Alcohol Use Disorder: Find Healing and Hope at Vista Taos
Introduction
Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a severe medical condition that can cause significant problems in one’s life. Addressing this concern can help you take the first step towards a healthy and fulfilling life.
- What alcohol use disorder is
- Symptoms of alcohol use disorder
- How alcohol use disorder is diagnosed
- Symptoms of alcohol withdrawal
- Risk factors for AUD
- The dangers of AUD
- How common is alcohol use disorder?
- Treatment options
Heal From Alcohol Use Disorder at Vista Taos Renewal Center
What is Alcohol Use Disorder?
Alcohol use disorder is a medical condition characterized by the inability to stop or control alcohol use.1
Alcohol Use Disorder: an Overview
Consequences of AUD
- Liver disease
- Cancer
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Other physical and mental health conditions
Symptoms of Alcohol Use Disorder
- Cravings or a strong urge to drink alcohol
- Difficulty controlling the amount of alcohol consumed
- Continuing to drink despite negative consequences, such as relationship problems or health problems
- Spending a lot of time drinking or recovering from the effects of alcohol
- Developing a tolerance to alcohol and needing to drink more to achieve the desired effect
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when attempting to stop drinking or cutting back
- Drinking to cope with stress or to avoid withdrawal symptoms
- Neglecting responsibilities or activities due to alcohol use
- Continuing to drink despite knowing it causes physical or mental health problems
- Giving up social or recreational activities in favor of drinking
How is Alcohol Use Disorder Diagnosed?
- Drinking habits
- Medical history
- Symptoms
Medical Evaluation
A healthcare professional may perform a physical exam and run blood tests. This helps to check your physical health and assess for any alcohol-related medical conditions.
Psychological Evaluation
A healthcare professional may also perform a psychological evaluation. This assesses your mental health and checks for any co-occurring mental health disorders.
Screening Tests
A healthcare professional may use a screening tool to assess your level of alcohol consumption.
These tools can also assess the presence of alcohol-related problems. An example is the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT).
Criteria for Diagnosis
A healthcare professional will assess your symptoms. Then, they use the diagnostic criteria outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition (DSM-5) to determine whether you meet the criteria for a diagnosis.
Diagnostic Criteria
- Drinking more alcohol or for longer periods than intended
- Difficulty controlling or cutting down on alcohol use
- Spending a lot of time drinking or recovering from alcohol use
- Cravings or strong urges to drink
- Continuing to drink despite negative consequences, such as relationship problems or health issues
- Giving up important activities or social events to drink
- Developing tolerance to alcohol
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when attempting to stop or reduce alcohol use
Symptoms of Alcohol Withdrawal
Withdrawal symptoms often occur in individuals who have been drinking heavily and/or frequently for an extended period.
If they then suddenly stop or reduce their alcohol intake they may experience:4
- Tremors or shaking
- Sweating
- Nausea or vomiting
- Anxiety or agitation
- Insomnia
- Headache
- Rapid heartbeat
- Hallucinations
- Seizures
- Delirium tremens (DTs)
Delirium Tremens (DTs)
DTs are a severe form of alcohol withdrawal. DTs can occur in individuals who have been drinking heavily for years. They can cause:5
- Confusion
- Disorientation
- High fever
- Seizures
- Hallucinations
Withdrawal Symptoms Vary by Individual
Risk Factors for Alcohol Use Disorder
Genetics
Age
Environment
Mental Health
Social and Cultural Factors
Certain social and cultural factors can increase the likelihood of developing AUD. This may include peer pressure, stress, and availability of alcohol.
Gender
Physical Health
How is AUD Dangerous?
- Social
- Physical
- Emotional
- Mental
- Financial
Social Impact
Alcohol use can lead to strained relationships and social withdrawal. People with AUD may have difficulties maintaining healthy relationships. This can lead to social isolation and loneliness.
Physical Impact
- Liver disease
- Heart disease
- Cancer
- Gastrointestinal problems
- Neurological disorders
Emotional Impact
- Mood swings
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Anger and irritability
Mental Impact
- Memory
- Attention
- Decision-making abilities
It can also increase the risk of developing mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts.
Financial Impact
- The loss of income
- Increased healthcare costs
- Legal problems, such as DUI charges
Severity of These Impacts Varies
- The amount and frequency of alcohol consumed
- The presence of co-occurring disorders
- Individual vulnerability.
It is clear that AUD can impact an individual’s quality of life and health. This is why it is important to seek help and support to manage the disorder.
Is Alcohol Use Disorder Common?
Alcohol abuse, alcoholism, and alcohol use disorder kill over 3 million people each year. This accounts for up to 6% of global deaths. Alcohol affects people worldwide. It is an extremely common disorder.7
AUD in the U.S.
AUD in Europe
AUD in Australia
AUD in Canada
AUD is a Global Issue
Treatment Options for Alcohol Use Disorder
Medications
- Acamprosate
- Naltrexone
- Disulfiram
Behavioral Therapies
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT): CBT can help individuals identify and change negative thoughts and behaviors related to alcohol use
- Motivational interviewing (MI): MI can help motivate individuals to make positive changes in their behavior
- Contingency management: Contingency management involves providing rewards or incentives for positive behavior changes
What is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy?
Support Groups
Support groups, such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), can be a helpful component of treatment for AUD. These groups provide peer support and encouragement.
Residential Treatment Programs
For those with severe AUD, a residential treatment program may be necessary. Residential programs provide intensive, round-the-clock care.
Self-Help Strategies
- Avoiding triggers
- Practicing stress-reduction techniques
- Developing a support network of family and friends
Available Treatment Options for Alcohol Use Disorder
- The severity of the condition
- Medical and psychiatric history
- Personal preferences
Understanding your unique situation and how treatment may vary depending on your circumstances and preferences is crucial.
Here are some examples of which treatment options may be best for you or your loved one, depending on your specific needs and circumstances:
Mild to Moderate AUD
Severe AUD
For individuals with severe AUD, residential treatment programs are often recommended. These programs provide 24/7 support and intensive therapy.
Co-Occurring Disorders
Motivational Interviewing (MI)
Self-Help Strategies
Treatment is Specific to the Individual
The best treatment option will be determined by your needs. Many of the most effective treatments for alcohol use disorder are a combination of many different strategies and therapies.
How Can Vista Taos Help with Alcohol Use Disorder?
Comprehensive Assessment
Individualized Treatment Plan
Based on the assessment, we work with you to develop an individualized treatment plan tailored to meet your unique needs and circumstances.
Medical Detoxification
At Vista Taos, we provide medical detox to help you manage withdrawal symptoms. This treatment is a 6 to 10-day healing program that ensures a safe and comfortable detox process.
Behavioral Therapies
Vista Taos provides a range of evidence-based behavioral therapies. Our therapies combine the psychological with the spiritual approaches.
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
- Motivational interviewing (MI)
- Trauma-informed care
- Grief and loss therapy
- Mindfulness-based relapse prevention
- Yoga
- Family systems approach
- Recreational therapy
What is Dialectical Behavioral Therapy?
How Do These Therapies Help?
Our therapies are aimed at helping you develop coping strategies, learn new skills, and address underlying issues that may contribute to chemical dependency.
Support Groups
Vista Taos offers support groups to provide peer support and encourage ongoing recovery. We offer a 12-Step curriculum and an alumni program to continue to receive support and accountability.
Aftercare Support
Our Program
If you or someone you love is struggling with alcohol use or dependency, Vista Taos Renewal Center can help.
Our program provides a holistic approach to treating AUD. By addressing both the physical and psychological aspects of the disorder.
Contact Vista Taos Today
To start living your best life, contact Vista Taos at 575.758.5858 or https://www.vistataos.com/contact-us/.
Resources
- https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/brochures-and-fact-sheets/understanding-alcohol-use-disorder
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/alcohol-use-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20369243
- https://www.medscape.com/answers/285913-41535/what-are-the-dsm-5-criteria-for-%20alcohol-use-disorder
- https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/addiction/alcohol-withdrawal-symptoms-treatments
- https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/addiction/delirium-tremens
- https://www.cdc.gov/alcohol/fact-sheets/mens-health.htm
- https://drugabusestatistics.org/alcohol-abuse-statistics/
- https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/brochures-and-fact-sheets/alcohol-facts-and-statistics
- https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789241565639
- https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/illicit-use-of-drugs/national-drug-strategy-household-survey-2019/contents/drug-types/alcohol
- https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/pub/82-003-x/2014003/article/14039-eng.htm