Understanding Alcohol Use Disorder: The Signs, Effects and How to Treat it

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When addiction comes up in conversation, most of us might think of headline-grabbing substances. But let’s talk about the elephant in the room–or should we say, the bottle on the table. Alcohol, our society’s go-to social lubricant, can sometimes become more than just a casual companion.

Ever wondered what happens when that casual drink becomes a constant need? When the line between unwinding and depending start to blur? Or when your relationship with alcohol begins to strain your connections with loved ones?

Enter Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD). It’s not just about having one too many on the weekend. Known by many names (alcohol abuse, alcoholism, or simply “a drinking problem”), AUD is when your drinking starts calling the shots in your life.

In this guide, we’re diving into the world of AUD–what it really means, the signs to watch for, who might be more likely to develop it, and most importantly, how we at Better Life Partners can help you or a loved one navigate towards clearer waters.

What is Alcohol Use Disorder?

Picture AUD as that house guest who just won’t leave. It starts to crash your plans, making it hard to say “no” or “that’s enough.” We’re talking about struggling to control how much or how often you drink, finding yourself binge drinking more often than not, or having alcohol constantly on your mind like that catchy tune you can’t shake.

Sometimes, it’s like being on a treadmill that keeps speeding up–you need more drinks to get the same buzz, or you start feeling rough when you try to stop. It’s not just a bad habit; it’s a serious health condition that’s more common than you might think. In fact, nearly 15 million Americans were in the same boat in 2019. And let’s face it, the pandemic didn’t exactly help matters– lockdowns and stress were a perfect storm for increasing AUD risk.

Here’s the thing: AUD isn’t a one-size-fits-all deal. It’s officially classified as a brain disorder and can be mild, moderate, or severe. But with the right approach, treatment can be super effective.

Spotting the Signs: When Happy Hour Isn’t So Happy

Before we dive into treatment options, let’s talk about how to recognize when alcohol might be overstaying its welcome in your life or a loved one’s.

Maybe what started as a casual drink with dinner is now the main course. The occasional glass has turned into a nightly bottle (or two), and 5 o’clock somewhere has become ‘anywhere, anytime’. Suddenly, alcohol is the uninvited guest at every life event, big or small.

It’s not just about the quantity, though. You might find yourself making elaborate excuses for drinking or going to great lengths to hide those empties. And let’s not forget one of the biggest—and most dangerous—warning signs: a run-in with the law via a DUI.

The real tell-tale sign is wanting to pump the brakes on drinking but feeling like the brake lines have been cut. It’s that nagging feeling of, “I should slow down,” coupled with the frustrating reality of, “I just can’t seem to stop.”

Recognizing these signs isn’t about judgment–it’s about awareness. And awareness? That’s the first step on the road to positive change.

The Risk Factors for AUD: It’s Not Just About Willpower

When it comes to AUD, lack of self-control isn’t to blame. There are a ton of different factors that could put you at a greater risk than others:

Genetics: Ever heard the phrase “it runs in the family”? With AUD, that’s not just a saying. About half the risk comes from genetics, but remember, having a family history doesn’t mean you’re pre-destined for AUD–it just means you might need to be extra mindful.
Social Scene: Your environment plays a big role too. If your social circle treats every day like it’s St. Patrick’s Day, you might be more prone to developing AUD.
Personal History: Mental health challenges or past traumas can sometimes lead people to seek comfort in drinking. It’s like using alcohol as an emotional Band-Aid – it might seem to help at first, but it’s not a real solution.
Early Start: Starting to drink at a young age or having a history of binge drinking can increase your chances of developing AUD later on.

Here’s the thing: Having one or even all of these factors doesn’t mean AUD is inevitable. Think of them as yellow caution lights – they’re there to make you more aware, not to predict your future.

The Ripple Effects of AUD: More Than Just a Personal Problem

AUD isn’t just a solo act. It’s more like a movie with multiple sequels:

Body Blows: From blackouts to potential organ damage that’s anything but forgettable, AUD can wreak havoc on your physical health. We’re talking heart issues, liver problems, and even increased cancer risk.
Mind Games: AUD and other mental health issues often go hand in hand. Depression and anxiety might lead to drinking, or drinking might lead to them – it’s a chicken-and-egg situation that’s tough to crack.
Life on the Rocks: AUD can shake up your daily life. Job troubles and relationship strain are common side effects. And let’s not forget the sobering statistic–32 lives lost daily due to DUIs.
Family Matters: The effects of AUD can ripple out to loved ones, potentially leading to domestic issues, impacting children’s well-being, and causing pregnancy complications.

But here’s the silver lining: while these effects are serious, they’re not a life sentence. With the right treatment and support, it’s possible to turn the tide on AUD and move beyond addiction. There’s hope, and help is available – starting right now.

Charting Your Course: Treatment Options and Prevention Strategies

Ready to turn the tide on AUD? We’ve got your back. At Better Life Partners, we’re not about handing out life jackets and waving goodbye–we’re jumping in the boat with you, ready to navigate these waters together.

Here’s what Better Life Partners brings to the table:

Your Journey, Your Rules: Want to cut back or cut it out completely? You’re the captain of this ship. We’re here to help you steer.
Flexible Treatment, Fantastic Results: Whether you’re a fan of face-to-face or prefer the comfort of your couch, we’ve got options. Online or in-person, we’ll meet you where you are – literally and figuratively.
Tailored to You, Not Your Neighbor: Your AUD story is unique, and your treatment should be too. We’re not about one-size-fits-all solutions. Think of us as your personal recovery team, tailoring a plan that fits you perfectly.
Medication: Friend or foe? It’s your call. If you want to include medication in your recovery toolkit, we’re all for it. If not, no problem! We’ve got plenty of other tools in our belt.
Strength in Numbers: Our group sessions are like a friendly support fleet, sailing alongside you every step of the way.
One-on-One Lifeline: Need some solo navigation time? Our licensed counselors are standing by, ready to chart the course with you.

Seeking help is a bold move towards a brighter horizon. You’ve got this, and we’ve got you.

Reach out to us today at (866) 679-0831.

References

National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism — Understanding Alcohol Use Disorder

American Psychological Association — Understanding alcohol use disorders and their treatment

NHTSA – Drunk Driving