Question 1

is there an over-the-counter treatment for alcohol dependence?

Accepted Answer

Treatment: You will be disappointed going to the drug store.  You could buy some vitamins and try to stop.  Most alcohol dependent people need a structured program, such as aa, or an inpatient treatment program were you can be treated with detox meds.  Not all alcoholics need detox meds, all need support, education, vitamins, and do better with a structured program.

Question 2

is alcohol dependence rare?

Accepted Answer

Alcohol dependence: Is not rare, but most people who use alcohol have no significant problems from it.  In hawaii, a state that has good data, about 4% of adults admit to moderate or severe alcohol dependence.  A national study found that of those who use alcohol, 3% drink heavily and have 3 or 4 signs of dependence & 1% are chronic or relapse drinkers with 6 or 7 signs of dependence.

Question 3

what sort of problem is alcohol dependence?

Accepted Answer

Alcohol dependence: Alcohol dependence is a serious problem because the natural history of this disease is to progress. Excess drinking tends to interfere with home life and social relationships, can impair your performance at work, get you into legal troubles (dui), and severely impairment your health--nutritional deficiences, neuropathy, liver dysfunction, pancreatitis, and sexual dysfunction.

Question 4

what are the symptoms of alcohol dependence?

Accepted Answer

Step One of AA: We admitted we were powerless over alcohol— that our lives had become unmanageable.  To learn more, you might consider attending a meeting of aa.

Question 5

what to do about alcohol dependence and withdrawal symptoms?

Accepted Answer

See doctor: If you are asking how to treat and deal with your alcohol problem, make an appointment with a psychiatrist who has experience with addictions.  He or she will work with you to diagnose specifically what is your illness, and prescribe a treatment regimen to help with withdrawal and follow up long term sobriety.  Treatments are safe and effective.  Be serious and persevere, and it will be worth it.

Question 6

how can i tell if i'm experiencing alcohol dependence / addiction?

Accepted Answer

Check symptoms: These terms are used interchangeably     
alcohol dependence occurs when you have to take higher doses to get the same effect and you develop withdrawal symptoms when you quit "cold turkey"
addiction is the case when you have major areas in your life negatively being impacted and you are still not able to stop.

Question 7

what is the medical definition of alcohol dependence and alcohol abuse?

Accepted Answer

Addiction: Alcohol can be robustly abused by someone but as long as the person is not addicted to it, and doesn't miss it after putting it down, the diagnosis is alcohol abuse. If, however, the person feels either physically or psychologically addicted/dependent on it and either cannot go a day without it, or binge drinks uncontrollably the diagnosis is alcohol dependence.

Question 8

can alcohol dependence be a symptom of depression? need expert opinions!

Accepted Answer

Possibly: Many people self medicate in a variety of ways.  Over drinking and alcoholism is one of the ways.  Please remember this is only one possible scenario.  To get a definitive diagnosis go to a therapist trained in treating alcoholism.

Question 9

how long does it take for withdrawal symptoms from alcohol dependence to stop?

Accepted Answer

5 to 7 days: Depends on how much and how often you drink.

Question 10

what is the link between alcohol dependence and vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine) (and similar medications)?

Accepted Answer

No link: In fact, people with add or adhd on medications like vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine) are less likely to become addicted to alcohol and other drugs.

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Doctor answers about:

Alcohol dependence treatment

A member asked:

Is there an over-the-counter treatment for alcohol dependence?

A member asked:

Is alcohol dependence rare?

A member asked:

What sort of problem is alcohol dependence?

A member asked:

What are the symptoms of alcohol dependence?

A member asked:

What to do about alcohol dependence and withdrawal symptoms?

A member asked:

How can i tell if i'm experiencing alcohol dependence / addiction?

A member asked:

What is the medical definition of alcohol dependence and alcohol abuse?

A member asked:

Can alcohol dependence be a symptom of depression? need expert opinions!

A member asked:

How long does it take for withdrawal symptoms from alcohol dependence to stop?

A member asked:

What is the link between alcohol dependence and vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine) (and similar medications)?

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