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Alcohol - problem drinking - Management
How should I diagnose alcohol dependence?
- If alcohol dependence is indicated from the answers from the AUDIT (Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test) questionnaire, confirm the diagnosis using the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, tenth revision (ICD-10), criteria for alcohol dependence. According to these criteria, dependence is diagnosed if three or more of the following have been present together during the previous year:
- A strong desire or sense of compulsion to drink alcohol.
- Difficulty in controlling drinking in terms of its onset, termination, or level of use.
- A physiological withdrawal state when drinking has ceased or reduced, or drinking to relieve or avoid such a withdrawal state. Withdrawal symptoms include tremor, sweating, rapid heart rate, anxiety, insomnia, and less commonly seizures, disorientation, and hallucinations.
- Evidence of tolerance, where increased amounts of alcohol are required in order to achieve effects originally produced by lower amounts.
- Progressive neglect of alternative pleasures or interests because of drinking, and increased amounts of time necessary to obtain or consume alcohol, or to recover from its effects.
- Persisting with alcohol consumption despite awareness of overtly harmful consequences.
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