As we come to the end of April, I wanted to highlight alcohol use disorder in the blog, as April is Alcohol Awareness Month. Because alcohol use has become so normalized in our culture, I believe it’s crucial to shine a light on the impact of alcohol use disorder (AUD) in the United States. I’ll slightly focus on its effects on women, given that is who I typically see for therapy.

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a serious mental health condition characterized by the problematic pattern of alcohol use that leads to a significant impairment in one’s daily life and/or distress. According to the DSM-5-TR (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition aka what we therapists use for diagnosing), alcohol use disorder is on a spectrum and can range from mild to severe. I have personally and professionally seen how serious and at times deadly AUD can be, and I am also very grateful to have seen so many clients claw their way out of it and into recovery.

Let’s talk some of the facts.

Understanding Alcohol Use Disorder

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) can affect absolutely anyone and everyone. It does not discriminate. And our culture romanticizes and normalizes drinking and binge drinking. How many “mommy needs a glass of wine” joke decorations and shirts have you seen? And obviously alcohol itself is just a neutral drug, but it is wonderfully positioned as an addictive substance that people can rely on to try to cope with difficult feelings, as a deserved treat, as the only way they know how to relax, as how they get to sleep, etc.

Research shows that women face unique challenges and health risks associated with alcohol consumption, including a higher likelihood of developing alcohol-related problems faster than men.

Statistics on Alcohol Use Disorder in the U.S.:

• Excessive alcohol use was responsible for about 178,000 deaths in the United States each year during 2020–2021, or 488 deaths per day. (CDC)

• In the United States, approximately 29.5 million people had alcohol use disorder (AUD) in 2022.

• Women are more susceptible to liver disease and brain damage from alcohol compared to men due to differences in metabolism and body composition.

• Globally, alcohol misuse is the seventh-leading risk factor for premature death and disability.

• According to the most recent estimate from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 21.0% of suicide decedents have blood alcohol concentrations of 0.1% or more.

• Among people who die by suicide, AUD is the second most common mental disorder and involved in roughly 1 in 4 deaths by suicide.

Signs of Alcohol Misuse and Abuse

Recognizing the signs of alcohol misuse (more mild) and abuse (more severe) is crucial for early intervention and support. Common signs of alcohol use disorder include:

• Increased Tolerance: You need more alcohol to achieve the desired effect. You start to drink more to try to get the feel you used to get.

• Loss of Control: Inability to limit alcohol consumption or stop drinking. Maybe you’ve tried to quit, but you keep coming back. Or you tell yourself you’ll only have 1-2 drinks, but you always end up drinking more.

• Withdrawal Symptoms: Experiencing physical or psychological symptoms when not drinking. Some of these symptoms are anxiety, headaches, shakiness, sweating, and nausea/vomiting.

• Neglecting Responsibilities: Prioritizing drinking over obligations like work, family, or social activities. People may have begun pointing out ways you are dropping the ball in these areas.

• Continued Use Despite Consequences: Drinking despite knowing it causes or worsens physical or mental health issues. You know that it’s negatively impacting your life and your health, but you keep drinking.

Getting Help for Alcohol Use Disorder

It takes a lot of courage to reach out for help. There are many different treatment options available for alcohol use disorder, depending on your needs and how severe the alcohol use disorder is. Part of working through AUD is the actual behavior of not drinking, but there is also underlying work of learning healthier coping skills and processing your emotions. Many people may also have a co-occuring mental health disorder, like anxiety, depression, and trauma disorders.

Here are different levels of care available, which vary in their intensity:

Outpatient Treatment

Outpatient therapy offers more flexibility and means you can attend therapy sessions while maintaining your daily life. This option is suitable for individuals with milder forms of alcohol use disorder who do not require round-the-clock supervision. It can also be helpful to attend outpatient peer support groups at this level of care, such as AA, Smart Recovery, Refuge Recovery, etc.

Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP)

Intensive outpatient programs provide structured treatment with more frequent therapy sessions compared to traditional outpatient care. This level of care suits folks who need more wraparound, comprehensive support but can still live at home.

Partial Hospitalization

Partial hospitalization programs offer intensive treatment during the day while allowing patients to return home at night. This level of care is ideal for those who require more therapy and structure but do not need 24/7 supervision.

Residential Programs

Residential or inpatient programs provide round-the-clock care in a controlled environment. These programs are recommended for individuals with severe alcohol use disorder and for those who need a supportive setting away from triggers.

Detoxification (Detox)

Detox is often the first step in treating alcohol use disorder, addressing withdrawal symptoms safely under medical supervision. It's essential to detox in a specialized facility to manage potential complications.

How to Seek Help

If you or someone you know is struggling with alcohol use disorder, reaching out for help is the first and most important step. Here's how to start the journey towards recovery:

• Consult a Healthcare Professional: Talk to a doctor or mental health professional for an assessment and personalized treatment plan.

• Explore Support Groups: Joining support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), SMART Recovery, and Refuge Recovery can provide valuable peer support and encouragement.

• Research Treatment Centers: Look for reputable treatment centers specializing in alcohol use disorder. Therapists and doctors may be able to recommend some.

• Involve Family and Friends: Seek support from loved ones to navigate the recovery process. Practice honesty with what you’ve been going through. Family members can also expore Al-Anon and their own therapy to help navigate the process and know how to best support you and themselves.

If you’re struggling with alcohol use disorder, you are definitely not alone. It helps to get support from people who understand and can help support you in your recovery, such as doctors, therapists, peers, and informed loved ones. Help is available and out there.