The Epidemic of Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) - 2524 Words

One of the growing epidemics of young adults in the United States is the dependence and/or abuse of alcohol, which is commonly referred to as alcoholism. The condition is described by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-V, as an alcohol use disorder (AUD), a type of substance abuse disorder, which encompasses both alcohol abuse and dependence. More specifically AUD is defined as, â€Å"medical conditions that doctors can diagnose when a patient’s drinking causes distress or harm (National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, 2007).† When the reliance or use of alcohol interferes with daily functioning, or causes greater harm to the one’s self, it can then be looked at as a disorder. According to the DSM-V, patients†¦show more content†¦The researchers of this study hypothesize that there is in fact a strong relationship between AUDs and childhood maltreatment in emerging adults. They speculate this because alcohol is used as a coping method for many with childhood abuse, and this particular age group is more prone to psychological disorders since they are still developing and maturing. Also this study wanted to find how likely people living with this disorder in this age group, would seek treatment. The way this study was carried out was, through a survey called the NESARC that was administered to a group of 43,093 individuals in the first wave of interview questions, and 34,653 individuals in the second wave of the survey. Wave 2 assessed childhood maltreatment, and all the data collected by face-to-face interviews. Childhood maltreatment was measured through different questions based on the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire and Conflict Tactics Scale. The questions asked the subjects about whether they have ever experienced emotional abuse, physical abuse, sexual abuse, or physical neglect. For physical abuse, individuals were asked, â€Å"How often did a parent or other adult living in your home push, grab, shove, slap, or hit you?† and â€Å"How often did a parent or other adult living in your home hit you so hard that you had marks or bruises or were injured?† Respondents were able to respond on a spectrum ranging from never to very often. For thisShow MoreRelated Alcohol Consumption Essay2409 Words   |  10 PagesAlcohol consumption poses a threat for many public health harms. Impaired driving is one of the largest contributors to motor vehicle crashes (Burris, Grunwald, Anderson, Filippoli, 2011). In the United States each year roughly 13,400 people die and an additional 255,500 are injured in motor vehicle crashes involving an alcohol-impaired driver according to Burris et al., 2011. In 2006, these crashes accounted for almost a third of all U.S. traffic-related deaths (Burris et al., 2011). AlcoholRead MoreMarijuana Subculture1712 Words   |   7 Pageshas an approved list of drugs that are considered legal and illegal that create adverse side effects and hold diverse political views. Marijuana is a substance that popular media holds in a negative undertone while other drugs such as valium and alcohol are supported, if not glorified. Popular media is a powerful tool that gathers a mass of people and provides all types of information. Some types of information are historical facts, statistics, entertainment, opinions, and biases which alter theRead MoreIntroduction. Currently The Legal Age To Consume Alcoholic1817 Words   |  8 Pagesin the United States is 21 years old. Alcohol is the cause of 88,000 deaths per year in the United States (CDC, 2014). The following numbers include: drunk driving, homicides with alcohol involved, and alcohol poisoning. This is a high average for the current minimum legal drinking age, and the number of deaths continues to increase each year. Alcohol fatalities are considered a prevent ative death in the United States, which means fatalities that include alcohol can be avoided, by simply being responsibleRead MoreEffects Of Alcohol On Family Relationships1953 Words   |  8 Pages This paper explains the effects alcohol can have on relationships and individuals, whether that is relating to physical or mental health. Marital and family relationships are significant types of bonds that can be destroyed by the mental illness of alcoholism. Abuse and detachment are two of the most common factors that can result from the way alcohol weakens relationships. Drinking can mend the mental health of an alcoholic in many harmful ways. Depression and anxiety can be the cause as well