Alcohol use disorder is a term used to refer to the misuse of alcohol. Several specifically defined conditions better categorize patterns of alcohol misuse. Alcohol use disorder is a chronic relapsing brain disease characterized by compulsive alcohol use, loss of control over alcohol intake, and a negative emotional state when not using. Individuals with alcohol use disorder are preoccupied with alcohol and continue to drink alcohol even when it causes problems. To get the same effect of being intoxicated, individuals with alcohol use disorder have to drink more just to get the same effect or have withdrawal symptoms when they rapidly decrease or stop drinking. Alcohol use disorder is diagnosed when, over a 12-month period, the patient’s drinking has caused clinically significant impairment or distress. Alcohol use disorder, with severity specified as mild, moderate, or severe, depending on the number of diagnostic criteria that have been met. While it can range from mild to severe, even a mild disorder can escalate and lead to serious problems, so early treatment is important.
There can be several causes of alcohol use disorder. Various factors like genetic, psychological, social, and environmental factors can all impact how drinking alcohol affects your body and behavior. For certain people drinking has a different and stronger impact that can lead to alcohol use disorder that it may not have on others.
Symptoms of alcohol use disorder can include:
Alcohol intoxication is a result of what happens when the amount of alcohol in your bloodstream increases. The first episode of alcohol intoxication is likely to occur during the mid-teens. The higher your blood alcohol concentration is, the more impaired you become. Very high blood alcohol levels can lead to comas or even death. Alcohol intoxication causes behavior problems and mental changes. When intoxicated, individuals can also have periods called “blackouts,” where they don’t remember events.
Alcohol withdrawal can occur when alcohol use has been heavy and prolonged and is then significantly reduced or stopped. The span of alcohol withdrawal can occur anywhere from several hours to four or five days later.
There is no perfect way to approach a loved one that you assume or know is struggling with alcohol use disorder. Many people with an alcohol use disorder hesitate to get treatment because they don’t recognize they have a problem, so approaching them to tell them that they do have a problem can be difficult. An intervention from loved ones can help some people recognize and accept that they need professional help. If you’re concerned about someone who drinks too much, ask a professional experienced in alcohol treatment for advice on how to approach that person. You can not force someone to seek professional care, but you can always offer your support and encouragement. Even though you may not be able to prevent your loved one from developing an alcohol use disorder, you can still talk with them about treatment options.
There are effective treatments for alcohol use disorder. The first step in treatment is being able to recognize that you have an alcohol use problem, which can be difficult for most individuals. Many individuals reach this realization at a very low point brought upon by alcohol use disorder. Even with treatment, there is a probability that you may return to alcohol use. This is more likely to occur if you spend time with people who drink alcohol or you’re in environments where alcohol use is common. A key part of recovery from alcohol use disorder is continued support.
Aftercare programs and/or support groups help people recovering from alcohol use disorder to stop drinking, manage relapses, and cope with necessary lifestyle changes. If you feel that you’ll start to use alcohol again, contact your mental health professional or sponsor right away to prevent a relapse. Lifestyle changes are also crucial in recovering from alcohol use disorder. Doing things that don’t involve alcohol and replacing activities you usually partake in that involve alcohol with something else is necessary. Ensuring that your family and friends are aware that you are no longer drinking alcohol and developing a support system of friends and family who can support your recovery, now can impair your recovery. If you have people in your life that socially drink that do not support your recovery may impact your course of treatment and recovery. Finally, continuing to engage in other healthy habits is necessary for treatment. This can include managing stress in a healthy way, good sleep habits, maintaining a schedule, or regular physical activity can make it easier for you to recover from alcohol use disorder.
Detox and Withdrawal
The first step in treatment is enrolling in a program to begin detoxification or detox. This process is medically managed, which generally takes two to seven days. You may need to take sedating medications to prevent withdrawal symptoms. Detox is usually done at an inpatient treatment center or a hospital.
Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy or psychological counseling is used to identify the patterns of behaviors, thoughts, triggers, etc. that may impact individuals with alcohol use disorder. In therapy, individuals learn skills and establish treatment plans that usually involve alcohol treatment specialists. It may include goal setting, behavior change techniques, the use of self-help manuals, counseling, and follow-up care at a treatment center. Therapy or counseling may help individuals better understand their problem with alcohol and support recovery from the psychological aspects of alcohol use. Alcohol use disorder commonly occurs along with other mental health disorders, like depression and anxiety, which can be discussed in therapy.
Family therapy is a form of therapy that can support the individual, as well as the family in regards to how the alcohol use behaviors affect the family unit. It can provide the family with skills on how to resolve issues that arise and communicate with each other in a healthy manner. Family therapy also provides the individual with the support needed for their recovery.
Self-Help Groups
Various self-help groups are options for individuals to attend, such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), Women for Sobriety, and Al-Anon and Alateen. Some people find that talking with others who have an alcohol use problem may be a helpful part of treatment. Through self-help groups, individuals find a forum of peer support, gaining strength as they share their feelings, and experiences with others facing the same obstacles as themselves. Self-help groups can also be helpful because you can have a sponsor that will assist in your continued recovery.
Some medications can assist in the treatment of alcohol use disorder. An injection medication, Vivitrol, is injected once a month by a healthcare professional. Vivitrol is a non-addictive, once-monthly treatment proven to help reduce heavy drinking days in alcohol-dependent patients when used with counseling. It can also be administered in pill form. Another drug called disulfiram (Antabuse) may help prevent individuals from drinking. Antabuse is not a cure for alcohol use disorder. This drug produces a physical reaction that may include flushing, nausea, vomiting, and headaches. Naltrexone is a drug that blocks the dopamine response alcohol causes and may prevent heavy drinking, as well as reduce the urge to drink. Acamprosate is a drug that may help individuals combat alcohol cravings once a person stops drinking. Unlike disulfiram, naltrexone and acamprosate don’t make individuals feel sick after drinking.
Residential Treatment Programs
For serious alcohol use disorder, enrolling in a residential treatment facility may be necessary. Most residential treatment programs include individual and group therapy, support groups, educational lectures, family involvement, and activity therapy. These programs will include the collaborative efforts of a team, which typically includes licensed alcohol and drug counselors, social workers, nurses, doctors, and others with expertise and experience in treating alcohol use disorder.
Other Practices
While medication, psychotherapy, residential programs, and other treatment options are necessary for treatment, research has found that other forms of treatment can also help. Partaking in practices like meditation, yoga, religious beliefs, etc., helps individuals gain greater insight into their spiritual side and this is a key element in recovery.
At Clarity Clinic, we are committed to being your partner in reclaiming a life of purpose, joy, and freedom from Alcohol Use Disorder. Our experienced team of therapists, counselors, and support staff are dedicated to providing you with the tools and strategies needed to overcome the challenges of AUD. Take the first step towards transformation today. Contact us to schedule an appointment and embark on a journey of healing and growth. There is a brighter path ahead, and we're here to walk it with you.
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