Some have criticized Alcoholics Anonymous and other 12-step programs because they are rooted in religious ideology rather than scientific principles. Alcoholics Anonymous is a decades-old treatment, but one that research shows is effective. A recent review found that Alcoholics Anonymous led to higher rates of abstinence from alcohol long term compared to other treatments. One of the key reasons, according to the data, is that people continue to participate for years after they have completed the 12-step program. AA is not for everyone and there are plenty of different treatment options, but it can be successful and meaningful for those who choose it. Alcohol is a powerful substance, with the capacity for positive experiences, such as bursts of creativity and fun, as well as harmful repercussions, such as addiction and health problems.
Middle-stage alcoholics may become irritable or angry if confronted about their drinking. Mood swings, depression and feelings of guilt and shame are common. These physiological changes contribute to the increasing tolerance seen in early-stage alcoholics. Despite heavy alcohol consumption, they may show few signs of intoxication or ill effects from drinking, such as a hangover. And as tolerance builds, they’ll begin to drink more and more to achieve the same buzz or high they’re used to. Under the direction of licensed therapists or counselors, behavioral therapies involve psychological strategies to modify drinking behaviors.
Primary Care
Non-abstinence-based recovery models—such as Moderation Management—advocate for reducing one’s alcohol consumption rather than abstaining completely. There are many organized programs that provide the support of peers, usually through frequent meetings. Alcoholics Anonymous is one example; it offers a structured 12-step path toward recovery with a community of support from those who have dealt with similar challenges.
Many people who seek treatment are able to overcome the addiction. A strong support system is helpful for making a complete recovery. Once detox is complete, alcoholics can begin tackling problematic behaviors related to their addiction and learn how to live sober again. Because alcoholism is a chronic disease and alcohol relapse is common, persistence How Long Does It Take to Detox from Alcohol Timeline and More is a necessity — but success is achievable. Because of the severity of the disease, medically monitored alcohol detox is a necessity.
Therapy is useful to help teach someone how to manage the stress of recovery and the skills needed to prevent a relapse. Also, a healthy diet can help undo damage alcohol may have done to the person’s health, like weight gain or loss. To find alcohol addiction treatment, talk to a medical professional. They can diagnose your addiction and recommend the right treatment. To avoid developing alcoholism, drink responsibly or avoid alcohol entirely.
Stage #3: Problem drinking
In the United States alone, alcoholism affects millions of people and costs the country billions of dollars each year. Discover how to build resilience and recovery, one small step at a time. True recovery will involve an internal shift in which other pursuits replace time spent on the addiction.
Alcohol Use Disorder Comorbidities
Someone may also have an undiagnosed mental health issue and use alcohol to deal with it. Drinking alcohol may result in temporary positive feelings and relaxation. For more information on alcoholism, including treatment resources, check out the links on the next page. Drinking excessive amounts of alcohol can seriously harm your health, damaging the liver, kidneys, heart, brain and central nervous system. Most people can enjoy the occasional glass of wine with dinner or beer out with friends.
Chronic Stress and Painful Life Events
- Some people may be hesitant to seek treatment because they don’t want to abstain entirely.
- If you have a loved one suffering from alcoholism, it’s important to understand that alcohol use disorder is a chronic, yet treatable condition.
- As individuals continue to drink alcohol over time, progressive changes may occur in the structure and function of their brains.
- Everyone’s road to recovery differs; treatments can occur in an inpatient or outpatient medical settings, individual or group sessions with therapists, or other specialty programs.
- Not everyone who drinks alcohol heavily is considered an alcoholic.
They’ll do a physical exam and ask you questions about your drinking habits. Although the exact cause of alcohol use disorder is unknown, there are certain factors that may increase your risk for developing this disease. The end-stage alcoholic suffers from a host of physical problems, including severe damage to vital organs such as the liver. Alcohol, in fact, is the cause of more than 50 percent of liver-disease related deaths in this country, and alcohol-related liver disease costs more than $3 billion annually. Even though alcohol has become a significant part of everyday life, early-stage alcoholics often deny that they have a problem and may be defensive about their drinking. They may also rationalize, or make excuses, for their behavior and insist they can stop drinking whenever they feel like it.
Knowing the signs and symptoms of each stage can aid you in seeking help before your problem turns into dependence and addiction. But when alcohol consumption gets out of control, you may find yourself on a dangerous path toward addiction. Undergoing treatment for AUD can be challenging, and there’s always a risk of relapse. Making such a significant life change can cause emotional turmoil, including guilt for past behaviors or burdening others. If you’re worried that someone you know has an alcohol addiction, it’s best to approach them in a supportive way.
Combined with medications and behavioral treatment provided by health care professionals, mutual-support groups can offer a valuable added layer of support. Essentially, it can be boiled down to the understanding that the potential causes of alcoholism are not well understood. If you feel that you sometimes drink too much alcohol, or your drinking is causing problems, or if your family is concerned about your drinking, talk with your health care provider.
Moreover, binge drinking also releases “negative chemicals”, such as cortisol. Similarly, high anxiety levels are known to co-occur with alcoholism, where alcohol is used to self-medicate anxiety symptoms. Often, those with anxiety disorders drink alcohol to reduce their heightened emotional state and feel more at ease in social situations. However, this can worsen anxiety symptoms or lead to panic attacks over time, creating a cycle that perpetuates anxiety and alcohol addiction. As the disease progresses to the middle stage, drinking continues to increase and dependency develops. Strong cravings for alcohol are typical at this stage, and drinking isn’t just for enjoyment anymore.
