In primary care, tools like AUDIT‑C, the Single‑Item Screen, or the full AUDIT can flag concern and guide next steps. If screening is positive, a clinician uses the 11 criteria above to determine presence and severity of AUD. Compared to other countries, Poland does not have formal algorithms of medical intervention with specifically defined objectives and methods of their achievement. There are only general recommendations for alcohol rehabilitation therapies, involving inter-disciplinary teams that should consist of a psychiatrist, a clinical psychologist and a therapist/addiction counsellor 51. Alcohol dependence is defined in all DSM versions, including the latest, as a cluster of behavioural and drug addiction physical symptoms in people taking large quantities of alcohol, including alcohol withdrawal syndrome, tolerance and alcohol craving 8, 15.

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Alcohol dependence is triggered by both environmental (political, social, cultural, economic) and genetic factors 16–19. Biological processes that underlie susceptibility to dependence have been the focus of intense research efforts 20–23. Genetic factors account for 50–60% of alcohol dependence susceptibility, regardless of gender 24–27. Nevertheless, the magnitude of genetic influence on mental diseases, including alcoholism, remains inconclusive 28, 29. The 11th revision process of the International Classification of Diseases is underway and the final ICD-11 is planned to be released in 2015. The World Psychiatric Association (WPA) and World Health Organization (WHO) have combined their efforts while working on the 5th part on mental disorders, including substance abuse 8.

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- These studies should address test-retest reliability and antecedent, concurrent, and predictive validity (e.g., distress and impaired functioning).
- Concerns about DSM-IV-defined nicotine dependence include the utility of some criteria, the ability to predict treatment outcome, and low prevalence in smokers (131, 163, 169).
- The latest update of the American DSM-5 has been a notable step forward as it integrates alcohol abuse and alcohol dependence into a single disorder called alcohol use disorder (AUD) with mild, moderate, and severe sub-classifications 8.
The efficacy of traditional therapeutic strategies has not been fully satisfactory for all patients. According to new guidelines, both international and Polish, the form of treatment should be customised to the individual patient, with consideration given to his/her mental and physical condition, personality and natural setting. Ongoing research has demonstrated that a harm reduction strategy provides a useful alternative in alcohol dependence treatment that might prove effective in a great number of patients.
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Sustained Remission refers to a prolonged period during which an individual with a substance use disorder (SUD) does not meet the diagnostic criteria for the disorder. This term typically indicates that the individual has maintained sobriety or significantly reduced their substance use for an extended time, often defined as 12 months or more, without experiencing any major relapse. Sustained remission is an important milestone in the recovery process, as it demonstrates that the person has developed effective coping strategies, addressed the underlying causes of their addiction, and maintained the behavioral changes necessary to avoid returning to substance use. The amount of data available to address the topics discussed above varied, and new studies will be needed for some of the more specific issues. However, major concerns regarding the combination of abuse and dependence criteria were conclusively addressed because an astonishing amount of data was available and the results were very consistent. The recommendations for DSM-5 substance use disorders represent the results of a lengthy and intensive process aimed at identifying problems in DSM-IV http://musiconthemovedjs.com/why-does-alcohol-withdrawal-make-you-sweat/ and resolving these through changes in DSM-5.
- The individuals evaluated here met criteria for an AUD at their first follow-up at age 28 to 33 and were followed every 5 years for the next two decades.
- Equally important to consider, is the possibility that men with a greater drive to recover were those who sought out help earlier in life; perhaps because they had more severe forms of the illness earlier or somehow had easier access to treatment or both.
- A device like BACtrack View, which allows self-monitoring of blood alcohol levels and possibly sharing results with a trusted friend, peer or treatment professional, adds measurable accountability and may help mitigate risk early in recovery.
- A qualified health professional uses a clinical interview aligned to DSM‑5 criteria (12‑month window), often informed by screening tools and collateral information.
- The work group elicited input on proposed changes through commentary (2), expert advisers, the DSM-5 web site (receiving 520 comments on substance use disorders), and presentations at over 30 professional meetings (see Table S1 in the data supplement that accompanies the online edition of this article).
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- More importantly, it is likely the people served by such a program with a broadened focus would have far better chances of recovery.
- Differential item functioning was generally no more pronounced for craving than for other criteria.
- Whereas the notion of abstinence has not been totally rejected, the approach leaves room for customised treatment and focuses on the individual patient’s needs and current condition 43.
Alcohol dependence is defined as a cluster of phenomena that typically include difficulties in controlling alcohol use that develop after repeated or continuous use of the substance. It includes a strong desire to consume alcohol, impaired control of its use, a higher priority given to alcohol than other activities, frequently increased tolerance and a physical withdrawal state. A long-term follow-up study of men with AUD found that by age 50, 60% achieved first or sustained remission; of that group, about 45% achieved sustained remission (no further diagnosis) in the sample. While some support exists for adding withdrawal syndromes for inhalants and Ecstasy (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine) (31, 145–147), the literature and expert consultation suggest that evidence remains insufficient to include these in DSM-5, but further study alcoholism is warranted.
