With over 14 million Americans suffering from it, alcohol use disorder is one of the most common substance use issues in the United States. Ranging from problem drinking to alcoholism, alcohol use disorder destroys the lives of the afflicted and those close to them. The dual diagnosis treatment program at Creative Care compassionately unearths the underlying mental health issues that have been hidden by years of problematic substance use to heal clients at the source, teach them new coping methods, and guide them toward new lives. To learn more about the residential dual diagnosis treatment program, call us today.
Alcohol use disorder is a chronic mental health condition in which a person can no longer control their drinking, despite the negative consequences it has on their lives. At one end of the spectrum, this can manifest as alcohol abuse. This is a pattern of drinking that results in significant and recurrent problems with work, school, relationships, and the law. Over time this can develop into alcohol dependence during which an individual has lost control of their drinking altogether, has developed a tolerance for the effects of alcohol, and feel withdrawal symptoms in its absence.
The symptoms of alcohol use disorder can vary in intensity, depending upon the individual and the progression of the condition. However, the following are strong indicators of alcohol use:
- Making and breaking promises about alcohol consumption
- Cravings for alcohol
- Placing oneself in risky situations as a result of drinking
- Driving while intoxicated
- Problems at work, school, or in relationships caused by drinking
- Continuing to drink despite these problems
- Drinking alone
- Drinking in order to fall asleep
Physical withdrawal symptoms in the absence of alcohol, including shaking, sweating, restlessness, anxiousness, nausea, and insomnia
Genetics and upbringing play a major part in the development of alcohol use disorder. Individuals with a family history of alcohol use are at high risk, as are those from cultures where heavy drinking is normalized. Alcohol use also often develops or manifests in response to an underlying mental health condition like depression or anxiety. Finally, a history of trauma, particularly events experienced in childhood, dramatically increases the risk of alcohol use.
Alcohol Use is a chronic but treatable mental health condition. Methods like cognitive behavioral therapy have proven to be very effective in their treatment. During CBT, individuals learn to recognize the events and situations that trigger drinking. They also learn healthy, positive alternative strategies to cope with these situations. Family therapy is also helpful in navigating the complex interpersonal dynamics that cause and result from alcohol use and can help an individual build a strong support system.
Creative Care has over 30 years of experience helping individuals manage and overcome co-occurring substance use conditions like alcohol use disorder. For compassionate, innovative treatment, call Creative Care today.