ALCOHOL USE DISORDER SYMPTOMS AND TREATMENT OPTIONS

Writer / Trisha Palencer, Clinical Social Worker at IU Health West Hospital

Photography Provided

Alcohol use disorder affects an estimated 16 million people in the United States. If you have difficulty stopping or cutting back on the amount of alcohol you drink, or if you spend significant time thinking about, consuming or recovering from drinking alcohol, you may have an alcohol use disorder. An important step in recovery is to recognize the symptoms and learn about the treatment options.

WHAT IS ALCOHOL USE DISORDER?

Alcohol use disorder often leads to difficulty in moderating drinking, a preoccupation with alcohol, the need to drink an increasing amount of alcohol to get a similar effect, continued drinking despite negative consequences, or physical withdrawal symptoms such as tremors when trying to stop drinking. Alcohol disorders fall into three categories including binge drinking, alcohol dependence and alcohol abuse.

WHAT ARE SYMPTOMS OF ALCOHOL USE DISORDER?

Drinking can suppress immunity to diseases and infections, and can increase the risk of some cancers and liver problems. In addition, it can cause problems with blood clotting, skin rash, memory, balance and falls, the stomach, the pancreas and the heart. In these ways and more, alcohol use disorder can interfere with living a healthy life. Chronic, long-term abuse of alcohol can lead to alcoholic cardiomyopathy, which can result in heart failure. Seizures can also be caused by binge drinking and alcohol withdrawals. The greatest risk of seizures occurs between 12 and 48 hours following your last drink. Medically assisted detoxification from alcohol use is vital to lower major risks including death.

WHAT ARE TREATMENT OPTIONS?

Treatment for alcohol use disorder often starts with detoxification. There may be risks to reducing or stopping alcohol consumption that require medical intervention. Side effects of detoxification are known as withdrawal symptoms, and there are medical, emotional and social supports that can aid successful detoxification. Once you complete the detox process, you’ll need ongoing treatment to reduce the risk for relapsing. Depending on your needs, your treatment can include medications, group therapy, individual therapy, and supportive housing or social environments.