Vivian Marlowe
Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a common medical condition that can turn your life upside down. It is characterized by an impaired ability to stop or control alcohol use despite adverse social, occupational, or health consequences. The first step towards getting better is to realize that you may have a problem and talk to a healthcare provider. They can recommend treatments and resources to help you recover from AUD. While some people are able to stop drinking on their own, others may need medical supervision or support groups to recover safely and comfortably. Recovery from AUD often includes sustainable improvements in physical health, mental health, relationships, and other measures of function and well-being.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| First step | Acknowledging the problem and seeking help |
| Treatment options | Behavioral treatment, medication, support groups |
| Behavioral treatment | Counseling with addiction counselors or psychologists to change drinking behavior |
| Medication | Naltrexone, acamprosate, topiramate, gabapentin |
| Support groups | Connect with others who understand your situation |
| Recovery | Sustainable improvements in physical health, mental health, relationships, spirituality, and other measures of function and well-being |
| Relapse | Common, often triggered by stressful events |
| Withdrawal | Can be painful and life-threatening, seek medical help |
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What You'll Learn
Recognising the problem
Recognising that you have a problem with alcohol is the first step towards recovery. Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a common medical condition characterised by an impaired ability to stop or control alcohol use despite adverse social, occupational, or health consequences. It is important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of AUD, which include:
- Craving beverages containing alcohol
- Continuing to consume alcohol even when it negatively impacts your relationships with family, friends, and colleagues
- Drinking more than intended or for longer periods than intended
- Spending excessive time obtaining and consuming alcohol or recovering from hangovers
- Repeatedly attempting to reduce alcohol consumption without success
- Failing to meet work or family obligations due to alcohol consumption
- Giving up important social, recreational, or work activities in favour of drinking
- Using alcohol in physically hazardous situations
- Continuing to drink despite having a medical or mental health condition that worsens with alcohol consumption
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it may be an indication that you have AUD. It is important to acknowledge your ambivalence about stopping drinking and seek professional help. Denial is a common obstacle in the early stages of change, but recognising the problem is crucial for embarking on the road to recovery.
The severity of AUD can range from mild to severe, depending on the number of symptoms present. It often co-occurs with other mental health conditions such as depressive disorders, anxiety disorders, trauma- and stress-related disorders, other substance use disorders, and sleep disorders. People with AUD might feel embarrassed to discuss it, believing they should be able to handle it alone or worrying about negative opinions from others. However, it is essential to remember that AUD is not a choice or character flaw, and it can affect anyone.
Once you recognise the problem, the next step is to seek help. Treatment options include behavioural therapy, medication, and support groups. Your healthcare provider can recommend treatments and resources to support your recovery journey. It is important to address any accompanying medical and mental health issues alongside alcohol treatment.
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Seeking medical advice
Before offering a treatment referral, your doctor will consider several factors, including your risk of withdrawal, your physical and mental health history, your current mental health state and any co-occurring disorders, your readiness to change, your risk for relapse, and your current level of social and living support. Based on these factors, they may refer you to inpatient services if you need professional medical attention to recover from intense withdrawal symptoms. Doctors can also prescribe medications to address withdrawal symptoms and make the process safer and less distressing.
Behavioural treatment is another option that focuses on counselling to change your drinking behaviour. This may involve working with addiction counsellors or psychologists. Medications such as naltrexone, acamprosate, topiramate, and gabapentin can also be prescribed to decrease cravings and address alcohol use disorder. Support groups are also available to connect with others who understand your situation.
It is important to remember that recovery from alcoholism often includes sustainable improvements in physical health, mental health, relationships, spirituality, and other measures of function and well-being. Addressing any accompanying medical and mental health issues is crucial when treating drinking problems. Studies have shown that people with AUD are more likely to suffer from major depression or anxiety over their lifetime, so it is important to seek help and not suffer in silence.
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Behavioural treatment
Once you have accepted that you have a problem and are ready to make a change, you can start working on changing your drinking habits. This may involve setting specific goals, such as reducing your alcohol intake or quitting drinking altogether. It's important to be realistic and gradual in your approach, as sudden cessation can be dangerous and lead to painful or even life-threatening withdrawal symptoms.
Additionally, behavioural treatment can provide you with the tools to refuse alcohol and maintain your sobriety. This may include learning how to say no assertively, avoiding high-risk situations, and developing new hobbies or activities that do not involve alcohol.
Throughout the process, it is crucial to have a strong support system in place. Consider seeking support from friends, family, or community groups, as well as participating in support groups specifically for people in recovery from alcohol use disorder. These groups can provide valuable understanding, encouragement, and accountability as you work towards your goals.
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Support groups
One of the main benefits of support groups is the sense of belonging and connection they foster. Within these groups, you will find people who can relate to the challenges of alcoholism and offer empathy and understanding. Sharing your experiences and listening to others can help reduce feelings of isolation and shame, which are common among individuals struggling with addiction.
Additionally, support groups provide a sense of accountability and commitment to your recovery journey. Regular attendance at meetings can help you stay focused on your goals and maintain your motivation. Group members can also provide support during difficult times, such as when facing triggers or high-risk situations. They can offer encouragement to help you stay on track and celebrate your successes along the way.
It is important to find a support group that aligns with your personal needs and beliefs. Some groups may have a spiritual or religious focus, while others may take a more secular approach. There are also support groups specifically tailored for certain demographics, such as youth groups or groups for individuals with co-occurring mental health disorders.
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Gradual process
Overcoming alcohol addiction is a long and bumpy road, and recovery is usually a gradual process. It is important to acknowledge your ambivalence about stopping drinking. Denial is a huge obstacle in the early stages of change, and even after admitting you have a drinking problem, you may still make excuses.
The first step is to realize that you may have a problem and to talk to a healthcare provider. They can help you evaluate the pros and cons of each treatment setting and recommend treatments and resources to help you recover. Doctors can also prescribe medications to address withdrawal symptoms and make the process safer and less distressing.
Behavioral treatments focus on counseling that changes your drinking behavior. You may work with addiction counselors or psychologists. Support groups can also help, as they allow you to connect with others who understand your situation.
It is important to seek treatment for any accompanying medical and mental health issues, as well. Alcohol use disorder (AUD) often co-occurs with depressive disorders, anxiety disorders, trauma- and stress-related disorders, other substance use disorders, and sleep disorders.
Remember, overcoming AUD is an ongoing process that can include setbacks. Persistence is key. Most people try to quit or cut back over time, experience recurrences, learn from them, and then continue on their recovery journey.
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Frequently asked questions
If you are craving your next drink, it may be a sign that you have alcohol use disorder. Other symptoms include drinking more than you intended, spending lots of time obtaining alcohol and drinking, and repeatedly trying to reduce your alcohol consumption but failing to do so.
Recognising that you may have an issue is the first step towards getting better. Talk to a healthcare provider, who will recommend treatments and resources to help you recover.
Behavioural treatment focuses on counselling to change your drinking behaviour, medication can be prescribed to address withdrawal symptoms, and support groups can help you connect with others who understand your situation.
This depends on how much you've been drinking, how long you've had a problem, and other health issues you may have. Consult your primary care doctor or GP, who will consider these factors before offering a treatment referral.
Recovery from alcohol use disorder often includes sustainable improvements in physical health, mental health, relationships, and other measures of function and well-being. It is an ongoing process that can include setbacks, so persistence is key.
