When it comes to addiction issues, a lot of news focuses on opioids and similar drugs. But alcohol use disorder (AUD) is also extremely common, affecting roughly 30 million Americans and making it a leading cause of preventable death.
At Harbor Community Health Centers, our team helps women and men overcome the challenges of alcohol use disorder with patient-centered, evidence-based therapies tailored to each patient’s unique needs. In this post, learn the signs of AUD and how our therapies can help you break this dangerous and unhealthy cycle.
Having an occasional drink doesn’t necessarily mean you have AUD — even if you occasionally drink more than you should. Instead, the American Psychiatric Association (APA) says AUD is characterized by specific symptoms, including:
According to guidelines from the APA, you’re considered to have AUD if you experience two or more of these symptoms within 12 months.
If you have AUD, you may experience financial setbacks as a result of your addiction, or you may find you spend a lot more time thinking about your “next” drink or how to obtain alcohol. You might spend more and more time drinking, taking time away from other activities you once enjoyed, or spending time with family and friends.
People with severe AUD turn to alcohol to help them cope with daily stressors, or they may engage in binge drinking or experience “blackouts” after drinking.
At Harbor Community Health Centers, our team is experienced in the most advanced therapeutic options to help break the cycle of AUD and enable patients to take control of their lives and their futures again. Patients find a welcoming, supportive environment with treatments focused on their needs, lifestyles, and underlying health risks.
Most people with AUD benefit from a combination of therapies, with treatment options evolving over time as needs and symptoms change.
Behavioral health services, including individual and group counseling, form the core of most people’s treatment and recovery plans. Therapy focuses on helping you understand the triggers that cause you to drink, along with techniques aimed at helping you replace negative thoughts and behavior patterns with positive actions.
Medications have been developed to help individuals break the cycle of dependence by reducing or eliminating cravings over time and preventing withdrawal symptoms. When combined with behavioral therapy, Medication for Alcohol Use Disorder (MAUD) supports physical wellness while providing the tools and empowerment needed to achieve lasting recovery.
AUD takes a major toll on your physical health, and in some cases, the risky behaviors associated with AUD can pose health challenges, too. Chronic alcohol use can cause liver inflammation and scarring. Medical screening and other primary care assessments and services provide the supportive care you need to optimize your physical health and support emotional wellness, too.
AUD isn’t restricted to adults. The adolescent brain continues to grow and develop until age 26, so it is very important to educate teens on the effects of alcohol. Teens and adolescents binge drinking at higher rates and can suffer from alcohol addiction issues, too. Our team is trained to provide top-quality care tailored to younger individuals' unique needs and health concerns.
Our team is committed to holistic, compassionate treatment for patients of all ages dealing with the devastating effects of AUD. To learn how we can help you, call 310-547-0202 today to schedule an appointment with the Harbor Community Health Centers team at one of our two San Pedro, California locations.
