Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) impairs a person’s ability to stop or control alcohol use despite adverse social, occupational, or health consequences.
Overcoming an AUD can be an immense challenge, but with realistic goals, support, and the help of caring professionals, it can be accomplished. The Blanchard Institute offers a wide range of comprehensive, individualized outpatient treatment programs for substance use and mental health disorders, including Outpatient Detox, Partial Hospitalization, Intensive Outpatient, and Outpatient treatment.
TBI does excellent work and their staff is phenomenal. They provide a quick, professional, and helpful response to all needs. I have worked personally with Ward Blanchard, and was beyond impressed by his knowledge and assistance.
Julie
Possible Signs of Alcohol Use Disorder
As one of the only socially-acceptable substances, alcohol is a fixture of everyday life for many. From business lunches and office parties to sporting events and prime-time television, it can be hard for individuals struggling with alcohol dependence to avoid or quit drinking.
Though each individual is unique, here are some of the most common indicators individuals experience with substance use disorders:
- You drink more than a few times a week.
- You have more than a few drinks per sitting.
- You drink daily or need a drink to start the day.
- Frequent cravings or withdrawal symptoms between uses.
- Family members or friends express concern about your alcohol use.
- Dishonesty with friends or family about your drinking habits.
- Loss of employment or problems in school due to alcohol usage.
- Financial or legal problems due to alcohol abuse.
- Driving, gambling, or engaging in other risky behaviors while under the influence.
- Going to extremes to acquire more alcohol.
- Requiring greater amounts to feel satisfied.
- Feeling like you have lost control of your drinking.
If you or a loved one is experiencing any of these signs, we’re here to help.
FAQs
Alcohol-related problems result from drinking too much, too fast, and/or too often, and are among the most significant public health issues in the United States.
Many people struggle with controlling their drinking at some time in their lives. According to the NIH, more than 14 million adults ages 18 and older have alcohol use disorder (AUD), and 1 in 10 children live in a home with a parent who has a drinking problem.
Also known as Alcohol Counseling, behavioral treatments involve working with a health professional to identify and change the behaviors that lead to heavy drinking, including:
- Developing the skills needed to stop or reduce drinking
- Helping to build a strong social support system
- Working to set reachable goals
- Coping with or avoiding the triggers that might cause relapse
Because Alcohol Use Disorder can be a chronic relapsing disease, persistence is key. It is rare that someone will go to treatment once and never drink again. More often, people must repeatedly try to quit or cut back, experience recurrences, learn from them, and then keep trying. For many, continued follow up with a treatment provider is critical to overcoming alcohol abuse.