Alcoholism (also known as alcohol use disorder AUD) is a progressive and chronic disease. This means that without some kind of treatment, alcoholics tend to escalate their drinking amount and frequency over time. It also means that alcoholism cannot be “cured” in the typical sense of the word. Rather, alcoholism is like diabetes; a condition that requires ongoing management.
This does not mean that an alcoholism treatment program cannot help individuals to overcome their addiction and lead happy, healthy, successful lives. Simply that treatment will not miraculously make a “normal drinker” out of an alcoholic in 30 days.
Perhaps you have asked yourself, “How do I know if I have a drinking problem?” Or maybe you’ve wondered, “Do I need alcohol addiction treatment?”
If after contemplating these questions, you’ve decided that you need help, you’ve come to the right place. This article will address different types of alcoholism treatment programs, how to find treatment near you, and how anyone can recover from alcohol addiction.
Inpatient Alcohol Rehab
Alcohol Detox
The most intensive level of care in the treatment of drug addiction or alcoholism is inpatient. Inpatient alcohol rehab typically starts with detoxification. Each individual’s experience with alcohol detox is different, but typically an individual who is dependent on alcohol will experience a similar detox timeline if left untreated.
Untreated Alcohol Withdrawal Timeline
Day 1: You may begin to experience alcohol withdrawal symptoms within 6 to 12 hours after your last drink. These symptoms include headaches, anxiety, and irritability. In addition, you may begin to experience physical symptoms like tremors, disorientation, and seizures as you approach the 24 hour mark.
Day 2: During the second day, the symptoms you experienced in the first 24 hours will increase in intensity. Additionally, you may experience vomiting, hallucinations, and panic attacks.
Days 3-7: Throughout this period, the various symptoms you have been experiencing will come and go. You will likely experience some degree of insomnia during this first week. During this period, you are at the highest risk of delirium tremens, a symptom which can be life-threatening.
After the first week: Symptoms will begin to dissipate or become less frequent. However, even after the most painful symptoms have ended you may experience post-acute withdrawal syndrome. PAWS is usually less intense than the initial withdrawal symptoms but can last months.
Seeking a medically assisted alcohol detox lowers the risk of experiencing dangerous withdrawal symptoms and increases the chances staying sober through early recovery. Typically, on admission to a detox program, patients are first evaluated medically. This evaluation helps to ensure that patients are detoxed properly and that their medical needs are met.
The next step is usually an interview designed to assess a client’s clinical needs. This assessment provides the therapists with insights into a patient’s mental health.
Next clients will usually see a doctor who will prescribe medication to alleviate withdrawal symptoms. At this point, doctors may also begin a course of treatment for any complications that have come about as a result of alcohol abuse (like cirrhosis, hepatitis, vitamin deficiencies, etc.). Patients are then monitored over the next few days and tapered off of the alcohol using drugs like benzodiazepines, anti-seizure drugs, and anxiety/sleep aids. Medical care is provided for additional physical concerns that may come up.
Residential Alcohol Treatment
Once a patient has been safely detoxed from alcohol, they begin residential treatment which aims to address mental health conditions that may contribute to a patient’s drinking or drug use. The residential level of care at an alcoholism treatment center takes place in a controlled inpatient setting similar to detox. Some of the therapies utilized in a treatment plan include:
- Individual counseling with a licensed therapist
- Behavioral therapies like CBT and DBT
- Group therapy moderated by addiction experts
- Family therapy mediated by psychologists
- Medication management overseen by addiction psychiatrists
- Participation in support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous
Alcoholism PHP Program
Partial hospitalization programs (PHP) offer a step in between residential treatment and outpatient treatment. In a PHP, clients live in a structured sober living environment and receive 6-8 hours per day of individual therapy, group therapy, and other medical and clinical interventions. Unlike residential treatment however, clients receive the freedom to go grocery shopping, cook for themselves, go to the gym, and do other things that are important to fostering independence.
PHP is an especially important element of alcoholism treatment because alcohol is so widely accessible. Recovering alcoholics in a PHP program are eased back into the “outside world” of temptation and relapse risk. They benefit from the accountability and structure of regular supervision and living with others who are recovering from addiction. Some elements of the PHP alcoholism treatment program at All In Solutions Counseling Center include:
- Acute crisis and symptom stabilization
- Medication consultation, education, and management
- Individual, group, and family therapy
- Recreational and wellness therapies
- Random drug screening and breathalyzer tests
Outpatient Alcohol Rehab
IOP and OP
Intensive outpatient programs (IOP) and outpatient programs offered by specialized addiction treatment centers are a less demanding continuation of the clinical programming offered at the PHP or residential level of care. IOP typically consists of 3-6 group therapy sessions per week and additional individual counseling sessions with a therapist.
At the IOP level of care, because most clients have established the beginning of a foundation in recovery, additional services are offered. These services might include family therapy, gender-specific (male only and female only) processing groups, 12-step based recovery meetings, faith-based recovery support, trauma therapy, holistic treatment methods like yoga therapy or art therapy, and more.
Alcohol Abuse Counseling
Addiction counselors are certified professionals who have received training in psychology, human behavior, chemical dependency, and therapeutic procedures. These therapists assist persons suffering from behavioral problems (mainly substance abuse) by discussing the complexity and origins of their addiction. Clients will work one-on-one with substance abuse counselors to build goals and methods for achieving recovery, all in a caring and confidential setting. Many alcohol abuse counselors are private therapists who will see clients in an outpatient office setting and even online for virtual addiction counseling.
Medications for Alcoholism
Certain prescription medications can help alcoholics to stay sober when combined with the kinds of therapies mentioned above. These medications include naltrexone (brand name Vivitrol), acomprosate (brand name Campral), and disulfiram (brand name Antabuse).
Vivitrol, which is often given as a time-release injection (Vivitrol shot) works by reducing the reinforcing pleasurable feelings produced by alcohol and by reducing cravings in the first place. According to the manufacturer, individuals who plan to use Vivitrol should stop drinking prior to beginning the medication.
Antabuse works similarly, but rather than reducing the pleasurable effects of alcohol it actually produces unpleasant reactions when combined with alcohol. Campral, unlike the others, actually takes effect in the brain to counteract the neural changes that come about as a result of chronic alcohol use to reduce alcohol cravings.
These 3 drugs are the only medications approved by the FDA to treat alcoholism. Some new medications, like Declinol, use herbal extracts like kudzu to reduce alcohol intake. While studies have shown kudzu to be effective, Declinol is not FDA approved and has only been verified by studies performed by parties with a financial interest in the company.
Support Groups and Alcoholics Anonymous
AA, or alcoholics anonymous meetings, can be a powerful tool to help people in recovery. AA meetings utilize the 12-step recovery model and are held in various locations most hours of the day. AA meetings can provide support and give people a place to seek help if they feel cravings to drink.
For individuals who may be averse to 12-step recovery, other support groups are available. The groups include SMART Recovery, Refuge Recovery, Celebrate Recovery, LifeRing, and Secular Organizations for Sobriety. Online support groups exist as well on websites like Reddit, Facebook, and other social media sites.
Alcoholism Treatment Programs at All In Solutions
All In Solutions Counseling Center offers a safe and comfortable environment where clients can focus on their overall health physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Our team of clinical experts will work with you to address both alcoholism and any co-occurring mental or physical health concerns. Our fully individualized alcoholism treatment programs provide the support necessary to begin recovery and the life skills necessary for long-term sobriety.
All In Solutions offers inpatient and outpatient treatment at several locations. A supportive alumni program and family therapy program ensure that our clients stay on track long after they have left our treatment center. If you or a loved one are struggling with alcohol use disorder, don’t hesitate to call All In Solutions today.
Alcoholism is an issue that millions are facing around the country. According to the 2023 National Drug Use and Health Survey, nearly 30 million people meet the criteria for alcohol use disorder (AUD).[1] Although it is widely used and socially acceptable, it can also be one of the most addictive and physically dangerous substances a person can be addicted to.
What Is Alcohol Use Disorder?
Alcohol use disorder is a medical condition that is defined as a pattern of drinking that involves loss of control over how much you drink, preoccupation with drinking, continuing to drink despite negative consequences to oneself or others, and cravings.[2] According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), AUD can be classified as mild, moderate, or severe based on how many diagnostic criteria they meet.[3]
The terminology around alcohol use disorder has evolved, with clinicians transitioning away from the term “alcoholism” to “alcohol use disorder” or “alcohol dependence” to reflect a better understanding of the condition as existing on a spectrum.
It is possible for someone to have a genuine drinking problem without drinking every day, losing everything, or hitting rock bottom. An alcohol use disorder is defined by the pattern and impact of a person’s drinking, not necessarily the amount they consume.
According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), excessive drinking is defined as drinking more than 8 drinks per week for a female and more than 15 drinks per week for a male. Anyone who suffers from severe alcohol use disorder often consumes far more than these limits and, in many cases, could consume up to one-fifth of liquor a day. At the other end of the spectrum, a person can have a significant alcohol problem while drinking far less if their drinking consistently interferes with their functioning, relationships, or health.
Alcohol Addiction and Abuse
It is essential to understand some of the reasons why people drink alcohol in order to understand how someone develops alcohol use disorder.
Most people drink for reasons that are very common, including stress relief, social interaction, enjoying the experience, cultural traditions, or simply because alcohol is so prevalent and has been for so long.
When someone crosses the line from drinking by choice to drinking out of compulsion, that is when there is a problem. Alcohol works by enhancing the effects of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which is the brain’s primary inhibitory neurotransmitter and inhibits glutamate activity.[4] Most alcohol users are familiar with the resulting feelings this causes, such as feeling relaxed, lowered levels of inhibition, and anxiety relief. For many people struggling with anxiety, depression, or other mental health conditions, these temporary effects may feel like real relief, which incentivizes them to drink more.
Over time, the brain becomes tolerant to alcohol’s effects and needs more of it in order to achieve the same level of impairment, eventually becoming dependent on it to function normally. Genetics is another influencing factor — approximately 50% of a person’s risk of developing alcohol use disorder is attributed to genetic factors.[5] Environmental factors that also contribute include early
onset of alcohol exposure, adverse childhood experiences, and chronic stress.[6]
For many people, alcohol use disorder develops not from recklessness but from the combination of genetic vulnerability, mental health struggles, and a substance that is everywhere and legal.
Signs of Alcoholism and Alcohol Use Disorder
The signs of alcohol use disorder are not always obvious, particularly in the early stages. Many people with an AUD maintain jobs and relationships, leading a productive life even when their drinking quietly escalates. Knowing what to look for, whether in yourself or a loved one, is the first step toward getting help.
Below are some of the most common signs
Behavioral Warning Signs
The most common signs of someone experiencing an alcohol-related problem are changes in behavior, including:
- Drinking more than originally planned
- Repeatedly attempting to cut down but being unable to
- Significant time spent obtaining, using, or recovering from alcohol
- No longer participating in hobbies that were once important due to alcohol use
- Hiding alcohol consumption from others and becoming defensive when it is brought up
Physical Signs of Alcohol Abuse
The physical signs associated with alcohol abuse include increased tolerance (having to use more of the substance to feel the same effects) and withdrawal symptoms. Alcohol withdrawal symptoms can manifest as:
- Tremors and profuse sweating
- Nausea or vomiting
- Sleep disturbances
- Increased heart rate and anxiety
- In severe cases, seizures or delirium tremens
- Frequent blackouts or memory gaps when drinking
- Declining physical appearance and deteriorating overall health.
Long-term heavy drinking can also lead to liver disease, cardiomyopathy, high blood pressure, digestive issues, reduced immune function, and raised cancer risk.
Early Warning Signs of Alcoholism in Young Adults
Warning signs in younger individuals may differ from those in adults. Many young people drink large quantities in a short period, a pattern known as “binge drinking,” which puts them at significant risk for developing alcohol use disorder.
Additional warning signs include:
- Drinking to cope with stress or social anxiety
- Drinking prior to social events (“pre-gaming”)
- Losing control while under the influence
- Experiencing academic or work consequences as a result of their drinking
How to Tell If a Loved One Is Secretly Addicted to Alcohol
One of the most consistent patterns in alcohol use disorder is concealment.
People struggling with alcohol problems often go to significant lengths to hide the extent of their drinking from family members and others who care about them. Signs that a loved one may be secretly drinking include finding hidden bottles, noticing alcohol on their breath at unusual times, observing mood swings or behavioral changes that correlate with alcohol, and detecting the physical signs of withdrawal, such as morning tremors or sweating.
Changes in personality, increasing social withdrawal, and unexplained financial problems are also common indicators.
Effects of Alcohol Abuse
The negative effects of alcohol addiction are felt in every aspect of a person’s life.
Long-term health consequences include:
- Increased risk of liver disease and liver cirrhosis
- Portal hypertension
- Cardiomyopathy
- Increased risks of multiple types of cancer
- Reduced immune function
- Hypertension
- Heart disease
- Stroke
- Neurological damage.
Acute effects of excessive alcohol consumption may include dehydration, blackouts, bodily harm from falling, and acute alcohol poisoning.
In addition to the physical health consequences above, people may also experience emotional health problems, relationship problems, financial problems, and legal issues. Many people with an alcohol use disorder also struggle with a co-occurring mental health disorder, such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, or bipolar disorder.[7] Many also self-medicate to relieve the symptoms of these undiagnosed or untreated mental health disorders, which makes integrated treatment all the more necessary. When mental health conditions and AUD co-occur, treating only one without the other consistently produces poor outcomes.
Alcohol Withdrawal: What You Need to Know
Alcohol withdrawal is one of the few substance withdrawal syndromes that has the potential to be fatal. While withdrawal from opioids and stimulants usually poses little medical danger, alcohol withdrawal can produce life-threatening symptoms like seizures or delirium tremens, particularly for those with significant physical dependence.[8]
Withdrawal symptoms typically start 6 to 24 hours following the last drink and can worsen significantly over the next several days. Because of the risks involved, alcohol withdrawal should always be supervised by a medical professional.
Medically supervised detox provides 24/7 monitoring and medication management to reduce the severity of withdrawal symptoms and prevent complications, as well as provide the medical and psychological support required to safely get through the physical challenges of early recovery.
