Alcohol use disorder
A patterned, unhealthy amount of drinking can lead to an alcohol use disorder. Consuming more than four drinks per day is considered to be excessive and unhealthy. Alcohol use disorders can vary in severity from mild to severe. In most cases, excessive use of alcohol can negatively affect a person’s work, their relationships, and their overall functioning. Factors such as genetics, environment, personality, and co-occurring behavioral or anxiety disorders can impact the likelihood of an individual developing an alcohol use disorder.
Symptoms of alcohol use disorder
The exact symptoms of alcohol use disorder differ from person to person, both in what symptoms are present and the severity of the symptoms present. Symptoms of alcohol use disorder can include:
- Urge to keep drinking even with obvious negative physical/psychological consequences
- Drinking that prevents you from fulfilling your roles
- Physical and/or psychological cravings for alcohol
- Drinking despite high-risk situations
- Inability to perform important tasks because of excessive drinking
- Continued alcohol use despite it causing interpersonal conflicts
- Needing to drink more to get the same effect
- Increased dependence and/or tolerance on alcohol
- Noticeable withdrawal symptoms if you quit drinking
In many cases, people with alcohol use disorder also have tried and failed several times to quit drinking.
Symptoms of alcohol withdrawal
For those that suffer from an alcohol use disorder, you may also experience withdrawal symptoms if you quit drinking suddenly. Alcohol withdrawal symptoms may include:
- Tremors
- Sweating
- Anxiety
- Headaches
- Insomnia
- Nausea
- Seizures
Do you or a loved one need treatment for alcohol use disorder?
How is an alcohol use disorder diagnosed?
At Geode Health, you can work with our providers through an initial consultation to determine if you’re suffering from an alcohol use disorder and determine the severity of your symptoms. In general, a diagnosis of alcohol use disorder would be based on signs of the above symptoms, while also showing that alcohol use causes noticeable impairment in your daily functioning.
Treatment for alcohol addiction
Talk Therapy
Also known as psychotherapy, talk therapy is an effective option for a number of different symptoms and conditions, including alcohol use disorder. Talk therapy can also be used in combination with medication and other forms of treatment, if needed.
Medication Assisted Treatment
Medications such as Naltrexone (under the brand name Vivitrol®) and disulfiram may also be recommended when psychotherapy has not been successful or if symptoms are severe.
Find professional treatment for alcohol use disorders at Geode Health
Geode Health can help you or your loved one towards a happier, healthier tomorrow through our various forms of treatment. To find a location near you, browse our current list of practices, or schedule an appointment online today to get started.
If you are in crisis and in need of immediate support
Please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline by dialing 988 or text the Crisis Text Line by texting HELLO to 741741