Drinking alcohol is a pastime in many cultures around the world. It can be easy to fall into dangerous drinking habits when it is used in excess. Being mindful of alcohol consumption, triggers, and behaviors can help you manage your alcohol intake. Additionally, knowing your limits and exercising caution are essential best practices.
If you or a loved one need help with overcoming alcohol use disorder (AUD), West Coast Recovery Centers can support your journey to wellness and sobriety. There are many resources available that can help you at every stage of your healing process.
What Is Alcohol Use Disorder?
AUD is often diagnosed after a series of harmful patterns and behaviors around alcohol consumption. The symptoms of AUD are generally considered over 12 months, including:
- Increased craving or desire to consume alcohol most days
- Struggle to stop or cut back, even if you want to
- Spending a lot of time and money to drink or recover from it
- Drinking despite or because of relational challenges
- Getting into dangerous situations because of alcohol, like physical altercations, car accidents, unsafe sex, etc.
- Drinking more to feel the effects
- Experiencing withdrawal when you do try to stop drinking, such as nausea and vomiting, irritability, insomnia, sweating, etc.
If you or a loved one shows signs of AUD, there are a number of things that can be done to understand, cope with, and overcome it. Depending on your needs, there are plenty of options that are meant to be tailored to you and your unique healing process.
It can be helpful to identify the potential risk factors that could push someone to develop AUD. Learning the potential signs of AUD can help you be proactive about managing your or your loved one’s health.
Who Is at Risk of Developing Alcohol Use Disorder?
With the prevalence of alcohol in most cultures, it can be tricky to know when “having fun” starts to become harmful to your health. AUD can impact anybody at any time in their life. Several potential risk factors can help you be proactive in navigating your alcohol consumption.
Knowing the possible risk factors for developing AUD can also help you be mindful of what could be driving the urge to drink in excess. By practicing self-awareness and knowing your limits, you can identify if you need to reconsider your alcohol consumption. Understanding the risk factors for AUD can also help you navigate a conversation with a loved one you may be concerned about.
According to the National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), some of the greatest risk factors for developing AUD include:
- Drinking at an early age
- Genetic history of alcohol abuse or alcoholism
- Experiencing mental and emotional health challenges
- Experiencing trauma or hardship
- Being without a strong support system
What Are the Treatment Options for AUD?
If you have AUD, there are many options available to help you. Nowadays, there are virtual options as well as in-person therapy and treatment sessions. With the right support, you can identify the right tools to help you develop a healthier mindset around alcohol use.
Most clinical solutions would involve in-patient or outpatient pharmacological treatments and different psychological treatments.
Some of the ways to treat AUD include:
- Detox treatment
- Individual or group therapy
- Medication for the management of other symptoms
- Using healthy stress management techniques
- Maintain optimal health through good sleep, a balanced diet, regular movement, etc.
- Get involved in supportive communities and activities
If you or a loved one need help with managing AUD, there are varying levels of support available to you. More severe cases of AUD can call for detox treatment and medical help to treat and overcome the disorder.
In most cases, people can benefit from some form of individual or group therapy. Sharing your story in a safe space can make it easier for you to process and overcome your challenges. Group therapy offers support that loved ones and friends may not be able to offer if they are not also experiencing AUD. Social support informs earlier treatment entry and greater treatment engagement for individuals with AUD.
Many self-care practices will enhance your health and well-being overall. Managing your stress and actively making the most of each day can create a deep sense of peace and fulfillment within you. Prioritizing your well-being along with your responsibilities makes it easier to avoid relying on alcohol and other substances to cope.
A solid treatment plan will also be sure to prioritize you and your needs. Our team at West Coast Recovery Centers is here to offer you the support you need as you consider the best options for your recovery journey. With a strong support system of caring individuals and the right resources for you, you can overcome any of life’s challenges.
If you or a loved one are experiencing challenges with alcohol use disorder, our team at West Coast Recovery Centers is here to support you on your healing journey. No matter where you are in your treatment and recovery plan, we can connect you with local resources and treatment options. There are holistic and traditional practices that can support your healing, so we respect all pathways to healing. We also offer treatment and other mental health and addiction recovery resources at our facilities in Oceanside. You can overcome AUD with supportive connections and meaningful resources that help you restore your mental health and well-being. Call us at (760) 492-6509 today.