Alcohol Use Disorder: Know the Signs and What to Do Next
Is drinking starting to cause trouble at work, with family, or your health? If alcohol feels harder to control than it used to, that’s a real signal—one worth acting on. This page gives clear, practical steps for spotting alcohol use disorder (AUD), staying safe, and finding treatment that works.
Signs and quick self-check
Look for these concrete signs: drinking more than you planned, failed attempts to cut down, strong cravings, spending lots of time drinking or recovering, neglecting responsibilities, and continuing to drink despite problems. If you notice tolerance (needing more to get the same effect) or withdrawal symptoms like shaking, sweating, nausea, or anxiety when you stop, take it seriously. You can use a short screening tool called AUDIT (ask your doctor) to get a basic idea of risk.
Ask yourself daily: Do I drink to relax or to get through the day? Has a friend or family member expressed concern? Honest answers matter—early action makes treatment simpler and safer.
Treatment options & next steps
The first step is a medical check-in. A doctor will assess your drinking, screening tests, liver function, and mental health. If withdrawal might be severe (past seizures, heavy long-term drinking, or intense withdrawal symptoms), get supervised detox—withdrawal can be dangerous and needs medical care.
Medications can help. Naltrexone reduces heavy drinking and cravings for many people. Acamprosate helps with early abstinence by easing restlessness and sleep trouble. Disulfiram creates unpleasant effects if you drink, which some people find motivating. Talk to your doctor about pros and cons—these drugs work best combined with counseling.
Behavioral treatments matter. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing, and contingency management teach coping skills and change habits. Peer support groups like AA, SMART Recovery, or online recovery communities provide structure and people who get it. Combining medication plus therapy gives the best chance to stick with recovery.
Practical habits that help right now: set clear drinking limits or a quit date, remove alcohol from your home, plan alcohol-free activities, and tell a friend or family member who will check in. Track cravings and triggers—stress, certain people, or places often predict relapse. Replace drinking time with walking, phone calls, or hobbies.
If you’re worried about cost or access, ask about telehealth, community clinics, and sliding-scale programs. Many places offer free or low-cost counseling and medication assistance.
Emergency signs—get urgent help if you or someone has confusion, tremors, fast heartbeat, fever, hallucinations, or seizures after stopping alcohol. Call emergency services right away; severe alcohol withdrawal can be life-threatening.
Recovery looks different for everyone. Start small: schedule a doctor visit, reach out to a helpline, or join one meeting. Taking that first step makes a big difference. If you want, search My Ed Meds SU for trusted articles on medications and safe treatment choices to learn more before you talk to a clinician.