Having support and seeking professional treatment increases the chances for recovery from AUD. Groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) provide support for people who are recovering. There are various reasons to drink, from enhancing a meal to celebrating special occasions. “Many people find it easier to interact and have fun and maybe feel a little less reserved” while drinking, says Raymond Anton, an addiction psychiatrist at the Medical University of South Carolina. Xenia Ellenbogen (she/they) is a journalist specializing in health, mental health, and wellness. Her writing has appeared in publications such as Everyday Health, Well+Good, Rewire News Group, Prism, and more.
Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is a comprehensive approach to treating addiction that combines FDA-approved medications with therapy to address both the physical and psychological aspects of addiction. MAT is primarily used to treat opioid use disorder and alcohol use disorder, helping individuals manage withdrawal symptoms and cravings while they undergo behavioral therapy. The use of MAT has been shown to improve recovery outcomes and reduce the risk of relapse by stabilizing the brain’s chemistry and promoting long-term sobriety. Alcohol use disorder (sometimes called alcoholism) is a common medical condition. People with this condition can’t stop drinking, even if their alcohol use upends their lives and the lives of those around them. While people with this condition may start drinking again, studies show that with treatment, most people are able to reduce how much they drink or stop drinking entirely.
Is Alcohol Addiction a Disease?
- Below, we cover the warning signs of AUD and how healthcare professionals diagnose it.
- Still, there are some groups for whom going sober might be the best policy, such as those with a family history of addiction, liver disease or cancer, Anton says.
- They may be able to help the doctor understand the root of the problem, including behaviors that trigger drinking.
- Over the long term, AUD may lead to serious health conditions, while worsening others.
Alcohol dependence is also known as alcoholism or alcohol use disorder. Our team is comprised of doctors, clinicians, therapists, mentors, and recovery coaches with decades of experience in the field. Carolina Center for Recovery is lucky to have some of the most qualified and experienced addiction specialists in the country. Harm reduction efforts, such as community naloxone distribution, are also key in preventing overdose deaths.
What causes alcohol use disorder?
Research shows that relapse rates for addiction are high, with studies sober house indicating that about 40-60% of individuals in recovery relapse at some point, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). According to a study by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), these types of therapies are effective in reducing symptoms of anxiety, depression, and stress, which contribute to addiction. Equine therapy, which involves working with horses, focuses on building emotional regulation, trust, and responsibility. Engaging with horses has been shown to help individuals develop a deeper sense of self-awareness and emotional balance, promoting positive changes in behavior.
Treatment for Alcohol Misuse or Addiction
It’s not possible to predict if and when someone will become dependent on alcohol. If you’re worried about your drinking, get in touch with your GP surgery who will be able to help. Following detox, you may be encouraged to transition into either an inpatient or outpatient rehabilitation program for longer-term recovery work. Traumatic childhood experiences, such as neglect or abuse, can also be a contributing factor. Alcohol use disorder can look different in each person, but there are some symptoms you can watch out for. A number of studies have looked at alcohol use among specific racial and ethnic populations, including Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) communities.
How is alcohol use disorder diagnosed?
Gabapentin, a medication sometimes used in alcohol abuse treatment, can help reduce symptoms like anxiety and cravings, making recovery safer and more comfortable. Alcohol abuse is different from AUD, the more “severe” of the two conditions. People who abuse alcohol but aren’t physically addicted may experience the same signs and symptoms as people who have AUD.
The brain adapts to the presence of alcohol and undergoes persistent changes. When alcohol use suddenly stops, the body is not accustomed to being alcohol free. The internal environment changes drastically, causing symptoms of withdrawal. Elevated MCV is found in approximately 50 to 60 percent of chronic heavy drinkers. When people quit drinking, their MCV levels typically return to normal within two to four months. The https://northiowatoday.com/2025/01/27/sober-house-rules-what-you-should-know-before-moving-in/ combination of increased MCV levels and elevated GGT levels has a 90 percent sensitivity for detecting alcohol abuse, according to a study published in Current Psychiatry.
Pay attention to the warning signs if you suspect that a loved one has a problem with alcohol. Certain behaviors may indicate a person’s pattern of drinking is the result of addiction. People with alcohol use disorder (AUD) may be able to hide many of the more obvious symptoms of addiction for a long period of time. People with AUD and the people around them may also choose to ignore the signs. If you want to know more about alcohol use disorder, including treatment options and what counts as a “standard drink” in the United States, you can visit the NIAAA Rethinking Drinking website. Treatment may involve standard therapies used to treat other mental illnesses, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which is commonly used to treat depression, among other disorders.
One study found that, six months after participating in Dry January, 40 percent of participants reported drinking less often and having fewer drinks, whereas 10 percent reported the opposite. The key, according to Seija, is not to do Dry January just to go binge drinking on February 1 but to perhaps find a new drinking pattern that feels comfortable and sustainable. Rimm thinks the biological evidence still shows that moderate alcohol consumption offers a small benefit for heart disease and other conditions such as type 2 diabetes. But these benefits are probably averaged out—or maybe even outweighed—by traffic injuries, breast cancer and other risks of moderate drinking. If you’ve tried to reduce or stop drinking in the past and have experienced withdrawal symptoms, there are ways to safely detox from AUD. A specialist can help you decide the best course of action to ensure your safety.
Because alcoholism rewires the brain and affects a person’s mood, thinking and behaviors, it’s classified as a mental illness. Thus, many of the hallmark signs of alcoholism involve changes in behavior. While alcoholism is a complex disease and diagnosing it isn’t an exact science, several signs and symptoms can indicate when your drinking has crossed the line into addiction. Health professionals sometimes prescribe medications to reduce the symptoms of withdrawal.
Depending on the severity and extent of someone’s alcohol use, mild withdrawal symptoms can linger up to a few weeks. Navigating the Alcohol Withdrawal Timeline can be challenging, but understanding the different alcohol withdrawal stages and potential complications can make a significant difference. For those with a history of chronic alcohol use or alcohol abuse and alcoholism, the likelihood of experiencing severe withdrawal symptoms necessitates close medical supervision. Severe alcohol withdrawal can lead to dangerous conditions such as alcohol withdrawal delirium, making it crucial to have a medical professional involved. The common signs and symptoms of addiction are cravings, loss of control, and continued use despite negative consequences. Individuals also experience physical dependence and withdrawal symptoms when attempting to stop using the substance or engaging in the behavior.