Alcohol often links to social life, but excessive drinking can lead to unhealthy habits like alcohol use disorder (AUD). AUD is a chronic brain disease that can go into remission but not be cured.

 In 2019, 14.5 million US people had an AUD, and it causes over 95,000 deaths annually. Despite its prevalence, AUD is treatable with appropriate medications and behavioral therapies.

 These treatments are increasingly available in specialist and primary care settings, making them the gold standard of care.

Let’s explore this topic in detail.

What is alcohol use disorder?

Alcohol addiction, commonly known as alcohol use disorder (AUD), is a chronic disease in which a person has an uncontrollable desire for alcohol and continues to consume it despite the negative consequences. It alters brain chemistry and behavior, making it difficult to quit drinking without assistance.

Health Risks of Chronic Heavy Drinking

Liver Damage

Your liver’s function is to eliminate toxins like alcohol from your body. But if you drink too much too quickly, your liver might be unable to keep up. Its severe consumption can damage or kill liver cells, a condition known as cirrhosis.

Similarly, Heavy drinking over an extended period can also cause alcoholic fatty liver disease, which is a symptom that your liver isn’t functioning as it should.

Heart Disease

You may know the risks of blood clots and elevated body fat and cholesterol levels. Alcohol increases the chances of both. Excessive alcohol use has also been linked to heart problems, including impaired heart pumping function and an increased risk of cardiac death.

Anemia

This occurs when the body isn’t producing enough healthy red blood cells to carry oxygen. As a result, you might have ulcers, inflammation, and other issues.

However, high alcohol consumption may also increase the chance of meal skipping, which lowers the amount of iron in the body.

Cancer

Numerous cancer forms and excessive alcohol consumption are related. The cells in your mouth, throat, voice box, and oesophagus can be harmed by alcohol. It may result in intestinal, breast, and liver cancer.

Alcohol can facilitate the easier entry of substances that cause cancer into your cells via tobacco and other sources.

Treatment Options for Alcohol Use Disorder

Alcohol addiction is treated with a combination of therapies:

1. Medical Detoxification

The first step is medical detox, which involves medical personnel assisting patients in managing withdrawal symptoms in a safe environment.

2. Therapy & Counseling

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Assists in changing unhealthy drinking practices.

Motivational interviewing encourages people to explore and address their hesitation about quitting.

Family therapy addresses the family factors that may contribute to addiction.

3. Medications

Several drugs can help treat alcohol addiction:

Disulfiram (Antabuse) causes unpleasant effects when alcohol is ingested.

Naltrexone (Vivitrol): Lowers cravings and inhibits the effects of alcohol.

Acamprosate (Campral): Helps to lessen cravings and maintain abstinence.

4. Rehabilitation Programs

An alcohol addiction rehab is an extensive treatment approach that aims to help people overcome their alcoholism and achieve sustainable sobriety. Addiction treatment typically combines medical treatment, therapy, support, and lifestyle adjustments to address physical, emotional, and psychological elements. Inpatient or outpatient rehab programs offer structured support for recovery.