulting in health problems for individuals and large scale social problems such as alcohol-related crimes.

Quick facts: Alcohol abuse, Specialty, Symptoms, Complicat...
Alcohol abuse
The_Drunkard%27s_Progress_1846.jpg
"The Drunkard's Progress", 1846
SpecialtyPsychiatry
SymptomsRelationship difficulties, legal problems, problems at work or school, insomnia, irritability, chronic fatigue.
ComplicationsAlcoholic liver disease, Pancreatitis (acute or chronic)
Diagnostic methodClinical history, DSM-5 criteria
TreatmentContingency management, motivational interviewing, Alcoholics Anonymous meeting attendance
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Alcohol abuse was a psychiatric diagnosis in the DSM-IV, and has been merged with alcohol dependence into alcohol use disorder in the DSM-5.[1][2]

Globally, excessive alcohol consumption is the seventh leading risk factor for both death and the burden of disease and injury,[3] representing 5.1% of the total global burden of disease and injury, measured in disability-adjusted life years (DALYs).[4] In short, except for tobacco, alcohol accounts for a higher burden of disease than any other drug. Alcohol use is a major cause of preventable liver disease worldwide, and alcoholic liver disease is the main alcohol-related chronic medical illness.[5] Millions of people of all ages, from adolescents to the elderly, engage in unhealthy drinking.[6] Alcohol use disorder can affect people from all walks of life. There are many factors that play a role in causing someone to have an alcohol use disorder: genetics, psychiatric conditions, trauma, environmental issues, and even parental drinking habits.[7]