Diagnosis of Alcohol Misuse
Diagnosing alcohol misuse involves more than asking how much a person drinks. Diagnosis of Alcohol Misuse includes assessing how drinking affects their life. Health professionals rely on behavioural indicators, physical symptoms, and mental health evaluations to determine if someone is struggling with alcohol use disorder.
Clinical Criteria
Most doctors use the DSM-5 criteria (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition) to assess alcohol misuse. This includes questions such as:
- Do you often drink more than you intended?
- Have you tried and failed to cut back on drinking?
- Has drinking caused problems at work, school, or home?
- Do you continue drinking despite it causing harm?
- Do you experience cravings or withdrawal symptoms?
A diagnosis of alcohol use disorder is made when a person meets at least two of these criteria within a 12-month period. The more criteria met, the more severe the disorder.
Physical Assessment
Doctors may also look for physical signs, including liver problems, changes in blood pressure, weight loss, or signs of neglect in hygiene and nutrition. In South Africa, many people only seek help once physical health is affected — such as when experiencing liver disease or alcohol-related injuries.
Screening Tools
Standardised screening tools such as the AUDIT (Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test) help professionals identify risky drinking patterns. These can be used in clinics, hospitals, and during routine check-ups.
Lab Tests
Blood tests may reveal alcohol-related damage or monitor liver enzymes, but they are not the primary tool for diagnosis. Rather, diagnosis is based on patterns of behaviour and the impact alcohol has on a person’s life.
Early diagnosis improves outcomes. Recognising the signs in yourself or others can be the first step to getting support and regaining control.
See the link below to read more about Treatment for Alcohol Misuse.
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Complications of Alcohol Misuse
