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Alcohol Use Disorder

Clarity Clinic is dedicated to guiding you toward a life free from the grip of Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD). Our specialized program offers a comprehensive and personalized approach to help you regain control over your life, heal from the effects of AUD, and embrace a future filled with resilience and well-being. Through evidence-based therapies, expert guidance, and a supportive community, we are here to empower you every step of the way in your recovery journey.
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Alcohol Use Disorder Defined

Alcohol use disorder is a term used to refer to the misuse of alcohol. Several specifically defined conditions better categorize patterns of alcohol misuse. Alcohol use disorder is a chronic relapsing brain disease characterized by compulsive alcohol use, loss of control over alcohol intake, and a negative emotional state when not using. Individuals with alcohol use disorder are preoccupied with alcohol and continue to drink alcohol even when it causes problems. To get the same effect of being intoxicated, individuals with alcohol use disorder have to drink more just to get the same effect or have withdrawal symptoms when they rapidly decrease or stop drinking. Alcohol use disorder is diagnosed when, over a 12-month period, the patient’s drinking has caused clinically significant impairment or distress. Alcohol use disorder, with severity specified as mild, moderate, or severe, depending on the number of diagnostic criteria that have been met. While it can range from mild to severe, even a mild disorder can escalate and lead to serious problems, so early treatment is important.

Alcohol Use Disorder Causes

There can be several causes of alcohol use disorder. Various factors like genetic, psychological, social, and environmental factors can all impact how drinking alcohol affects your body and behavior. For certain people drinking has a different and stronger impact that can lead to alcohol use disorder that it may not have on others.

Alcohol Use Disorder Symptoms

Symptoms of alcohol use disorder can include:

  • Being unable to limit the amount of alcohol you drink
  • Feeling a strong craving or urge to drink alcohol
  • Wanting to cut down on how much you drink or making unsuccessful attempts to do so
  • Developing a tolerance to alcohol so you need more to feel its effect or you have a reduced effect from the same amount
  • Spending a lot of time drinking, getting alcohol, or recovering from alcohol use
  • Giving up or reducing social and work activities and hobbies
  • Failing to fulfill major obligations at work, school, or home due to repeated alcohol use
  • Continuing to drink alcohol even though you know it’s causing physical, social, or interpersonal problems
  • Using alcohol in situations where it’s not safe, such as when driving or swimming
  • Experiencing withdrawal symptoms — such as nausea, sweating, and shaking — when you don’t drink, or drinking to avoid these symptoms
  • Alcohol use disorder can include periods of alcohol intoxication and symptoms of withdrawal.

Alcohol Intoxication

Alcohol intoxication is a result of what happens when the amount of alcohol in your bloodstream increases. The first episode of alcohol intoxication is likely to occur during the mid-teens. The higher your blood alcohol concentration is, the more impaired you become. Very high blood alcohol levels can lead to comas or even death. Alcohol intoxication causes behavior problems and mental changes. When intoxicated, individuals can also have periods called “blackouts,” where they don’t remember events.

Alcohol Withdrawal

Alcohol withdrawal can occur when alcohol use has been heavy and prolonged and is then significantly reduced or stopped. The span of alcohol withdrawal can occur anywhere from several hours to four or five days later.

How to Approach a Loved One

There is no perfect way to approach a loved one that you assume or know is struggling with alcohol use disorder. Many people with an alcohol use disorder hesitate to get treatment because they don’t recognize they have a problem, so approaching them to tell them that they do have a problem can be difficult. An intervention from loved ones can help some people recognize and accept that they need professional help. If you’re concerned about someone who drinks too much, ask a professional experienced in alcohol treatment for advice on how to approach that person. You can not force someone to seek professional care, but you can always offer your support and encouragement. Even though you may not be able to prevent your loved one from developing an alcohol use disorder, you can still talk with them about treatment options.

Types of Alcohol Use Disorder Treatment

There are effective treatments for alcohol use disorder. The first step in treatment is being able to recognize that you have an alcohol use problem, which can be difficult for most individuals. Many individuals reach this realization at a very low point brought upon by alcohol use disorder. Even with treatment, there is a probability that you may return to alcohol use. This is more likely to occur if you spend time with people who drink alcohol or you’re in environments where alcohol use is common. A key part of recovery from alcohol use disorder is continued support.

Aftercare programs and/or support groups help people recovering from alcohol use disorder to stop drinking, manage relapses, and cope with necessary lifestyle changes. If you feel that you’ll start to use alcohol again, contact your mental health professional or sponsor right away to prevent a relapse. Lifestyle changes are also crucial in recovering from alcohol use disorder. Doing things that don’t involve alcohol and replacing activities you usually partake in that involve alcohol with something else is necessary. Ensuring that your family and friends are aware that you are no longer drinking alcohol and developing a support system of friends and family who can support your recovery, now can impair your recovery. If you have people in your life that socially drink that do not support your recovery may impact your course of treatment and recovery. Finally, continuing to engage in other healthy habits is necessary for treatment. This can include managing stress in a healthy way, good sleep habits, maintaining a schedule, or regular physical activity can make it easier for you to recover from alcohol use disorder.

Detox and Withdrawal

The first step in treatment is enrolling in a program to begin detoxification or detox. This process is medically managed, which generally takes two to seven days. You may need to take sedating medications to prevent withdrawal symptoms. Detox is usually done at an inpatient treatment center or a hospital.

Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy or psychological counseling is used to identify the patterns of behaviors, thoughts, triggers, etc. that may impact individuals with alcohol use disorder. In therapy, individuals learn skills and establish treatment plans that usually involve alcohol treatment specialists. It may include goal setting, behavior change techniques, the use of self-help manuals, counseling, and follow-up care at a treatment center. Therapy or counseling may help individuals better understand their problem with alcohol and support recovery from the psychological aspects of alcohol use. Alcohol use disorder commonly occurs along with other mental health disorders, like depression and anxiety, which can be discussed in therapy.

Family Therapy

Family therapy is a form of therapy that can support the individual, as well as the family in regards to how the alcohol use behaviors affect the family unit. It can provide the family with skills on how to resolve issues that arise and communicate with each other in a healthy manner. Family therapy also provides the individual with the support needed for their recovery.

Self-Help Groups

Various self-help groups are options for individuals to attend, such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), Women for Sobriety, and Al-Anon and Alateen. Some people find that talking with others who have an alcohol use problem may be a helpful part of treatment. Through self-help groups, individuals find a forum of peer support, gaining strength as they share their feelings, and experiences with others facing the same obstacles as themselves. Self-help groups can also be helpful because you can have a sponsor that will assist in your continued recovery.

Medications

Some medications can assist in the treatment of alcohol use disorder. An injection medication, Vivitrol, is injected once a month by a healthcare professional. Vivitrol is a non-addictive, once-monthly treatment proven to help reduce heavy drinking days in alcohol-dependent patients when used with counseling. It can also be administered in pill form. Another drug called disulfiram (Antabuse) may help prevent individuals from drinking. Antabuse is not a cure for alcohol use disorder. This drug produces a physical reaction that may include flushing, nausea, vomiting, and headaches. Naltrexone is a drug that blocks the dopamine response alcohol causes and may prevent heavy drinking, as well as reduce the urge to drink. Acamprosate is a drug that may help individuals combat alcohol cravings once a person stops drinking. Unlike disulfiram, naltrexone and acamprosate don’t make individuals feel sick after drinking.

Residential Treatment Programs

For serious alcohol use disorder, enrolling in a residential treatment facility may be necessary. Most residential treatment programs include individual and group therapy, support groups, educational lectures, family involvement, and activity therapy. These programs will include the collaborative efforts of a team, which typically includes licensed alcohol and drug counselors, social workers, nurses, doctors, and others with expertise and experience in treating alcohol use disorder.

Other Practices

While medication, psychotherapy, residential programs, and other treatment options are necessary for treatment, research has found that other forms of treatment can also help. Partaking in practices like meditation, yoga, religious beliefs, etc., helps individuals gain greater insight into their spiritual side and this is a key element in recovery.

Rediscover Hope and Heal with Alcohol Use Disorder Services in Illinois

At Clarity Clinic, we are committed to being your partner in reclaiming a life of purpose, joy, and freedom from Alcohol Use Disorder. Our experienced team of therapists, counselors, and support staff are dedicated to providing you with the tools and strategies needed to overcome the challenges of AUD. Take the first step towards transformation today. Contact us to schedule an appointment and embark on a journey of healing and growth. There is a brighter path ahead, and we're here to walk it with you.

Alcohol Use Disorder FAQ

Alcohol Use Disorder Providers

Nikhil
Nikhil Verma, MA
Therapy
Sarah
Sarah Hand, LSW
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Ian Dowdy, MA
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Stefan Dabizljevic, LSW
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Mackenzie Liotta, MA
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Stephanie Michalski, LSW
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Kortney Genske, MA
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Serena Etcheson, MSW
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Hana Khan, LSW
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Amanda
Amanda Stephans, LCSW, MSW
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Natalie Eden, LCPC
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Natasha Hingorani
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Michael
Michael White
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Bryanna
Bryanna Tartt, LCSW, CADC
Therapy
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Nicholas Oliva, PsyD
Post Doctoral Fellow
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Alexandra Gremp, LPC, MEd, PEL
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Ross Pepper, MD
Psychiatrist
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Jessica Selk, LPC
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Anish Desai, MD
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Reid Alley, MD
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Sheena Patel, PA-C
PA-C
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Ryan Atkins, PA-C
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Hannah Wychocki, PA-C
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Lauren Isdale, NP
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Hope Hirsch, LPC
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Gabriella Lerner, PA-C
PA-C
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Cyrus Ma, PA-C
PA-C
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Maggie Semprevivo, LSW
Therapy
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Zubair Khan, PA-C
PA-C
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Kumail Hussain, MD
Young Adult and Child/Adolescent Psychiatrist
Jaimee
Jaimee Jaucian, LCPC, BC-DMT
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Emma
Emma Arsic, PA-C
PA-C
Paul
Paul Bamberger, PA-C
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Tonie White, LCSW
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Sankrant Reddy, MD
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Stephanie Osborne, PA-C
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Ashley Seredynski, PA-C
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Christine Lantin, PA-C
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Sudhakar Shenoy, MD
Adult and Child/Adolescent Psychiatrist
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Tara Meidinger, LCPC, CADC
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Sharon Koys, PA-C
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Reggie Pacheco, PsyD
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Sarah Beerman, LCSW, CADC
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Sahar Eftekhar, DO
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Rebecca
Rebecca Gilfillan, MD
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Rebecca Kuhn, PA-C
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Sonnie Cousins, MA
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Elana Horowitz, PA-C
PA-C
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Pavan Prasad, MD
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Michael Colombatto, PsyD
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Lovea
Lovea Smith, LCPC
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Khrystyna Helner, LPC, MBA
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Laura Schroeder, LCPC
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Karen Richardson, LCSW, ICDVP
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Lizzie Ausland, LCPC, CADC
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Kalyan Rao, MD
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Jonathan Kolakowski, MD
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Judy Bitzer, LCPC
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James Histed, MA
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Jessica Masbaum, LCSW
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Jeanette Marinier, PA-C
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Jamie Schubert, PA-C
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Sherita Hernton, PA-C
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Emily Street, PA-C
PA-C
Emily
Emily Shelton, LCPC, LMHC, CADC, CAGCS, CRSS
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Savannah Sullivan, PA-C
PA-C
Summer
Summer Slininger, PA-C
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Ravali Poreddy, MD
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Ariella Panos, PA-C
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James Ham, PA-C
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Rayna Gorstein, PA-C
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Daniel Shuter, LSW
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Sierra Purcell, PA-C
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Emily Hoag, MD
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Grace Starrs, PA-C
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Cassie Donahue, PA-C
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Gayathri Ganesh, PA-C
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Samuel Eckert, PA-C
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Nayeli Cruz-Castillo, LCPC
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Rafael Lopez, MD
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Kaitlin Digrispino, LPC, CADC
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Scott Shadrick, PA-C
PA-C
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Mira Ebalo, PA-C
PA-C
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Mark Bey, LPC
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Miriam Mixon, LCSW
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Mary Ivory, LCPC
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Justin Lee, PA-C
PA-C
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Katherine Cunningham, LPC, CADC
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Sam Donham, LCPC
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Carol Briggs, LPC, NCC
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Emily Brennan, PA-C
PA-C
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Jenna Jacobson, PA-C
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Dane Davlantis, LCPC
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Caitlin Daughtry, PA-C
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Camryn Schmidt, PA-C
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Courtney Daly, LCPC, CADC
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Christopher Edwards, LCSW
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Abbey DeBaene, LCSW, CADC
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Brittany Wilson, LPC
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Brent Hope, LCSW
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Alexandra Gregor, PA-C
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Allegria Knouse, PA-C
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Alyssa Bobak, PA-C
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