Overcome your challenges with alcohol

AUD is a chronic medical condition characterized by an inability to control or stop drinking despite negative consequences, such as problems with health and in areas of typical life.

Signs may include cravings, loss of control, increased tolerance to alcohol, physical dependence, and continued use despite harm. There are varying decreases of illness, from mild to severe.

Healthcare professionals typically use criteria outlined in the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) to diagnose AUD. Criteria includes signs and symptoms of disordered alcohol use, including physical, psychological, and social behaviors.

The development of AUD is influenced by a combination of genetic, environmental, and psychological factors. It is not a condition of character or about willpower.

Yes, recovery is possible. Treatment often involves a combination of evidence-based therapies, medications, and support groups, including peer-support.

Treatment options include counseling, (such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)), other behavioral therapies, medications (naltrexone, acamprosate), and peer-support groups (Alcoholics Anonymous and others). There are also apps, like the Anonymous Health app, that allow you to learn and practice tools and techniques to support your recovery. These kinds of applications, when combined with one-to-one therapy (“computer assisted therapy”), can yield significantly improved success rates relative to therapy alone.

There are several medications that medical professionals can prescribe to help aid recovery from AUD. Some medications help to reduce physical cravings for alcohol, some block the areas of the brain that are involved with the rewarding effects of alcohol, and some create a negative reaction when used with alcohol so serve as a deterrent.

Harm reduction is the principle of reducing the harmful physical effects of addictive behaviors. Examples of harm reduction practices with alcohol use are preventing alcohol poisoning, encouraging hydration and nutrition, minimizing risky behaviors like driving while drinking. Harm reduction can people alive and healthier while they work on sobriety.

The duration of treatment varies based on a person’s own needs. Some may require short-term interventions, while others may benefit from longer-term support.

In severe cases, medical detoxification may be required to manage withdrawal symptoms safely. However, research show that recovery is likely to be more successful when supported by continued participation in treatment after detox.

There are various symptoms of alcohol withdrawal and can depend on the extent of physical dependence. More serious symptoms include delirium tremens (DTs). DTs is a condition of profound confusion, fever, agitation, and presence of hallucinations. More mild symptoms include abdominal pain, anxiety, insomnia, and loss of appetite. Tremors, changes in heart rate, sweating, seizures, and irritability are also possible.

Medical professionals consider AUD to be a chronic condition, but recovery is possible. Many people can achieve and maintain sobriety with appropriate treatment and support. Relapse is often a normal part of the recovery journey and doesn’t indicate a lack of progress.

Medications are not always prescribed, but they can be beneficial, especially in combination with behavioral therapies. The decision depends on individual circumstances and a person’s overall health status.

Involving family in therapy or peer-support groups can be beneficial, both to educate family and provide support.

Encourage them to seek professional help. Approach the conversation with empathy and understanding, expressing concern for their well-being.

Treatment is individualized based on the specific person’s needs, but you may expect a combination of the following during the treatment process: assessment and evaluation, detoxification (if necessary), medical monitoring, Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT), counseling, education and skills building, relapse prevention and preparedness planning, continued support, and aftercare planning.

It's important to ask about payment options and verify insurance coverage before starting treatment. Many treatment programs have a navigator who can provide information on available options and help navigate the payment process. Some available options for payment may include: individual health insurance, Medicaid and Medicare, out-of-pocket payment, sliding scale fees, Employee Assistance Programs (EAP), and payment plans.

Sessions with your therapist and other members of your treatment team will typically happen more frequently in the beginning of your treatment, usually a few times a week. Then, as recovery progresses, you can expect to meet less, depending on the level of support you need. This will be an ongoing discussion between you and your team.

The Anonymous Health app complements the counseling and medical support you receive.  It includes weekly exercises to teach you tools and techniques to not only help you overcome your addiction, but also to improve your life and some of the underlying stressors you may experience.  Additionally, on a daily basis, you will be prompted to practice the tools and techniques that you learn.  Our app is “gamified” and designed to be engaging, so we can do as much as possible to support your successful recovery.