Wonder Years, with our dedicated team of professionals, offers comprehensive diagnosis of psychiatric conditions, second opinions, and follow-up treatment of an array of mental health issues such as alcohol disorder. Keep reading to learn more about alcohol disorder.
Learn More About Alcohol Disorder
Alcohol disorder, also known as alcohol use disorder (AUD), is a medical condition where afflicted parties are unable to control their alcohol use despite detrimental health, social, or occupational implications. It is a range that includes conditions such as alcohol abuse, dependence, and addiction.
AUD can be mild, moderate, or severe, and is considered a brain disorder, with alcohol misuse causing long-term changes to the brain that make individuals more susceptible to relapse.
It is estimated that 16 million people in the US have AUD. Symptoms of AUD include:
- The uncontrollable urge to drink
- Choosing to drink over doing other important activities
- Continuing to drink even if it causes or worsens existing problems
- Negative thoughts when staying away from alcohol
- Drinking despite being in a risky situation
- Inability to control how much you drink
The symptoms and behaviors that individuals experience depend on the severity of their AUD, and can be diagnosed in a psychiatric evaluation.
The risks of developing AUD can also vary from person to person and is dependent on how much, how often, and how quickly they consume alcohol. Other factors that increase the risk of AUD are drinking at an early age, genetics and family history of alcoholism, and mental health issues such as a history of trauma.
The effects of AUD can be seriously detrimental to both physical and mental health. Oftentimes, drinking problems are cyclical; alcohol misuse causes other problems that the individual then tries to avoid by drinking again. The short-term impacts of AUD include memory loss, blackouts, and hangovers, while long-term effects include:
- Increased risk-taking behaviors
- Negative social impact
- Brain damage
- Increased risk of cancer
- Permanent memory loss
- Heart problems
- Pancreatitis
- Scarring on the liver (Cirrhosis)
- Stomach problems
- High blood pressure
Treatment for AUD is very patient-focused as no one approach will work for all. Individuals suffering from AUD are recommended to work closely with their doctors and therapists to find a suitable treatment program. Specialty programs can also provide inpatient solutions.
Therapy sessions can be done alone with a therapist or as part of a group therapy program. This treatment method seeks to help you understand AUD and what might have caused its onset. You will also receive support in keeping away from alcohol and adhering to your treatment plan. In addition, support from friends and family can play a helpful role in the treatment process.
How Wonder Years Can Help with Alcohol Disorder
Here at Wonder Years, we provide therapy sessions to help you change your drinking behavior through counseling and reduce the severity of alcohol-related problems.
Why Choose Wonder Years?
At Wonder Years, we focus on the collaborative efforts of therapists, psychiatrists, family members, and other care professionals with the patient. This provides a strong network of support for patients who are looking to stick to their treatment plan and change detrimental behaviors.
Looking for effective therapy? Book an appointment with us today!
