Alcohol Use: Signs, Risks, and Treatment Options
Addressing alcohol use involves considering its impact on your mind and body, as well as your everyday existence. We’ll cover some of these aspects below and outline what to observe if you or someone you know is aiming for recovery.
Note: This website is for information only. We can help you understand options and prep for conversations with licensed providers, but we don’t diagnose, treat, or guarantee outcomes.
What Is Problem Drinking?
Drinking becomes a problem when it negatively impacts your health or mood, strains relationships, or gets in the way of school or work. It’s also a problem if you cannot seem to cut back or feel you have lost control.
Some people drink daily, while others binge on certain days, weekends for example. Both types of drinking are risky.
Common Signs and Symptoms
Physical Signs
- Shakes or sweats when you go without a drink
- Headaches and nausea
- Restless nights or poor sleep
- A jumpy, on-edge feeling
- New stomach pain or heartburn
Behavioral Signs
- Drinking more, or for longer, than you meant to
- Strong cravings
- Hiding your drinking
- Blackouts
- Missing work or class
- Fights with others about drinking
- Driving after you drink
Mental and Emotional Signs
- Mood swings
- Anxiety or a low mood
- Forgetfulness or memory trouble
- Irritability
- Losing interest in things you used to enjoy
Signs differ from person to person, and some can resemble or mimic other conditions. Only a clinician can make an accurate assessment and diagnosis.
Alcohol Poisoning Is an Emergency
Call your local emergency number at once if someone:
- Will not wake up or keeps passing out
- Breathes slowly or unevenly, or has blue or very pale skin
- Is vomiting excessively
- Has a seizure or a very low body temperature
Alcohol Withdrawal: Safety Basics
Stopping suddenly can be dangerous if you drink heavily or every day. Do not stop drinking on your own. A clinician can decide whether you need medical detox or a plan with supervision.
Treatment Options
We match your care to your safety, withdrawal risks, home support, and goals. Over time, many people move to lighter levels of care as their needs change.
Detox, When Needed
Medical Detox is brief medical care that helps you get through withdrawal and stabilizes your health. Ongoing treatment often starts right after.
Inpatient or Residential Care
Inpatient care gives you round-the-clock structure in a safe place. It fits when risks run high, home life is unstable, or you want a clean break from triggers.
Partial Hospitalization Program
PHP (Day Treatment) fills most of the day, often several days a week. You sleep at home. During the day, you work on therapy and build skills in a structured setting.
Intensive Outpatient Program
IOP (Half-Day Treatment) means several therapy sessions a week, often a few hours each. It gives strong support and structure, and it still leaves room for other duties.
Outpatient
Outpatient care usually means weekly or bi-weekly therapy, plus recovery skills and medication management. It suits people with steady housing and a supportive home.
Telehealth
Telehealth lets you join therapy by secure video or phone. When appropriate, you can have medication follow-ups that way too. It’s flexible and removes travel barriers.
Medications for Alcohol Use When Appropriate
A prescriber may talk with you about:
- Naltrexone: can reduce the urge to binge drink and help decrease cravings
- Acamprosate: can help maintain sobriety after medically detoxing
- Disulfiram: designed to cause a negative reaction should you drink alcohol, so requires commitment and supervision
Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is voluntary, and works best alongside counseling and skills work. Your prescriber will explain the risks, benefits, and other options for you.
Therapies and Skills You May Experience
Alcohol addiction treatment can include:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy to explore thoughts and behaviors
- DBT skills for emotion regulation and distress tolerance
- Motivational interviewing to support change at your pace
- Relapse-prevention planning
- Family sessions, with consent
- Peer support groups
Some programs offer holistic extras like mindfulness, movement, or art. These can be used in addition to your medical treatment, but are not a replacement.
Co-Occurring Mental Health
Many individuals who struggle with alcohol also have an underlying mental health condition, such as anxiety, depression, PTSD or insomnia. Confirm if the treatment center you’re considering offers support for your dual diagnosis. When your health concerns are treated together, it contributes to your lasting safety and well-being.
How to Choose Alcohol Addiction Treatment
- Check for a state license and accreditation
- Ask who’s on staff, medically and psychiatrically
- Look into their safety policies and detox support
- Confirm how aftercare planning works, and what insurance covers
Ultimately, you’re looking for somewhere safe, properly accredited, and equipped to support you long after treatment ends. Take the time to ask questions and compare a few options before you decide.
Insurance and Costs
What’s covered depends on your plan, your network, and your medical needs. Programs can check your benefits, but the final decision is your insurer’s. If you need it, ask about self-pay or payment plans.
FAQs
Can I Just Cut Down Instead of Stopping?
The answer rests on your health and your drinking history. For some people, cutting down can still bring on withdrawal. A clinician can help you pick the safest route.
Can I Detox at Home?
It can be risky to detox at home due to withdrawal, so talk to a clinician first.
How Long Does Treatment Last?
Timing differs for everyone. Many start with intensive care, then move to IOP, a half-day program, or to outpatient care once they are stable. Aftercare comes next.
Will I Have to Take Medication?
No. A prescriber offers medication only when it makes clinical sense, and you give informed consent.
Can I Drink While Taking Disulfiram or Naltrexone?
You should not drink while taking disulfiram. For any medication, ask your prescriber about alcohol. They will explain the risks and give instructions for your plan.
In Crisis? Get Immediate Help
If you’re in danger or thinking about hurting yourself, call 911 or your local emergency number. In the US, you can also call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
Other numbers that can help:
- SAMHSA’s National Helpline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
- National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
- Crisis Text Line: Text HELLO to 741741