Alcohol Abuse and Dependence

Exams and Tests

Alcohol use problems may be diagnosed during a routine doctor visit or when you see your doctor for another problem. If your partner or a friend thinks you have an alcohol problem, he or she may urge you to see your doctor.

Your doctor will ask about your medical history and do a physical exam. He or she also may ask questions or do tests to look for health problems linked to alcohol problems, such as cirrhosis. Many people don't go to a doctor for alcohol problems but for problems that result from long-term alcohol use.

If you think you or someone you care about might have a drinking problem, use this short quiz to check for symptoms:

Interactive Tool: Do You Have a Drinking Problem? Click here to see an interactive tool.

Drinking and mental health problems

People who drink also may have mental health problems. These may include depression, anxiety disorders, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). If your doctor thinks this may be true for you, he or she may do a mental health assessment.

If you have a drinking problem and a mental health problem, it's called a dual diagnosis. A dual diagnosis can make treatment for an alcohol problem harder. If you don't get treatment, one problem can make the other one worse. If you treat only one problem, treatment may not work well. When you treat both problems, you have a better chance for a full recovery and less chance of drinking again.


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Author: Jeannette Curtis
Paul Lehnert
Last Updated: February 15, 2008
Medical Review: Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine
James R. McKay, PhD - Psychology

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Topic Contents
 Topic Overview
 Health Tools Click here to view Health Tools.
 FAQs
 Cause
 Symptoms
 What Happens
 What Increases Your Risk
 When to Call a Doctor
Arrow PointerExams and Tests
 Treatment Overview
 Medications
 Recovery
 Family and Community
 Other Places To Get Help
 Related Information
 References
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