Telling your doctor that you are an alcoholic can be a difficult but important first step towards recovery. Approximately 15 million adults in the United States have an alcohol use disorder, yet less than 10% receive any form of treatment. By informing your doctor about your drinking habits, you open doors to getting the medical care and support you need.
Doctors have extensive training in recognizing and treating alcohol use disorders. They can provide education, counseling, medication assistance, referrals to treatment programs, and help managing withdrawal symptoms. Being honest allows them to properly diagnose any alcohol-related health issues you may have and recommend an appropriate treatment plan.
While it may be intimidating to admit you have a drinking problem, doctors aim to provide help in a non-judgmental way. Their goal is to improve your health and quality of life. Here is an overview of what you can expect when you tell your doctor you are an alcoholic:
They Will Ask About Your Drinking Habits
Doctors need details about your drinking patterns to determine if you have alcoholism, also known as alcohol use disorder. They will ask questions such as:
- How often do you drink alcohol?
- How much do you typically drink in one sitting?
- Have you tried to cut back or quit drinking?
- Do you drink first thing in the morning to relieve hangovers or withdrawal symptoms?
- Do you sometimes drink more or for longer than intended?
Providing honest answers helps them understand the severity of your alcohol use. Based on your drinking habits and any resulting social, work, or health problems you may have, they can diagnose mild, moderate, or severe alcohol use disorder.
They Will Screen for Alcohol Withdrawal
Quitting alcohol cold turkey can cause severe, even life-threatening withdrawal symptoms. Doctors need to assess whether you are physically dependent on alcohol and at risk for withdrawal. Symptoms can start within hours after the last drink and include:
- Tremors
- Nausea and vomiting
- Agitation
- Rapid heartbeat
- Seizures
- Delirium tremens (DTs)
Based on your drinking history and a physical exam, your doctor may order lab tests to check for signs of withdrawal. Treatment may include medications to prevent symptoms or hospitalization for medical supervision if withdrawal is expected to be severe.
They Will Do a Physical Exam
Chronic heavy alcohol use negatively impacts nearly every organ system. Doctors will do a complete physical exam to check for any signs of alcohol-related health problems. This includes:
- Listening to your heart and lungs
- Checking your blood pressure
- Feeling your abdomen for enlarged liver or other issues
- Examining your skin for redness and spider veins
- Assessing nerve function
- Evaluating mental status
They may find evidence of liver disease, heart failure, nerve damage, brain impairment, or other conditions caused or worsened by alcoholism. Diagnosing these issues early allows prompt treatment to improve health.
They Will Order Laboratory Tests
Doctors can use blood and urine tests to confirm physical exam findings and look for any organ damage. Some examples of lab tests they may order include:
| Test | Checks for |
|---|---|
| Complete blood count | Anemia, infections |
| Liver function tests | Liver injury |
| Blood alcohol level | Current intoxication |
| Urine toxicology screen | Alcohol or drugs |
Seeing lab evidence of health consequences from drinking may motivate you to seek treatment and abstain from alcohol.
They Will Assess Mental Health
Up to a third of people with alcoholism also have co-occurring mental health disorders like depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Doctors will screen for these using interviews, questionnaires, or referrals for psychiatric evaluation. Managing any co-existing conditions along with alcohol recovery improves outcomes.
They Will Create a Treatment Plan
After obtaining your history, doing an exam, and reviewing lab results, doctors will recommend a comprehensive treatment plan. This may include:
- Detoxification – Supervised medical treatment for alcohol withdrawal symptoms which may require hospitalization.
- Counseling – Various types of individual or group therapy and support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous.
- Residential treatment – A highly structured environment with intensive therapy at an alcohol rehab facility.
- Medications – Drugs to reduce alcohol cravings and support recovery.
- Outpatient follow-up – Ongoing primary care, mental health treatment, or visits to an addiction medicine specialist.
Doctors will collaborate with you to set treatment goals and decide on next steps like referrals to counselors or treatment programs. Ongoing follow-up care helps sustain long-term sobriety.
They Will Educate About Alcoholism
Doctors aim to help you understand alcoholism as a chronic but treatable medical condition, not a personal failing. They can provide information about:
- What causes alcohol use disorder
- How alcohol addiction develops
- The health consequences of alcoholism
- The benefits of stopping alcohol use
- What to expect in recovery
Learning more may increase your motivation to stick with treatment. Doctors can also refer you to support resources like Alcoholics Anonymous or SMART Recovery.
They Will Involve Your Family
With your consent, doctors may meet with concerned loved ones to explain your treatment plan and how family members can best support you. Many alcohol rehab programs also provide family education and counseling. Having an understanding, supportive family is linked to better recovery outcomes.
Conclusion
Being honest with your doctor about your drinking is the first step on the road to recovery. They can provide compassionate, confidential, and comprehensive care – assessing your health, creating a treatment plan, and partnering with you long-term. While admitting you need help for alcoholism may be difficult, taking this courageous step puts you on the path to a healthier life. Support and effective treatment options are available. The sooner you reach out, the sooner you can start experiencing the benefits of sobriety.