Alcohol Use Disorder
What Is It?
A chronic relapsing disorder characterized by compulsive alcohol use, loss of control, and negative emotional state when not drinking. Causes liver disease, neuropathy, cardiomyopathy, and significant social impairment.
How Is It Diagnosed?
DSM-5 criteria (2 or more of 11 criteria in 12 months). AUDIT-C questionnaire. CAGE questionnaire. Assess severity and withdrawal risk.
How Is It Treated?
Brief intervention and motivational interviewing for mild AUD. Medication-assisted treatment: naltrexone, acamprosate, disulfiram. Referral to addiction medicine or AA. Medically supervised withdrawal if severe dependence.
Tests and Imaging Typically Needed
BMP (electrolytes, LFTs), CBC (macrocytosis), gamma-GT, carbohydrate-deficient transferrin, B1 (thiamine), B12, folate, INR, hepatitis serology.
Approximate Self-Pay Costs
Office visit: $95-$150. Labs: $60-$100. Naltrexone: $25-$50/month. Disulfiram: $15-$30/month.