Your risk of developing an alcohol use disorder (AUD) depends on how much, how often, and how quickly you drink alcohol. If the drinking world is conceptualized as a spectrum, normal social drinking is one on end (a few drinks per month, almost always in a social context) and alcohol use disorder is on the other end. But there’s a large gray area in the middle, in which drinking can cause problems for someone’s health, job, or loved ones, but not to a clinical extent. An example would be a father who falls asleep on the couch after having several drinks three or four days a week, missing out on time with his kids and wife. Another would be a college student who repeatedly has trouble making it to class because she was drunk the night before. These individuals, sometimes called “almost alcoholics,” may not see the connection at first but would often benefit from help and support.

Coping and support

If you suggest a dramatic action, be prepared to follow through with it. One analysis of 27 studies and over 10,000 participants showed that AA/12-step programs are the most effective ways to abstain from alcohol. Getting support from alcoholism others is often extremely helpful in getting and staying sober. You have many options to choose from, including Alcoholics Anonymous (AA).

What is the outlook for people who have alcohol use disorder?

Labels such as ‘alcoholic’ do nothing to help a person with the disorder get the help they need. Alcohol use disorder is diagnosed on the basis of criteria defined in the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental https://baolamholdings.com/vi/locate-licensed-recovery-or-halfway-housing/ Disorders (DSM-5). The DSM is a guide that describes and classifies mental disorders, published and updated regularly by the American Psychiatric Association and used as a tool by medical professionals. Through decades of studying alcoholism, a continuum of care developed that is effective in helping people stay sober. Being born with an addiction gene accounts for at least 50% of the reason you may develop alcoholism.

• You may want to learn if the program or provider offers medication and whether mental health issues are addressed together with alcohol treatment.
• If you’re worried that someone you know has an alcohol addiction, it’s best to approach them in a supportive way.
• There’s no single cause of alcohol use disorder—it can develop due to many reasons.
• Some people experience higher levels of stress that make it more likely they turn to alcohol to help them cope.

How Can I Prevent Alcoholism?

Higher levels of blood alcohol can impair your brain function and eventually cause you to lose consciousness (pass out). Drinking an extreme amount of alcohol, Drug rehabilitation also known as alcohol poisoning, can be fatal. AUD treatment is usually centered on abstinence — getting you to completely give up alcohol.

Treatment, which can include therapy, medication, and connecting with others for support, can help you recover. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), which equips you with the tools to turn negative habits into positive ones, is often used. There are several treatment options available for AUD, and there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. The Healing Place is available 24/7 to discuss your treatment options.