A Guide to Alcohol Use Disorder and Treatment
Alcohol use disorder, or alcoholism, is a pattern of drinking that results in physical or mental health problems. Alcoholism usually begins with a person drinking socially. Gradually, over time and as social situations become more challenging to handle, alcohol use expands to include earlier starting times and more alcohol consumption per occasion. It continues even though the users recognize that it’s negatively impacting their work, family life, or health.
A recent survey shows that 14.1 million people aged 18 or older had an alcohol use disorder in 2019. Individuals with an alcohol use disorder are more likely to relapse after a period of sobriety. This is caused by the effects of alcohol on their brain chemistry. However, no matter how long a person has been dependent on alcohol, there is always an opportunity for recovery.
Alcohol Overdose
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, most overdose cases happen when people drink more than their body can handle. This usually occurs when people consume alcohol in larger amounts or over a longer period than intended.
Alcohol overdoses come in numerous forms, from simple overdoses that cause no actual harm to those that are lethal (the result of alcohol poisoning). Side effects from simple overdoses that cause no real damage include being drunk, blacking out, vomiting, and being mildly sick. These are the kind of side effects that people often experience when they consume more alcohol than their bodies can handle. Too much alcohol in one’s system can also lead to anxiety, muscle tremors, confusion, depression, or slow breathing.
Factors That Increase the Risk of Alcohol Use Disorder
Age
A person’s risk of alcohol dependence increases with age. Occasional or moderate drinking may be fine, but beginning at age 15, those who begin to drink are at a higher risk of alcohol dependence than those who do not start drinking until adulthood.
Family History and Genetics
A family with a history of alcoholism is also a significant risk factor. In many cases, genetic factors may influence one’s risk of developing an alcohol use disorder. About half of the risk for developing alcohol dependence can be related to genetics.
However, an environment lacking positive role models and coping skills can also increase the risk of developing alcohol use disorder. Individuals without a support network are likely at an even higher risk for developing induced or dependent drinking.
Mental Health and a History of Trauma
Many people suffer from psychiatric conditions, including depression and anxiety disorders. These conditions can increase the risk of developing an alcohol use disorder. A history of trauma, especially childhood abuse, can also be a factor that leads to alcohol dependency. Many people struggling with this disorder often opt for drinking as a coping mechanism for dealing with the depression and anxiety they feel.
Symptoms of Alcohol Use Disorder
Alcohol use disorder symptoms can vary depending on the severity of the users’ condition and how long they have been drinking. Some may only show mild signs, while others may have severe symptoms. The guidelines found in the Diagnostic & Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) are used to determine how severe a person’s alcohol dependency is. The following are signs you have become overly dependent on alcohol:
- Feeling a strong urge to drink alcohol even though it causes problems in all areas of life
- Giving up essential responsibilities, such as work and school, to meet or exceed one’s drinking quota
- Having a distorted sense of time and place
- Being less able to remember recent events than a person normally would be
- Continuing to drink despite having had drunk driving offenses or a criminal conviction for driving while intoxicated or DUI
- Wanting to cut down on how much you drink or making unsuccessful attempts to do so
- Giving up or postponing social and work activities and hobbies to use alcohol
- Developing a tolerance to alcohol so you need more to feel its effect
If you are struggling with the symptoms mentioned above, it probably means it is time that you seek professional help to overcome your addiction. Alcohol use disorder can include periods of alcohol intoxication (being drunk) and withdrawal symptoms.
Alcohol Intoxication
Symptoms of alcohol intoxication can include being unsteady on one’s feet, slurred speech, and bloodshot eyes. These symptoms occur when users have used or been exposed to excess alcohol, which alters the chemical balance in their brains. An intoxicated person may also experience memory loss and confusion. Very high alcohol levels in the blood can be fatal as it could lead to permanent brain damage, coma, and death.
Alcohol Withdrawal
Withdrawal occurs when people who have been drinking heavily suddenly stop. They can experience symptoms such as:
- Anxiety, confusion, and insomnia
- Shaking, sweating, and chills
- Irritability, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
Alcohol withdrawal can begin within a few hours after the last drink. The symptoms peak in about two to four days and then subside over three to five days. These symptoms can severely affect your work, school, and family life.
How to Get Help
If alcohol is causing problems in your life, you don’t have to suffer through it alone. Help is available for you, and it’s never too late to get the treatment you need. It may take time to recover, but with the support of a professional, you can break free from alcohol addiction and lead a healthy life.
If you are seeking help for yourself or a loved one, the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) has a searchable database of treatment centers that you can consult to discover what options are available in your area. This will be a massive step in the right direction.
Reasons to Get Help With Drug and Alcohol Addiction
Recovery from alcohol addiction is possible. However, it takes time and requires significant effort and commitment. Here are reasons you should get help:
Quitting Alcohol
Alcohol addiction can be a severe disorder. Alcohol dependence means that you are physically dependent on alcohol to the point that your physical health is affected. Your life will not be fully functional without this drug, and the effects of continued irresponsible use can become severe over time or even fatal.
Improving Your Health Outcome
To improve your physical, mental, and emotional well-being, you must quit alcohol, especially if you depend on the drug. Taking large amounts of alcohol causes severe damage to your body. Alcohol can damage several organs in the body, including the brain, stomach, skin, and liver. Continued use of alcohol can also cause diseases that may be fatal.
Reducing Financial and Professional Costs
People with drinking problems make poor financial decisions that often cost them a lot of money. They may not show up for work on time or at all. They may also cause accidents or damage to company property. These costs can be expensive and make it difficult for the business to remain profitable.
Avoiding Legal Issues
Suppose being intoxicated is causing problems in your home, work, or social life. In that case, you could face serious legal repercussions for your actions while under the influence of alcohol. You could face charges of physical violence against a spouse, partner, or children as well. In addition, you could be charged with driving under the influence and other traffic violations.
Decreasing the Likelihood of Relapse
Many people who undergo treatment for alcohol addiction find that they relate to their loved ones and others much differently than they did before. You may be surprised to see that you can function better and have more success if you are sober as opposed to when you were using alcohol, including being able to go back to school or work.
Alcohol abuse can be devastating, but it doesn’t have to be. Getting help is the first step to ensuring a healthier, more positive, and more productive life. With the right treatment plan, you can resist triggers that could cause you to relapse.
Types of Treatment for Alcohol Use Disorder
There are a variety of treatment options for alcohol use disorder. The treatment should be provided by a trained professional who can develop a good treatment plan for you. The following are suitable treatment options for clients who want to recover from alcohol use disorder.
Medications
Your doctor may prescribe medications to treat your alcoholism. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved three medications for alcohol use disorders. These medications are:
- Naltrexone – This drug is an opioid antagonist. It works by decreasing cravings for alcohol and helping to ease withdrawal symptoms.
- Acamprosate (brand name Campral) – This drug is an NMDA receptor antagonist that has been found helpful in reducing the craving for alcohol and the likelihood of relapse.
- Disulfiram (brand name Antabuse) – This drug blocks the action of aldehyde dehydrogenase, which causes unpleasant reactions if you drink alcohol while taking it. These reactions include flushing, nausea, and palpitations.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a type of psychotherapy that helps clients understand the role that thoughts and beliefs play in their lives. CBT aims to help the client identify negative thinking patterns contributing to their dependence on alcohol. It then helps replace them with more positive and healthier ones.
The therapist helps clients to identify situations that trigger their drinking patterns. The therapist then teaches clients how to control their triggers without alcohol. Clients are also trained to identify situations that can lead to stress and unpleasant emotions. By identifying these situations quickly, clients can respond more effectively and not succumb to negative thinking patterns or alcohol drinking.
Mutual-Support Groups
Self-help groups are also used in conjunction with treatment. These groups are made up of people who have experienced similar issues and battled with drug use disorder. They offer a safe place where recovering clients can share their experiences, emotions, and coping strategies. Clients in these groups often feel comfortable openly discussing their experiences and feelings. Members of these groups often find that working together helps to reinforce the support they receive from the group and their motivation for maintaining sobriety.
Outpatient Treatment
Outpatient treatment is an excellent option for clients who need to balance treatment with other commitments they have in their lives. This type of treatment allows clients to live at home while receiving treatment. The client may attend regular sessions with a therapist, self-help groups, or both. Some outpatient programs also offer day treatment, meaning clients spend a few hours per day at a rehabilitation center.
Inpatient Treatment
Inpatient treatment is excellent for clients suffering from extreme cravings for alcohol or who have had several failed attempts at quitting on their own. This treatment plan requires the client to live in the treatment facility throughout the program. Inpatient programs usually incorporate support groups and therapy treatments like CBT. Clients may also participate in daily work activities that help them remain sober.
Community Reinforcement Approach
The Community Reinforcement Approach (CRA) is a model of treatment that emphasizes the fact that change comes from modifying the environment in which the person lives. By leading a healthy lifestyle, keeping a job, and participating in programs and services that support recovery, the client can reduce the possibility of relapse. This ultimately leads to a full recovery.
Clients receiving this treatment can receive vouchers with money attached if they provide drug-free urine tests a few times a week. The ultimate goal of this approach is to provide clients with a reason to continue participating in treatment and abstain from alcohol use.
Relapse Prevention
Relapse prevention aims to ensure clients do not go back into the vicious cycle of alcoholism. It focuses on helping clients identify the triggers, situations, and emotions that can trigger a lapse in sobriety. Once the triggers are identified, it can be easier to avoid them to decrease the risk of relapse. Relapse prevention is a critical component of a successful treatment program and is often implemented throughout treatment.
Can Clients With AUD Recover?
It is possible for clients with AUD to recover from alcoholism and addiction. Most clients with AUD can identify the underlying causes of their drinking and make lifestyle changes to help them overcome alcohol addiction. Seeking the help of a trained professional who can help determine the underlying causes of the AUD can ultimately allow clients to develop coping strategies and behavioral changes that will help them to recover fully. Individuals with AUD are very susceptible to relapse after they have completed treatment. It is vital that they continue getting support and treatment, even if they feel like they have fully recovered.
