Understanding Alcohol Use Disorder

A Guide to Recognizing, Treating, and Recovering from Alcohol

What is Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD)?

Definition:

  • Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) is a medical condition where a person finds it difficult to stop or control their drinking, even when it causes problems in their life, such as issues with relationships, work, or health.

  • AUD includes different levels of drinking, from occasional heavy drinking to severe dependence.

  • It’s a long-term condition that can lead to repeated cycles of recovery and relapse, affecting the brain in ways that make quitting alcohol challenging.

  • AUD often develops slowly over time, beginning with occasional heavy drinking that can progress to more frequent and harmful patterns.

  • Genetic, psychological, environmental, and social factors can all contribute to the development of AUD

What are the Signs and Symptoms of AUD?

Craving Alcohol:

  • A strong, often uncontrollable urge to drink, even when it interferes with daily life. This craving can be triggered by certain environments, emotions, or stressors.

Loss of Control Over Drinking:

  • The inability to limit the amount of alcohol consumed once drinking has started, leading to excessive consumption.

Withdrawal Symptoms:

  • When someone dependent on alcohol suddenly stops drinking, they may experience both physical and mental symptoms.

  • These can include feeling anxious, shaky hands, sweating, feeling sick to their stomach, trouble sleeping, and even seizures.

  • These symptoms are a sign that the body is reacting to the absence of alcohol.

Increased Tolerance:

  • Over time, a person may find that they need to drink more alcohol to feel the same effects as before.

  • This is because the body gets used to the alcohol, and this increase in drinking is a sign of physical dependence.

Other Indicators:

  • Neglecting responsibilities at work, school, or home due to drinking.

  • Continuing to drink despite knowing it is causing problems in relationships, health, or legal matters.

  • Giving up activities you once enjoyed in favor of drinking.

What are the Steps to Recovery?

Acknowledge the Problem

The first step toward recovery is acknowledging that there is a problem. If you or a loved one are experiencing signs of AUD, it's important to take this seriously. Understanding that AUD is a medical condition, not a personal failure, can be the key to seeking help.

Seek Professional Help

Recovery from AUD is most effective with professional guidance. As an addiction psychiatrist specializing in substance use disorders, I offer both in-person and telehealth consultations. Whether you're seeking help for the first time or have experienced relapse, professional support can make a significant difference in your recovery journey.

During our consultation, we'll discuss your unique situation and create a personalized treatment plan that fits your needs, whether it's managing cravings, addressing co-occurring mental health conditions, or planning the next steps in your recovery.

Outpatient Detoxification

Safe and Supervised Detox: For individuals who are physically dependent on alcohol, detoxification is a crucial first step. I offer outpatient detox services, which allow you to safely withdraw from alcohol in a controlled environment while continuing to live at home.

Managing Withdrawal Symptoms: During outpatient detox, I provide medical supervision to manage withdrawal symptoms, such as anxiety, tremors, sweating, and nausea. Medications like benzodiazepines may be prescribed to ease these symptoms and ensure a safer, more comfortable detox process.

Flexible Care: Outpatient detox is designed to fit into your life, offering flexibility and support as you transition to the next phase of recovery.

Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)

In some cases, medications can be an effective tool in managing AUD. I offer Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) to support your recovery, including:

Naltrexone: Helps reduce cravings for alcohol and supports long-term recovery.

Disulfiram: Causes unpleasant effects if alcohol is consumed, helping to deter drinking.

Acamprosate: Helps reduce withdrawal symptoms and supports long-term recovery.

Gabapentin: Used to manage long-term withdrawal symptoms and reduce cravings, particularly for those who may also have anxiety or sleep disturbances related to AUD.

I will work closely with you to monitor the effectiveness of these medications and adjust your treatment as needed, ensuring that your recovery plan continues to meet your needs.

Psychotherapy

Engaging in therapy is a critical part of the recovery process. I offer several therapeutic approaches, including psychodynamic psychotherapy. This therapy looks at how past experiences/traumas, emotions, and relationships might be influencing your drinking habits. By helping you understand these deeper issues, we can work together to break the cycle of addiction and build a stronger foundation for long-term recovery and emotional resilience. This personalized approach focuses on getting to the root of the problem, not just managing the symptoms.