Alcohol Use Disorders
What is Alcohol use disorder?
A chronic disease characterized by uncontrolled drinking and preoccupation with
alcohol.
Alcoholism is the inability to control drinking due to both a physical and emotional
dependence on alcohol.
Symptoms include a strong need or urge to use alcohol. Those with alcohol use
disorder may have problems controlling their drinking, continue to use alcohol even
when it causes problems, or have withdrawal symptoms when they rapidly decrease or
stop drinking.
Treatment involves counseling, such as behavioral therapy, and medications that
reduce the desire to drink. Some people need medical detoxification to stop drinking
safely. Mutual support groups help people stop drinking, manage relapses and cope
with necessary lifestyle changes.
Why 90% of problem-drinkers never seek help?
Required abstinence
Stigma and shame
Forcing those looking for help to label themselves “alcoholics” for life
and abstain completely creates undue shame and stigma around
seeking help.
Major lifestyle disruption
The current standard for AUD treatment in the United States is expensive inpatient rehab that requires you to leave your home, family, and life behind.
*1 in 4
51 million Americans over 26 are binge or heavy drinkers by NIH standards
*1 in 10
Traditional rehabs and 12-step programs have <10% success rates
*1 in 100
Only 1% of addiction treatment in the US uses medication
Three medications are approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to treat alcohol use disorder: