Vivian Marlowe
Alcohol addiction, or alcohol use disorder (AUD), is a common problem, with an estimated 14 million Americans meeting the clinical criteria. AUD is characterised by an impaired ability to stop or control alcohol use despite adverse social, occupational, or health consequences. The good news is that no matter how severe the problem may seem, most people with AUD can benefit from some form of treatment. Treatment for alcohol addiction typically involves psychotherapy, medication, or both. This can be done on an outpatient basis or through inpatient rehab. If you or someone you know is struggling with alcohol addiction, the first step is to consult a healthcare professional, such as a psychologist, psychiatrist, or substance use expert, who can help assess the severity of the problem and determine the best course of treatment.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Diagnosis | Alcohol use disorder or alcoholism can be diagnosed by a physician or a mental health professional. |
| Treatment | There is no one-size-fits-all treatment for alcohol addiction. Treatment options include complete abstinence, harm reduction, inpatient recovery, controlled drinking programs, counseling, medication support, and family therapy. |
| Symptoms | Continued drinking despite adverse health, social, or occupational consequences. Increased tolerance, withdrawal symptoms, and blackouts are also signs of alcohol addiction. |
| Treatment Providers | Primary care provider, health insurance plan, local health department, employee assistance program, NIAAA Alcohol Treatment Navigator, SAMHSA's Behavioral Health Treatment Services Locator, and various helplines. |
| Therapist Selection | Psychology Today directory lists licensed professional therapists in the United States. |
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What You'll Learn
Understanding alcohol use disorder and its signs
Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a medical condition characterised by an impaired ability to stop or control alcohol use despite adverse social, occupational, or health consequences. It is considered a brain disorder and can be mild, moderate, or severe. AUD can result in lasting changes in the brain, perpetuating the disorder and making individuals vulnerable to relapse. AUD can also lead to liver diseases, such as fatty liver disease and cirrhosis, as well as damage to the brain and other organs. Drinking during pregnancy can also harm the fetus.
The risk of developing AUD depends on how much, how often, and how quickly one consumes alcohol. Binge drinking, which is drinking so much at once that the blood alcohol concentration (BAC) level reaches 0.08% or more, is a type of alcohol misuse that can increase the risk of AUD. For men, this usually occurs after having 5 or more drinks within a few hours, and for women, it is typically after 4 or more drinks within a few hours. Heavy drinking can also increase the risk of certain cancers and the risk of death from car crashes, injuries, homicide, and suicide.
Some signs and symptoms of AUD include continuing to drink even though it causes feelings of depression or anxiety or adds to existing health problems. Other symptoms include experiencing alcohol-related memory blackouts, needing to drink more to achieve the desired effect, and experiencing withdrawal symptoms when the effects of alcohol wear off. These withdrawal symptoms can include trouble sleeping, shakiness, restlessness, nausea, sweating, a racing heart, dysphoria, malaise, feeling low, or seizures. Experiencing any of these symptoms may be a cause for concern, and the presence of multiple symptoms indicates a more urgent need for change.
AUD can be diagnosed by a physician or mental health professional, such as a psychologist, psychiatrist, or substance use expert. These professionals will ask questions to understand the nature and extent of an individual's alcohol use in a private, safe, and non-judgmental environment. They may also recommend internal tests, such as liver function tests, to assess the impact of chronic drinking.
If you or someone you know is struggling with AUD, there are various resources available to help. The NIAAA Alcohol Treatment Navigator provides a three-step roadmap to evidence-based treatment, and the SAMHSA's National Helpline offers free and confidential referrals to local treatment facilities, support groups, and community-based organisations. Additionally, the Psychology Today directory lists licensed professional therapists specialising in alcohol use treatment.
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Finding a psychologist or addiction therapist
Alcohol use disorder (AUD) or alcoholism is a common medical condition that can be treated and managed with the help of a psychologist or addiction therapist. If you or someone you know is struggling with alcohol addiction, there are many resources available to find a suitable treatment provider.
Firstly, it is important to understand that there is not one type of treatment method that will work for everyone. Treatment methods vary from complete abstinence to harm reduction strategies, and the right approach depends on the individual's specific needs and circumstances.
You can start by consulting trusted sources and directories, such as the NIAAA Alcohol Treatment Navigator®, an online tool that helps individuals find qualified treatment providers near them. This platform offers a step-by-step process and provides information on different treatment options. Additionally, you can refer to the Psychology Today directory, which is the largest listing in the United States of licensed professional therapists with various specializations.
Another option is to contact your primary care provider, health insurance plan, local health department, or employee assistance program for referrals and information about specialty treatment options. You can also reach out to organizations like the American Academy of Addiction Psychiatry, the American Psychological Association, and the American Society of Addiction Medicine for guidance and support.
When considering a specific treatment program or therapist, it is essential to ask questions and assess the quality of care. Look for therapists or doctors with addiction specialties who can offer evidence-based treatments. Therapists with expertise in treating addiction can support individuals in various ways, including helping them set goals, develop skills to reduce alcohol consumption, manage stress, and build a strong support system. They may offer individual, family, or group therapy sessions, and their practices can vary from solo to group settings or healthcare centers.
Remember, the first step is often the hardest, but seeking help is a courageous and necessary step toward recovery. These resources can guide you in finding the right psychologist or addiction therapist to support your journey toward positive change.
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Treatment options and levels of care
Treatment options for alcohol addiction vary depending on the individual's needs and preferences. It is important to remember that there is no one-size-fits-all solution, and what works for one person may not work for another. The treatment options can be broadly categorized into four levels of care, as defined by the American Society of Addiction Medicine:
Outpatient Treatment:
This involves regular office visits, usually once or more a week for several months. Outpatient treatment can include counseling, medication support, or both. It offers flexibility, allowing individuals to maintain their regular routines and privacy. Outpatient services are often led by licensed therapists who provide talk therapy or counseling to help individuals build coping strategies and skills to stop or reduce their drinking. This can include one-on-one, family, or group sessions. Outpatient treatment may also involve the prescription of non-addictive medications by a primary care clinician or a board-certified addiction doctor to help individuals stop drinking and avoid relapse. These two treatment options can be combined and tailored to the individual's needs.
Intensive Outpatient or Partial Hospitalization:
This level of care involves coordinated outpatient services for individuals with complex needs. It provides more intensive treatment while still allowing individuals to reside at home.
Residential Treatment:
Also known as "rehab," this level of care offers low or high-intensity programs in a 24-hour treatment setting, typically lasting several weeks. Residential treatment provides a structured and immersive environment for individuals to focus on their recovery.
Intensive Inpatient Treatment:
This is the most intensive level of care, providing 24-hour medically directed services for several days to a week. It is often utilized for managing withdrawal and stabilizing an individual's health.
It is important to note that the level of care should be determined based on a comprehensive assessment of the individual's alcohol-related problems and complications. This assessment helps guide the selection of the most appropriate treatment option.
In addition to these levels of care, there are other treatment providers and programs available, such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and other 12-step programs that offer peer support for those quitting or cutting back on their drinking. These mutual-support groups provide a valuable layer of support and have been shown to promote recovery.
Furthermore, with the recent advancements in telehealth services, individuals can now access accredited, all-telehealth alcohol treatment programs. These programs offer phone or video sessions for talk therapy or medical care, making treatment more accessible, especially in locations with limited addiction health professionals.
When considering treatment options, it is recommended to ask questions and look for signs of quality care. The NIAAA Alcohol Treatment Navigator® is a valuable resource that provides a step-by-step process to finding qualified treatment providers and programs. It also helps individuals spot quality treatment options and provides recommended questions to ask when considering a program.
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Support groups and family therapy
Support groups and therapy can help individuals with AUD feel less isolated and rejected due to the stigma associated with the disorder. Support groups provide an opportunity for members to share their personal experiences, strengths, and feelings of hope with others going through similar struggles. This can help individuals develop a better understanding of AUD and its warning signs. Support groups can also provide valuable peer support, showing members that they are not alone in their struggles.
Family therapy is a form of group therapy that focuses on healing relationships affected by AUD. It can help rebuild the family's support structure and ensure the psychological, emotional, and behavioral well-being of all family members. Family therapy can also address existing family relationship issues that may trigger the person struggling with addiction. This form of therapy increases the likelihood that the individual will remain in treatment and can be especially beneficial for those with spouses and children and for adolescents.
There are several types of family therapy approaches:
- Solution-focused brief therapy: This approach focuses on solving family problems and creating treatment goals rather than pinpointing the cause.
- Community reinforcement and family training (CRAFT): CRAFT teaches families positive reinforcement strategies to encourage their loved ones to stop drinking and seek treatment.
- Family recovery support groups: These utilize community-based peer support groups, such as Al-Anon, Families Anonymous, and SMART Recovery Family and Friends, to help families cope with addiction.
- Behavioral couples and family counseling (BCT): BCT is designed for individuals with AUD and their intimate partners. It promotes positive reinforcement to reduce relationship stress, improve communication, and decrease substance use.
In addition to support groups and family therapy, individuals seeking treatment for alcohol addiction can explore various resources. SAMHSA's National Helpline offers free and confidential referrals and information in English and Spanish for individuals and families facing substance use disorders. The NIAAA Alcohol Treatment Navigator provides a step-by-step process to finding qualified treatment providers. Psychology Today also offers a directory of licensed professional therapists specializing in addiction.
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Online tools and helplines
NIAAA Alcohol Treatment Navigator®:
The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) offers the Alcohol Treatment Navigator as an online tool to help individuals find qualified treatment providers near them. This three-step programme guides individuals through the process of finding treatment, understanding treatment options, and connecting with professionals. The Navigator also provides information on recognising quality treatment and offers search tools to find therapists and doctors with addiction specialties.
SAMHSA's National Helpline:
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) operates a 24/7 helpline for individuals seeking help for mental health, alcohol, or drug issues. By calling 800-662-HELP (4357), individuals can receive confidential support and referrals to treatment providers. SAMHSA also offers a text messaging service, where individuals can text their zip code to 435748 (HELP4U) to find help in their area.
Psychology Today:
Psychology Today is an online platform that provides a comprehensive directory of licensed professional therapists, including those specialising in alcohol use disorder. The website offers step-by-step guidance on searching for therapists with addiction specialties and provides recommended questions to ask therapists during the selection process.
American Psychological Association:
The American Psychological Association can be contacted at 1-800-374-2721 to request a referral to psychologists with addiction specialties. They can provide information on psychologists in your state who have expertise in treating alcohol addiction.
Online Therapy Platforms:
Online therapy platforms like BetterHelp offer convenient and affordable access to licensed addiction therapists and psychologists. These platforms allow individuals to connect with mental health professionals from the comfort of their own homes. They often provide a range of therapy options, including individual and group therapy, to meet the unique needs of each person seeking treatment.
These online tools and helplines offer a great starting point for finding a psychologist for alcohol addiction. They provide support, information, and referrals to help individuals take the first steps towards recovery and connect with qualified professionals.
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