Alcohol Use Disorder

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

Physical symptoms

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 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 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. 

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

Genetic factors

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 AUD, 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, please reach out to a healthcare provider or a trusted professional who can guide you toward the appropriate resources and treatments. AUD is a treatable condition, and numerous resources are available to help individuals regain control over their lives.

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.

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.

Other treatment options

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.

Self-care

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 share 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. 

Various resources can assist, guide, and support you on your journey toward recovery.

One of these resources is online therapy platforms, such as BetterHelp. Online therapy can be an effective and convenient method for treating AUD, 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 at your own pace and on your terms. 

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, 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 share 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.

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.

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 AUD. 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 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, 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. The study found that people who experienced more severe symptoms 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.

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

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

¹National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism

Below are some more notable statistics on alcohol use disorder:

• It's estimated that 14.1 million adults in the US have AUD.
• Around 7.9% of adults with AUD in the past year received treatment.
• AUD increases the risk of developing more than 200 health issues.