Alcohol addiction has many consequences, both for the person suffering from the disease and the people around them. Learning how to seek the right treatment for this disease can help people achieve sobriety.
What Is Alcohol Use Disorder?
Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a chronic and relapsing disease. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, AUD is when a person can’t stop using or drinking alcohol despite its adverse consequences.
AUD is also known as alcoholism. This disease can negatively impact a person’s overall health. Without proper treatment, AUD can have serious effects on a person’s life.
The Stages Of Alcoholism
Alcoholism has different stages, indicating the severity of the addiction:
- Stage 1 – Pre-Alcoholic: This stage is when a person drinks casually or socially. It’s the stage where drinking doesn’t usually pose any problems since a person can still stop using alcohol when they want to. However, the pre-alcoholic stage may evolve into a tolerance if a person continues to drink too much.
- Stage 2 – Early Stage: The early stage of alcoholism is when drinking becomes more habitual. People may use drinking as an excuse to socialize or go to certain events. It’s also in this stage where people may engage in binge drinking and experience the consequences of drinking too much at once.
- Stage 3 – Middle Stage: This stage is when people consistently drink, and the habit becomes a part of their daily life. For example, people may start their day by drinking or are unable to commit to their responsibilities because of alcohol.
- Stage 4 – Late Stage: The late stage of alcoholism is when the problem gets out of hand and becomes life-threatening. It’s a serious stage where people lose control over their drinking. Withdrawal symptoms such as irritability and tremors may occur when a person tries to quit alcohol.
Causes And Symptoms Of Alcohol Addiction
A person may be addicted to alcohol because of various reasons, and the symptoms can manifest in different ways.
Some causes of alcoholism include:
- Environmental factors like exposure to alcohol at home or in social settings
- Genetic factors like a family history of alcoholism
- Social pressure or societal expectations to drink
- Mental health conditions or traumatic experiences
A person struggling with alcoholism may exhibit the following symptoms:
- Finding it difficult to limit drinking or function without drinking
- Prioritizing drinking over responsibilities such as school and work
- Giving up on other activities because of drinking
- Having strained relationships with friends and family due to alcohol use
- Going into debt and other financial problems because of alcohol
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when trying to quit alcohol
Diagnosing People With Alcohol Use Disorder
Diagnosis of AUD includes an extensive assessment of your medical and substance abuse history. During the assessment, a medical professional will ask you questions regarding your alcohol habits. This information is necessary for determining the severity of your addiction.
In addition to this assessment, physical examinations and laboratory tests will also be conducted. A medical professional will use the information from these evaluations to determine your overall health and identify alcohol-related problems.
Dangers And Complications
When a person can’t control their drinking, the dangers and complications of the disease can affect them physically, mentally, and socially.
The following are some of the many negative consequences of AUD:
- Liver damage like cirrhosis, fatty liver, and alcoholic hepatitis
- An increased risk of cardiovascular issues such as heart disease and high blood pressure
- Neurological damage that can result in cognitive impairments and decline
- Mood disorders like depression and anxiety due to deteriorating mental health
- Strained relationships with friends and family that can cause isolation in people struggling with the disease
- Getting into trouble with the law and engaging in risky behaviors when drunk
Can Alcohol Addiction Be Cured?
In earlier sections, we mentioned that AUD is a chronic, relapsing disease. This means that even after a person has finished going through treatment, they still have a high risk of going back to their old ways.
As such, AUD can’t be cured per se. However, there are different ways to manage the disease after treatment. Curing suggests a permanent resolution of addiction, which is nearly impossible when constant alcohol consumption has already rewired brain chemistry.
For many people struggling with AUD, recovery is a life-long process. Even after they’ve attended rehab, they will continue to face stressors and triggers that can lead to relapse. Long-term management techniques are essential to prevent a person from being addicted to alcohol again.
Addiction Treatment Options
Different types of treatments are used to help people overcome AUD. You can expect a combination of the following:
Alcohol Rehab Treatment
Alcohol rehab treatment is when you check in to a facility to receive comprehensive treatment. Rehab can either be inpatient or outpatient.
In inpatient treatment, the client will stay at a rehab treatment center 24/7 for round-the-clock supervision. This type of rehab is recommended for people with severe addiction since they go through a highly structure program.
During outpatient treatment, clients can go through treatment while still living at home. They can receive therapy at a rehab clinic while still attending to their roles and responsibilities.
Detox
Detox is a medically supervised process that involves eliminating alcohol from your body. Since alcoholics are physically dependent on the substance, safely removing alcohol from the body is crucial. Through detox, professionals can help you safely manage alcohol withdrawal symptoms so that you’re ready for other types of alcohol abuse treatment.
Approved Medication
Different medications help with the addiction recovery process. These medications aren’t a cure for addiction. Rather, they are used in conjunction with other therapies for more effective treatment.
Approved medications include:
- Acamprosate: Prevents people from drinking alcohol
- Disulfiram: Helps treat chronic alcoholism but is more effective in people who have already stopped drinking
- Naltrexone: Blocks alcohol’s euphoric effects and feelings of intoxication
Therapy
Therapy is a tool that addresses the underlying emotional and psychological issues that contribute to addiction. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a common type of therapy used in alcohol treatment programs.
CBT is a type of therapy where you identify negative thought patterns and behaviors related to alcohol use. With your therapist, you’ll then find healthy coping mechanisms to overcome these habits.
Counseling
Counseling is a form of therapy, and it’s incredibly helpful for people who want to move past addiction. During counseling, clients can seek support for managing situations related to alcohol abuse. Emotional support and accountability are important for alcohol abuse treatment, and counseling provides just that.
Relapse Prevention
Preventing relapse is one of the biggest challenges for people in recovery. Even after you finish treatment for alcohol abuse, relapse prevention strategies are essential.
As such, it’s important to find a support system to keep you accountable after moving forward from addiction. Finding hobbies and practicing stress management techniques are some ways to keep you busy and away from triggers.
Managing Alcoholism With Coping Strategies
Long-term sobriety is achieved through different management techniques. These techniques enable people struggling with AUD to find ways to not give in to triggers and cravings that may lead them to abuse alcohol again.
Developing healthy coping mechanisms is part of the lifelong recovery journey of AUD recovery:
- Staying away from environmental triggers: Certain places, people, and emotions can make a person more inclined to drink. For example, social situations and bars where alcohol is present can be difficult to navigate. Learning how to avoid these situations by suggesting alternative activities or bringing a sober friend for support can help you manage.
- Participating in new activities: In some cases, people resort to drinking because they don’t have other activities to do. Finding new hobbies and interests can help fill the void that drinking once occupied.
- Building a routine away from alcohol: Developing new habits and routines that don’t involve alcohol can help you stay sober. Try to plan out your day and establish healthy habits that promote well-being.
- Celebrate milestones: It’s important to acknowledge your progress in terms of recovery. Getting yourself a small reward for milestones and achievements can help reinforce the positive outcomes of sobriety.
Prognosis Of Alcohol Addiction Treatment
Despite the chronic nature of AUD, it’s still possible to achieve long-term recovery. It can get challenging at times, but commitment is essential to stick to your goals.
Although relapse may occur, remember that it’s part of the process. Studies show that around 66% of people who went through AUD treatment relapse within six months.
Relapse isn’t a sign of failure. Take it as a learning opportunity, and remember that with continued support and commitment, you can still achieve long-term sobriety.
Living With Alcohol Addiction
People living with AUD face several challenges in their daily lives. Different factors can increase the likelihood of drinking again, but with proper strategies, you can maintain long-term sobriety.
For example, finding a support group, whether it’s through a family member or a 12-step program, can help you manage life beyond alcohol. Connecting with those who have been through similar experiences can provide a sense of belonging and community essential for recovery.
What To Do When You Need Help
If you or a loved one experiences the different symptoms of AUD, it’s important to seek the right help. At Luxe Recovery, we ensure that our treatment plans are tailored to your specific needs.
Our team of professionals, along with our facilities, allow you to heal and recover in a safe and supportive environment. Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can help you overcome AUD.
