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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Is Any Online Doctor Ready To Check My Reports And Specify Whether I Am Alcohol Dependent Or Alcohol Misuse?

Hi,

I had to recently have a medical to establice if I was fit to drive following a three year ban. The results came back as follows:

Gamma GT 26
AST 85
MCV 108.6
ALT 48
Blood Alcohol 100ml

On this basis I was refused my license back. I had been a very heavy drinker in past years but more recently have cut down considerably. Hardly any alcohol consumption over the past year except for Christmas New Year and my birthday - which unfortunately was just a few days before the test.

Can you tell me which category I might fall into either alcohol dependent or alcohol misuse? If it is the former I cant reapply for 12 months and if it is the latter I can reapply in six months DVLC cant tell me which it is.

Thanks.
Fri, 7 Jun 2013
Report Abuse
General & Family Physician 's  Response
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic

Alcohol abuse is diagnosed if one or more of the following is present: (1) hazardous use (for example while driving or swimming)
(2)role impairment (cannot fulfil duties at home or work)
(3)legal problems
(4) social and relationship problems

Alcohol dependence is diagnosed if 3 or more of the following is present:
(1) tolerance- a person needs to drink more and more to get the same effect
(2)signs of alcohol withdrawal
(3)drink more than intend to
(4)unsuccessful attempts to reduce amount used
(5)excess time related to alcohol eg hangover
(6)use despite all the consequences
(7) impaired social or work activities because of alcohol

The blood test would show the alcohol level but would not be able to be used for further classification
This would depend on the assessment by the doctor or counsellor.

I hope this helps
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Is Any Online Doctor Ready To Check My Reports And Specify Whether I Am Alcohol Dependent Or Alcohol Misuse?

HI, thanks for using healthcare magic Alcohol abuse is diagnosed if one or more of the following is present: (1) hazardous use (for example while driving or swimming) (2)role impairment (cannot fulfil duties at home or work) (3)legal problems (4) social and relationship problems Alcohol dependence is diagnosed if 3 or more of the following is present: (1) tolerance- a person needs to drink more and more to get the same effect (2)signs of alcohol withdrawal (3)drink more than intend to (4)unsuccessful attempts to reduce amount used (5)excess time related to alcohol eg hangover (6)use despite all the consequences (7) impaired social or work activities because of alcohol The blood test would show the alcohol level but would not be able to be used for further classification This would depend on the assessment by the doctor or counsellor. I hope this helps