Overview

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a medical condition diagnosed when a person's alcohol consumption leads to noticeable adverse effects. Alcohol use disorder is a broad-spectrum disorder with varied levels of severity. AUD is characterized by a powerful compulsion to drink alcohol, often despite adverse consequences.

Impact of alcohol use disorder

People with alcohol use disorder may experience disagreements or misunderstandings in their personal relationships, often stemming from the behavior associated with excessive alcohol consumption. Professionally, alcohol use disorder can interfere with job performance, manifesting as decreased productivity or increased absenteeism. In the context of health, AUD carries risks like liver disease and heart problems and can also contribute to other mental health challenges like depression and anxiety.

AUD can significantly impact overall quality of life. Increased alcohol consumption can lead to financial complications and potential legal issues. These challenges can be associated with AUD but are not an inevitable outcome for every individual living with the disorder.

Overcoming alcohol use disorder

Numerous effective strategies may help people manage and overcome AUD, including therapy, medication, lifestyle modifications, and the support of professionals and peer groups. These treatments aim to reduce or stop alcohol consumption, equipping individuals with the tools to regain control of their drinking behavior. It is possible to successfully manage AUD symptoms and improve quality of life. With early detection, appropriate treatment, and ongoing support, individuals with AUD may successfully navigate recovery.

Symptoms

Alcohol use disorder presents with various symptoms, ranging from mild to severe. Awareness of these signs of alcohol use can be the first step toward acknowledging the condition and seeking help. Note that these symptoms of alcohol use disorder may manifest differently in individuals. 

Physical symptoms of alcohol use disorder

AUD may cause the following physical signs: 

  • Increased tolerance,1 meaning more alcohol is needed to achieve the same effects
  • Alcohol withdrawal symptoms, such as shaking, nausea, and sweating when not drinking, which can indicate a physical alcohol dependence
  • Frequent hangovers, impacting everyday activities

Behavioral symptoms

Behavioral symptoms of AUD can significantly disrupt one's life. These signs include:

  • Consistently drinking more or for a longer duration than initially intended
  • Unsuccessful attempts to stop drinking alcohol or to cut down or control alcohol use
  • Prioritizing drinking over other activities, even when it leads to neglecting personal or professional responsibilities

Psychological symptoms

The psychological impact of AUD can be diverse and includes symptoms of overuse such as:

  • An intense craving or desire to consume alcohol
  • Persistent use of alcohol despite acknowledging its negative impact on physical and mental health
  • Continued alcohol use, even in situations where it can be physically hazardous to oneself or others (including during pregnancy – heavy alcohol consumption while pregnant may lead to development of fetal alcohol syndrome)

Social and interpersonal symptoms

AUD can impact relationships and social interactions. Symptoms in this category users of alcohol may experience include:

  • Repeated alcohol use resulting in unfulfilled major role obligations at work, school, or home
  • Continued drinking despite recurrent social or interpersonal concerns caused or exacerbated by alcohol
  • Problems with sacrificing important social, occupational, or recreational activities due to alcohol use

Recognizing these symptoms can be a first step in seeking help for AUD. If you or someone you know exhibits several of these signs, contact a healthcare provider or mental health professional for support. 

Causes

Understanding the causes and risk factors of alcohol use disorder can provide insights into prevention and treatment strategies. The development of alcohol use disorder is not attributable to a single cause, but rather a combination of genetic, psychological, and environmental factors.

Genetic factors influencing alcohol use disorder

Certain genetic variations are believed to contribute to the susceptibility to AUD. These factors can include:

  • Variations in genes that affect the metabolism of alcohol in the body. Some individuals may metabolize alcohol faster, increasing their risk of AUD.
  • Variations in genes associated with the brain's reward systems, potentially making alcohol use more rewarding and hence more addictive for specific individuals.

Psychological factors

Several psychological factors can increase the risk of developing AUD, including:

  • Co-existing mental health disorders: Conditions like depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder may increase the likelihood of developing AUD.
  • High stress levels: Individuals experiencing high levels of stress may turn to alcohol as a coping mechanism.
  • Childhood trauma: People who have experienced traumatic events during childhood may be more susceptible to AUD, as they might use alcohol to mitigate negative emotions. AUD can often co-occur alongside symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Environmental factors

Environmental factors can significantly influence the risk of AUD:

  • Social and cultural norms: Living in societies or cultures that encourage heavy drinking or binge drinking can contribute to the development of AUD.
  • Influence of family and friends: Individuals surrounded by heavy drinkers are more likely to engage in similar drinking patterns, increasing the risk of AUD.

While these factors can increase the likelihood of developing alcohol use disorder, they do not guarantee that any specific person will develop the disorder. However, understanding these factors may help professionals recognize at-risk individuals and implement preventive measures. 

If you or someone you know is having difficulty with alcohol use or alcohol-related issues, please reach out to a healthcare provider or a trusted professional who can guide you toward the appropriate resources and treatments.

Treatments

Addressing AUD often involves comprehensive treatment strategies designed to help individuals control or cease their alcohol consumption. The approaches may include therapy, medication, and self-care methods. Often, multiple treatment modalities will be employed to help individuals achieve lasting recovery.

Therapy 

Therapeutic interventions can form a cornerstone of AUD treatment. These support options aim to modify drinking behavior through psychological techniques and counseling. Some of the most common therapeutic modalities for AUD include: 

  • Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT):2 This approach helps individuals understand their thoughts and behaviors around alcohol use, equipping them with the skills to deal with stressful situations without resorting to alcohol.
  • Motivational enhancement therapy (MET): MET focuses on building rapid, internally motivated change. It enhances an individual's motivation to refrain from drinking.
  • Family therapy: This method involves family members in the recovery process. It may help families heal strained relationships and create a supportive home environment for people with AUD.

Medication

Certain medications may be effective in treating AUD. These options can prevent relapse, reduce alcohol-related cravings, or create an aversion to alcohol. Commonly used medications include:

  • Naltrexone: This medication blocks the rewarding effects of alcohol, thus reducing cravings and promoting abstinence.
  • Disulfiram: When taking Disulfiram, consumption of alcohol causes unpleasant symptoms like nausea and flushing, which can create an aversion to drinking.
  • Acamprosate: This medication is believed to restore the balance of certain chemicals in the brain of someone who has stopped drinking.
The BetterHelp platform is not intended for any information regarding which drugs, medication, or medical treatment may be appropriate for you. The content is providing generalized information, not specific for one individual. You should not take any action without consulting with a qualified medical professional.

Other treatment options for alcohol use

Aside from therapy and medication, other treatment approaches are available for AUD, including the following: 

  • Detoxification programs: These programs are medical interventions that help individuals safely withdraw from alcohol.
  • Residential treatment programs: These in-patient programs provide a structured environment away from everyday stressors, potentially aiding recovery from alcohol use disorder or alcohol addiction.

Self-care for alcohol use recovery

Self-care can be an essential aspect of recovery from AUD. Incorporating healthy lifestyle habits can significantly aid the healing process. These practices can include:

  • Regular physical activity, which can boost mood and serve as a positive coping mechanism
  • A balanced diet to replenish nutrients that might have been depleted due to excessive alcohol intake
  • Adequate sleep to improve mood and energy levels
  • Stress management techniques like meditation, deep-breathing exercises, or yoga
  • Participation in support groups, such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), which provide a platform to discuss experiences and gain mutual support

If you or someone you know is struggling with AUD, help is readily available. Each person's journey to recovery can be unique, and there's no "one-size-fits-all" treatment. A combination of therapy, medication, self-care, and support can make a significant difference in overcoming AUD. 

Resources

Various resources can assist, guide, and support you on your journey toward recovery from alcohol use disorder.

One of these resources is online therapy platforms, such as BetterHelp. Online therapy can be an effective and convenient method for treating alcohol use, allowing you to connect with a professional therapist from the comfort of your home. This flexible therapy method accommodates various schedules and needs, allowing you to seek help with alcohol-related challenges at your own pace and on your terms. 

Help with alcohol use disorder and substance use

Additionally, national organizations such as the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) offer comprehensive information and resources. These organizations provide tools and knowledge to better understand AUD and alcohol abuse, including the latest research, treatment options, and a directory of local professional assistance.

Some local communities host support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). These groups provide a welcoming and understanding environment where individuals can discuss experiences, learn from others with similar struggles, and receive mutual support. The communal aspect of these groups can make a significant difference in your recovery journey, offering you encouragement and understanding from people who've faced similar challenges related to alcohol use.

For help with substance use, contact SAMHSA’s National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).

Please see our Get Help Now page for more immediate resources.

Research

The field of alcohol use disorder research is continually evolving, with scientists striving to unravel the intricacies of this condition and enhance existing treatment modalities.

According to some evidence-based research, genetic factors account for about 50% of the risk of alcohol use disorder. This finding suggests that individuals with a family history of AUD may be more likely to develop the disorder. Genes often influence the way alcohol affects the body and how individuals respond to stress, which, in turn, can impact the likelihood of substance use and developing AUD. For instance, variations in genes related to alcohol metabolism can cause unpleasant reactions to alcohol, which may reduce the risk of AUD.

Another compelling avenue of research in alcohol use disorder involves characterizing AUD profiles to predict treatment outcomes. A recent study funded by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism sought to identify specific profiles or “phenotypes” of individuals with AUD. The researchers analyzed various factors, such as severity of dependence on alcohol use, drinking consequences, and psychosocial stressors, to form distinct AUD profiles.

The primary aim was to understand how these profiles could influence an individual's response to treatment and their likelihood of relapse with alcohol. The study found that people who experienced more severe symptoms of alcohol use and had higher psychosocial stress were less likely to maintain abstinence, even with treatment.

This research implies that a “one-size-fits-all” approach to treating AUD may not be the most effective. Instead, understanding an individual's specific AUD profile can pave the way for personalized treatment strategies. By considering factors like the severity of dependence and levels of psychosocial stress, healthcare providers may design more tailored treatment plans. Tailored plans can enhance treatment effectiveness, improve long-term outcomes, and transform lives.

While these studies mark significant strides in AUD research, scientific understanding continuously evolves. Each discovery brings providers closer to a world where AUD can be more effectively prevented, diagnosed, and treated.

Statistics

One third of adults with alcohol use disorder achieve symptom remission after one year of treatment

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The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism reports that one-third of people with alcohol use disorder who receive treatment using therapy, medication, and support groups report having no symptoms after a year. Many others report reduced drinking and reduced symptom severity. 1

Below are some more notable statistics on alcohol use disorder:

Associated terms

Updated on August 30, 2024.
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