Beyond the Dumpster Fire: The Web of Alcohol Use Disorder

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We explore Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD), covering diagnosis criteria, progression, causes, and effective treatment approaches according to the DSM.

• AUD falls under substance-related disorders in the DSM with 11 specific criteria
• Severity is classified as mild (2-3 criteria), moderate (4-5), or severe (6+ criteria)
• Criteria include drinking more than intended, inability to quit, cravings, and withdrawal symptoms
• People often drink to self-medicate stress, trauma, or negative emotions
• Effective treatment requires individualized approaches rather than one-size-fits-all solutions
• The trans-theoretical model (stages of change) recognizes recovery as a cyclical journey
• Motivational interviewing helps clients explore ambivalence and move toward healthier choices
• Family therapy helps relatives understand AUD and provide appropriate support
• Other effective approaches include contingency management, DBT, and relapse prevention
• Key assessment tools include AUDIT-C, CAGE, TWEAK, T-ACE, CRAFFT, and ASSIST
• Recovery should be viewed as a journey with potential relapses, not a one-time fix

Remember, it's in there!

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This podcast is not associated with the NBCC, AMFTRB, ASW, ANCC, NASP, NAADAC, CCMC, NCPG, CRCC, or any state or governmental agency responsible for licensure.