Diagnosis of an alcohol problem is based on the effects drinking has on your life and how you use alcohol. The doctor will ask for your medical history and questions about:
- your use of alcohol;
- your symptoms;
- how you function at work, home, and in social situations; and
- any emotional or psychiatric problems.
S/he may also give you a brief questionnaire.
The doctor will do a physical exam and lab tests to check for any related medical problems. S/he will then determine whether you have a problem with alcohol abuse or dependence and/or any other medical or psychiatric disorders.
What Are The Barriers To Getting Diagnosed And Treated?
Factors related to the drinker and the doctor often delay or prevent diagnosis and treatment of an alcohol problem. This leaves many people with a pattern of abuse or dependence that continues to worsen and becomes harder to treat.
People who misuse alcohol often deny they have a problem. The effects of chronic drinking interfere with people’s thinking and affect their attitudes and behavior. They may not see the harm their drinking is causing to themselves and others.
Even when people can see the consequences of their drinking, they may not want to admit them—or that they are related to their drinking. Denial protects them from the negative reactions of other people and from their own guilt, shame, and pain. Family members and friends may also get caught up in the denial and fail to help the person get diagnosed.
Doctors often fail to detect alcohol problems in their patients. Many do not perform screening tests for alcohol problems nor recognize the symptoms. They may not have adequate training in alcohol problems. As a result, they may attribute symptoms from alcohol use to other causes, have negative attitudes toward people with alcohol problems, or be reluctant to bring up the issue. In addition, because people with alcohol problems often have an accompanying disorder such as depression, it can sometimes be tricky to make a correct diagnosis.
How Can I Cut Down On My Drinking?
This section is for people who want to cut down on their drinking. If you are dependent on alcohol or have a medical problem that can be worsened by alcohol, you should stop drinking completely. In the case of alcohol dependence, because it involves lack of control over alcohol use, cutting down (which is controlled drinking) does not usually work.
Steps to cut down your drinking
- Write a list of your reasons for cutting down or stopping.
- Set a goal for your drinking -- either a limit on how much you will drink or to stop completely. Write your goal on a piece of paper. Put it in a place where you will see it often, e.g. on your refrigerator or a mirror.
- Keep a "diary" of your drinking to help you reach your goal. Every time you drink, write down how much you drink and the circumstances in which you are drinking. Note what triggers your drinking so that you can learn how to avoid or cope with these things. Also use the diary to see and appreciate the progress you are making. Write down the times that you choose not to drink.
- Keep only a small amount or no alcohol in your home.
- Drink slowly. Take a one-hour break between drinks. Eat food when you are drinking.
- Choose one or two days every week to not drink at all. Then try stopping for a week or longer.
- Get support from your family and friends to help you cut down on your drinking.
- Learn to say "no" when people try to persuade you to drink.
- Avoid or reduce your exposure to people and places that trigger your drinking.
- Get involved in new activities and social groups where drinking is less important or does not occur.
