Alcohol Use Disorder is a multifaceted medical condition that involves consuming alcohol despite the negative consequences that arise, such as emotional or physical problems. Globally, alcohol is one of the most commonly abused substances, that being the case, if you or a loved one is in need of alcohol use disorder treatment then you are not alone. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) defines Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) as “…a medical condition characterized by an impaired ability to stop or control alcohol use despite adverse social, occupational, or health consequences.” Although alcohol is often viewed as a recreational substance, it can have devastating consequences when abused. In 2022, according to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 28.8 million adults ages 18 and older had AUD in 2021. That being the case, if you or someone you know is afflicted, you’re not alone. This article will share the following about Alcohol Use Disorder:

Table Of Contents

1. Alcohol Use Disorder Symptoms
2. AUD Levels
3. What Causes AUD
4. Alcohol Use Disorder Treatments
5. Preventative Actions

There are a variety of physical, psychological, environmental, and genetic known causes of alcohol use disorder. A person’s risk for developing AUD can also depend in part on how much, how often, and how quickly they consume alcohol. Alcohol misuse, which includes binge drinking and heavy alcohol use, over time may heighten the risk of AUD. Other factors also increase the risk of AUD, such as:

• Drinking at an early age. A recent national survey found that among people ages 26 and older, those who began drinking before age 15 were more than three times as likely to report having AUD in the past year as those who waited until age 21 or later to begin drinking.³ The risk for females in this group is higher than that of males.
• Mental health conditions and a history of trauma. People with mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, and PTSD, have a greater risk for AUD, and vice versa. Those with a history of childhood trauma are also vulnerable to AUD.

Next, more about the physical, physiological, and genetic risk factors that can cause AUD.

Physical causes may include damage to the brain or nervous system as a result of long-term alcohol abuse. Once moderate to severe AUD is established, the brain’s stress circuits activate during acute and protracted withdrawal, which fuels negative emotional states and helps to maintain the abuse cycle. Read more on the neuroscience of addiction HERE.

Psychological causes may include depression, stress, or anxiety. Many resort to drinking as a means to cope with their feelings. Environmental causes may include easy access to alcohol or social norms that promote drinking. In adolescence, peers may encourage drinking.

Genetic causes of alcohol use disorder may also include a family history of alcoholism and mental disorders. Genetics play a role, with hereditability accounting for approximately 60%; however, like other chronic health conditions, AUD risk is influenced by the interplay between a person’s genes and their environment. Parents’ drinking patterns may also influence the likelihood that a child will one day develop AUD.

Studies have shown that alcohol use disorder is more common in people with mental disorders.

While there is still a lot of research to be done on the biological and environmental causes of alcohol use disorder, it’s clear that risk factors such as genetics, social norms, and environmental triggers play a large role in addiction.

One size has proven to not fit all when it comes to Alcohol Use Disorder treatment. There are several evidence-based treatment approaches and modalities designed to help recover from AUD. Alcohol abuse is one of the most common forms of substance abuse disorders in the United States. Alcohol is considered an addictive drug because regular use can lead to physical dependence and addiction. Treatment services can be delivered in residential settings, outpatient settings, or consider speaking with your primary care physician as addiction studies and treatments are becoming more widespread. Alcohol Use Disorder treatment usually involves a mix of counseling, treatment programs, and sometimes medications. Remember, recovery is possible and happening every day!

Please note: People with severe AUD may need medical help to avoid alcohol withdrawal if they decide to stop drinking. Alcohol withdrawal is a potentially life-threatening process that can occur when someone who has been drinking heavily for a prolonged period of time suddenly stops drinking. Doctors can prescribe medications to address these symptoms and make the process safer and less distressing.

Behavioral treatments are aimed at changing drinking behavior. Included in behavioral treatments are cognitive-behavioral, motivational enhancement, mindfulness-based, contingency management, 12-step facilitation, and couples or family therapy. Examples of behavioral treatments are brief interventions and reinforcement approaches, treatments that build motivation and teach skills for coping and preventing a return to drinking.

Medically Assisted Treatment (MAT) for alcohol use disorder involves the use of FDA approved nonaddictive medications that may be used alone or combined with behavioral treatments or mutual-support groups. As of today, there are currently three medications approved by the U.S. FDA to help people stop or reduce their drinking and prevent a return to drinking:

• naltrexone (Vivitrol, ReVia)
• acamprosate (Campral)
• disulfiram (Antabuse).

A number of experimental medications are being studied for the treatment of alcohol use disorder. These medications are not yet FDA approved to treat alcohol use disorder, but they are sometimes prescribed off-label:

• Zofran (ondansetron)
• Prozac (fluoxetine)
• Topamax (topiramate)
• Neurontin (gabapentin)
• Zoloft (sertraline)

Several research studies are being conducted on new treatments for alcohol use disorder. One study is testing the effects of a “dual-drug” option to block or redirect pathways in the brain in order to end cravings and compulsive behaviors. The goal is to minimize the adverse effects that are regularly experienced with current treatment options.

Mutual-support groups provide peer support for stopping or reducing drinking. Group meetings are available in most communities at low or no cost, and at convenient times and locations—including an increasing presence online. This means they can be especially helpful to individuals at risk for relapse to drinking. Combined with medications and behavioral treatment provided by health care professionals, mutual-support groups can offer a valuable added layer of support. Groups vary widely in beliefs and demographics, so advise patients who are interested in joining a group to try different options to find a good fit. In addition to widely recognized 12-step programs with spiritual components such as AA, a number of secular groups promote abstinence as well, such as SMART Recovery, LifeRing, Women for Sobriety, Secular Organizations for Sobriety, and Secular AA.

Read more about Alcohol Use Disorder treatments HERE.