Alcohol Use Disorder: Practical Help, Treatments, and Next Steps
Feeling worried about your drinking or someone close to you? Alcohol use disorder (AUD) ranges from risky drinking to full dependence. The good news: real help exists, and small steps can make a big difference.
First, know the signs. Drinking more than intended, failed attempts to cut down, craving alcohol, neglecting responsibilities, and withdrawal symptoms like shaking, sweating, or nausea are red flags. If you or a loved one show these signs regularly, it’s time to act.
Immediate safety and withdrawal
Withdrawal can be mild or life-threatening. Early signs include anxiety, sleeplessness, and tremors. Severe withdrawal can cause seizures or delirium tremens — call emergency services if someone has heavy shaking, confusion, fever, or hallucinations. Don’t stop heavy drinking suddenly without medical advice. Detox in a supervised setting is safest for people who drink a lot every day.
Treatment options that work
Treatment often combines medical care and support. Medications like naltrexone can reduce craving, acamprosate helps with prolonged abstinence, and disulfiram causes unpleasant reactions if alcohol is consumed. These meds aren’t magic; they work best with counseling.
Therapies that help include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which teaches skills to manage triggers, and motivational interviewing, which helps find personal reasons to change. Group therapies and peer support give practical tips and accountability. If you prefer non-12-step options, SMART Recovery and other secular groups are available.
Outpatient programs let you keep work and family routines while getting therapy. For people with severe AUD, inpatient rehab provides 24/7 support, medical monitoring, and a structured plan to start recovery safely.
Thinking about cutting back? Try concrete steps: set clear limits, remove alcohol from your home, avoid high-risk places, and plan alternatives for stressful moments. Track drinks and note patterns — that helps spot triggers. If cutting down feels impossible, reach out for medical help rather than pushing through alone.
How to find help: talk to your primary care doctor, who can screen for AUD and recommend treatment. Look for addiction specialists, local treatment centers, or telehealth services. Many communities have hotlines and online groups that can point you to resources.
Support for families matters. Loved ones often need guidance on boundaries and safety. Family therapy or support groups for relatives can reduce stress and improve outcomes for the person with AUD.
Recovery isn’t one path for everyone. Some people aim for abstinence, others for controlled drinking, and some use harm-reduction strategies. The best plan fits your life, health, and goals — and it’s okay to change course as you go.
Common resources include local health clinics, addiction helplines, online counseling, and community support groups. If cost is a barrier, ask about sliding-scale fees, free programs, or medication assistance through insurance or community clinics near you right now.
If you’re worried right now and unsure where to start, call your doctor or a local helpline. Taking the first call or visit is a real step forward — and you don’t have to do it alone.
