Alcohol Addiction

What Causes Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD)?

Often referred to as alcohol abuse, alcohol dependence, alcohol addiction, or alcoholism, AUD can be considered a brain disorder. Changes in the brain can continue the cycle of alcohol abuse. However, help is available—no matter the severity of your addiction.

Surprisingly, about 10% of individuals 12 years and older in the United States suffer from an alcohol disorder. The risk of developing and continuing to abuse alcohol can depend on various factors, such as how often you drink, how much you drink, and the frequency of drinking. Any situation where alcohol use is causing harm can be considered an alcohol disorder.

Factors that may increase your risk of alcoholism include:

• You began drinking at an early age.
• You have a family history of drinking problems.
• You have a history or family history of mental health conditions or past trauma.

It’s also worth noting that alcohol can lead to tolerance. This means you have to drink more to have the same effect. This can also mean that withdrawal symptoms begin to occur when you reduce or stop drinking.

At Freedom Recovery Centers (FRC), we can empower you to reclaim your life. It’s entirely possible to overcome an Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) and lead a happy, healthy, and fulfilling life. Through various evidence-based treatment approaches, your rehab program is tailored specifically for you and your situation. No matter the severity, our expert and compassionate team is here to help.

Symptoms of Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD)

Alcohol issues can be hard to spot—especially in a world where drinking has become normalized as a way to cope or react to life’s challenges. Symptoms can be mild, moderate, or severe. They may include:

• Drinking longer or more than you intended
• Being unable to stop drinking
• Making unsuccessful attempts to cut back
• Drinking interfering with other aspects of your life (such as relationships or work)
• Feeling a craving or urge to drink alcohol
• Swapping hobbies or activities you enjoyed for drinking alcohol
• Continuing to drink, even though you feel depressed or anxious when you do so
• Drinking in unsafe situations
• Drinking more to achieve the same effects
• Experiencing withdrawal symptoms (such as nausea, sweating, or shaking)

These symptoms above are causes for concern—the more symptoms present, the more severe the addiction. The dangers of alcohol use include various health effects, such as stress on the liver, mental health effects, brain damage, and more.

Alcohol withdrawal can also make stopping drinking difficult. Withdrawal symptoms may arise within hours to four or five days after you last drank. You might notice excessive sweating, restlessness, hallucinations, tremors, difficulty sleeping, nausea, vomiting, agitation, and even seizures

Treatment for Alcohol Use Disorder

The good news is that help is available. It is entirely possible to overcome an alcohol addiction, no matter the severity. At FRC, we use several holistic, evidence-based approaches to help you overcome addiction and pave the way toward a healthy and fulfilling life.

Therapeutic Approaches

Therapy is essential in treating alcohol abuse. It helps develop life skills and behavioral changes, as well as address the root cause of the problem. Therapies that may be part of your treatment plan include:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
• Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
• Anger Management
• Group Therapy
• Family Therapy
• Grief & Loss Counseling
• Motivational Interviewing
• Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT)

Co-Occurring Conditions

In many cases, alcoholism arises from unaddressed and underlying mental health conditions, such as anxiety or depression. This is why the FRC team offers dual diagnosis and treats co-occurring conditions. This helps us get to the root of the problem, paving your way toward a full recovery.

Support Groups & Workshops

Throughout your program, you’ll participate in group therapy sessions and workshops. At FRC, we believe these group activities are essential for fostering connection and a sense of belonging. You’ll be able to talk with others dealing with similar situations, which can help you feel less alone in this journey.

Health & Wellness Support

At FRC, we strive to address your addiction from all angles. This means providing personalized health and wellness support, such as physical activity sessions and nutrition education. Supporting your physical body can do wonders when it comes to promoting better mental health and overcoming addiction.

Why Choose Freedom Recovery Centers

Our caring and compassionate team strives to offer the perfect, tranquil setting to help you find peace and relax. We aren’t just another “facility.” Our rehab center in Richmond, Virginia, contains a gym, a nail salon, a massage clinic, comfortable beds, great food, and more—providing optimal comfort so you can focus on your recovery.

There’s no shame in getting the help you need. Whenever you’re ready, the FRC team is here to answer your call. Our phone lines are open 24/7. You’re only one step away from an entirely new life.

Pave Your Way Toward a Healthier & Happier Life

At FRC, we’ve seen many go from their lowest moments to a life they could have only dreamed of. Recovery is entirely possible and within your grasp. While it can feel scary and overwhelming, the FRC team is here to help every step of the way. We can even help verify your insurance—maximizing the use of your benefits—to get you on the right path forward. Contact us today for more information.

FAQs

What is considered an alcohol disorder?

An Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) is characterized by the inability to control or stop using alcohol despite the negative impact it has on an individual’s life.

How do I know if I'm an alcoholic?

Signs and symptoms of alcoholism can vary depending on the severity of your disorder and use. However, if drinking is impacting your daily life and leaving you unable to function at work or for personal obligations, you may have an issue.

Can alcoholism be cured?

Yes, absolutely! With the right support and tools, recovery is entirely possible. At FRC, we’ve seen it firsthand and are here to help you when you’re ready.

What is the process of overcoming alcoholism?

The very first step is acknowledging that you have a problem. From there, we start with an initial detox—which involves ridding the body of alcohol and managing withdrawal symptoms. After this detox, we guide you in establishing healthy coping skills, behavioral changes, and more to support your recovery and prevent relapse.