The severity of a person’s AUD depends on how many symptoms they experience. If the person is unwilling to undergo treatment, a doctor or counselor can help you plan and facilitate the intervention. They can also link you to support groups in your area, such as Alcoholics Anonymous. Studies show that the best way to help someone with a substance use problem is to intervene before it worsens.14 To do that, you first need to learn as much as you can about alcoholism. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) says that the more symptoms you have, the sooner you should see a doctor.13 But remember that there is no “right time” for treatment. Chronic and excessive alcohol use damages the brain, impairing your thinking and judgment.
- People may drink to cope with their uncomfortable emotions or mental health symptoms.
- People with severe AUD who have used alcohol long-term may experience severe withdrawal symptoms that require medical evaluation and treatment.
- This therapy is particularly effective for individuals who may be ambivalent about changing their drinking habits.
- If you or a loved one is struggling with AUD, make an appointment with a primary care provider such as a medical doctor or nurse practitioner.
Understanding Alcoholism: 5 Different Types of Alcoholics
A doctor can help assess your situation and recommend treatment to reduce these symptoms. Unhealthy drinking behaviors like binge drinking and heavy drinking can lead to serious health problems. Alcohol use is common in the United States, and alcohol is available in many settings and social situations. It can be challenging to identify when drinking patterns have become problematic. Sober living home Excessive alcohol consumption may cause severe, chronic inflammation of the stomach lining. People may experience a painful, long-term condition called alcoholic gastritis.
- Support groups can be the first step towards recovery or part of a long-term aftercare plan.
- Alcohol addiction doesn’t have one singular cause, but several risk factors can increase a person’s chance of developing an alcohol use disorder.
- People must receive round-the-clock supervision, assessment, and medical care during detox to avoid severe complications.
- The diagnosis of Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) is made through a combination of patient history, clinical evaluation, and diagnostic tests.
- Depending on the severity of use (including duration and amount of alcohol consumed), withdrawal symptoms may vary in intensity.
Withdrawal symptoms
These support systems are most effective when combined with professional treatment, such as sessions with a licensed therapist or inpatient rehab. Group meetings offer community and accountability, while therapy provides personalized and intensive psychological work. Most people with alcohol use problems — no matter how severe — can benefit from treatment.
Can People With Alcohol Use Disorder Recover?
If a patient scores two or higher, further evaluation is usually recommended, including a more in-depth assessment of drinking https://athletesunfiltered.com/10-sober-living-house-rules-to-remember/ patterns and additional diagnostic tests. If the patient scores below two but still exhibits symptoms of AUD, the healthcare provider may explore other factors or conduct additional screenings. Social environments that encourage drinking, such as workplaces or social circles where alcohol consumption is normalized, can also contribute to AUD.
Resources for alcohol and substance use disorder
It affects people from all walks of life and can have serious consequences on physical health, mental well-being, relationships, and employment. 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. https://ecosober.com/blog/what-is-alcohol-use-disorder-symptoms-and-treatment/ A 2019 study found that people with substance use disorder in their late adolescence years were four times more likely to develop alcohol use disorder in early adulthood. But genetics on their own don’t control whether a person has an alcohol use disorder.