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Sub-Category:

Addiction Disorders

Number of Conditions: 1

Substance Use Disorders (e.g., Alcohol Use Disorder)

Specialty: Senior Health and Geriatrics

Category: Mental Health Disorders

Sub-category: Addiction Disorders

Symptoms:
compulsive substance use; cravings; withdrawal symptoms; tolerance; neglect of responsibilities; continued use despite harm

Root Cause:
Chronic brain disease involving altered reward and motivation pathways, influenced by genetic, psychological, and environmental factors.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Based on DSM-5 criteria, including a pattern of problematic substance use leading to significant impairment or distress, confirmed by history and collateral information.

Treatment:
Behavioral therapies (e.g., cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing), support groups (e.g., Alcoholics Anonymous), and pharmacotherapy.

Medications:
Naltrexone (an opioid receptor antagonist) to reduce cravings, acamprosate (glutamate modulator) for maintaining abstinence, or disulfiram (enzyme inhibitor) to discourage alcohol use.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Approximately 10% of older adults in the U.S. experience alcohol use disorder, with varying rates for other substances.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Family history, social isolation, depression, chronic pain, and access to substances.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Recovery is possible with treatment, but relapse is common. Long-term success often requires sustained support.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Liver disease, cardiovascular issues, falls, cognitive decline, and interactions with medications.