In this midweek episode of the pod, I catch up with Ben Schiller we break down the DSM 5 Criteria for assessing alcohol use disorder and compare it to our relationships with alcohol.

A great reminder of how far we have come but also a great diagnostic for anyone wondering if it could be time to take a break.

To reach out to Ben go to [email protected]

DSM-5 Criteria for AUD 21 To confirm a diagnosis of AUD, at least two of the following criteria need to be met. , in the past 12-months have you:

Had times when you ended up drinking more, or longer than you intended? More than once wanted to cut down or stop drinking, or tried to, but couldn’t?

Spent a lot of time drinking? Or being sick or getting over the after effects?

Experienced craving — a strong need, or urge, to drink?

Found that drinking — or being sick from drinking — often interfered with taking care of your home or family? Or caused job troubles? Or school problems?

Continued to drink even though it was causing trouble with your family or friends?

Given up or cut back on activities that were important or interesting to you, or gave you pleasure, in order to drink?

More than once gotten into situations while or after drinking that increased your chances of getting hurt (such as driving, swimming, using machinery, walking in a dangerous area, or having unsafe sex)?

Continued to drink even though it was making you feel depressed or anxious or adding to another health problem? Or after having had a memory blackout?

Had to drink much more than you once did to get the effect you want? Or found that your usual number of drinks had much less effect than before?

Found that when the effects of alcohol were wearing off, you had withdrawal symptoms, such as trouble sleeping, shakiness, irritability, anxiety, depression, restlessness, nausea, or sweating? Or sensed things that were not there?

If you or someone you know needs help, please call the National Alcohol and Other Drug hotline on 1800 250 015 or call Lifeline on 13 11 14

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