Content
In these cases, during treatment, the person will be asked numerous questions about their symptoms prior to substance abuse. A moderate alcohol use disorder is diagnosed when a person shows 4 or 5 symptoms, and a severe alcohol use disorder involves 6 or more symptoms. Addiction is a disease, but like many diseases, alcoholism isn’t curable.
What is Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD)?
It’s important to be honest about this risk, not to scare people, but to help them understand the gravity of what’s happening. If drinking is part of a bigger mental health struggle, it’s not just about cutting back — it’s about getting support. Let’s break down what science actually says about the effect of alcohol on your mind, especially when it comes to anxiety, depression, and emotional wellbeing.
Melody is here to help as you adjust to a life with less (or no) alcohol. You’ll meet millions of fellow Reframers in our 24/7 Forum chat and daily Zoom check-in meetings. Receive encouragement from people worldwide who know exactly what you’re going through! You’ll also have the opportunity to connect with our licensed Reframe coaches for more personalized guidance.
Listen to how alcohol actually makes you feel
The moment you Alcoholics Anonymous start questioning your relationship with alcohol is the moment something deeper could be trying to get your attention. Alcohol lowers inhibitions, increases impulsivity, and blunts our ability to think clearly or reach out for help when we’re in crisis. And in moments of emotional overwhelm, that disconnection can be dangerous. The well-known phenomenon of denial, which is a common part of the illness, often turns the illness into a chronic one.
Integrated Treatment
If a patient answers “yes” to six or more questions not listed here, it may indicate a severe AUD. If you are interested in learning more about our alcohol rehab program in Kokomo, IN, please reach out to us today. Take the first step towards a healthier, happier future with Crest View Recovery. As you continue to consume alcohol, the brain learns, adapts, and perfects the new pathway through a neurotransmitter called glutamate, which is responsible for learning and memory processes.
Follow us on social media
This is a significant increase from the 2015 survey, which reported co-occurring disorders in about 7.9 million adults. If you continue drinking heavily regularly, your brain’s production of GABA will decline, meaning you’ll need more and more alcohol to achieve a pleasurable effect. This deficit in GABA can make stopping drinking alcohol very dangerous for those who have developed physical dependence. Withdrawals can include symptoms like anxiety, shaking, an elevated heart rate, seizures, and hallucinations and must be treated in a medical setting. The bi-directional impact of Alcohol Use Disorder and other mental health conditions makes sense. Alcohol is a coping mechanism that many people employ to deal with painful mental health issues, and it also has a profound effect on our bodies and neurochemistry, which can create further issues for our mental health.
Alcohol Abuse Symptoms
Alcohol and mental health often go hand-in-hand, but that doesn’t mean their connection is a positive Twelve-step program one. For most people who have an alcohol use disorder, the first alcohol-related life problems usually appear in the mid-20s to early 40s. Up to 30% of people with alcohol use disorder do manage to abstain from alcohol or control their drinking without formal treatment.
Is quitting alcohol good for my mental health?
- This usually involves hallucinations, paranoia, or delusional thinking.
- In such cases, our alcohol detox program in Indiana, followed by our inpatient rehab program is typically recommended as the initial course of treatment.
- If close relatives have alcoholism or other addictions, you likely have the same genetics, which includes how you respond to alcohol and how your body metabolizes alcohol.
These conditions are dangerous when they co-occur, as alcohol can worsen symptoms of bipolar disorder. Northbound Treatment has been successfully helping alcoholics and addicts overcome their substance abuse issues for over 30 years. Our fully integrated treatment programs for AUD involve a full continuum of care. Recovery plans typically begin with medically supervised alcohol detox, followed by residential rehab, then outpatient treatment, and finally, aftercare addiction treatment and support that incorporates the Al Anon 12 Steps.
If an individual is beginning to think about alcohol as a problem worth trying to solve, educational groups may provide support for weighing the pros and cons of drinking. A person with alcohol use disorder has come to rely on alcohol physically, psychologically and/or emotionally. The brain adapts to the presence of alcohol and undergoes persistent changes. When alcohol use suddenly stops, the body is not accustomed to being alcohol free. The internal environment changes drastically, causing symptoms of withdrawal. If you’re facing difficulties in your life due to alcohol or drug use, or if you’re using substances as a way to cope with existing challenges, our dedicated team is here to provide the support you need.