Alcohol use disorder: Signs, risks and when to get help

Posted on by WellPower

Alcohol use disorder (also known colloquially as “alcoholism”) is a treatable health condition that affects the brain and behavior, often characterized as addiction to alcohol. At WellPower, we help people in Denver find practical, compassionate support for alcohol use concerns, from early changes in drinking to more severe symptoms.

What is alcohol use disorder?

Alcohol use disorder, often called AUD, is a medical condition marked by an impaired ability to stop or control alcohol use even when drinking causes problems at home, at work, at school or with health and safety. The condition exists on a spectrum – mild, moderate or severe – based on how many symptoms a person has over time. You do not have to hit a crisis point to benefit from support. Early care can help prevent symptoms from escalating.

Signs and symptoms of alcohol use disorder

People experience AUD and alcohol addiction differently, but common signs include patterns that make it hard to keep up with responsibilities or keep drinking within limits. Consider talking with a professional if you notice several of these signs over the past year:

  • Drinking more, or for longer, than you planned
  • Wanting to cut back or stop but not being able to
  • Spending a lot of time drinking, getting alcohol or recovering from its effects
  • Cravings, or a strong urge to drink
  • Missing or struggling with responsibilities at work, school or home because of drinking
  • Continuing to drink even when it is harming relationships
  • Giving up hobbies, social activities or responsibilities because alcohol takes priority
  • Drinking in risky situations, such as before driving or while swimming
  • Needing more alcohol to feel the same effects, also called tolerance
  • Feeling shaky, sweaty, nauseated or restless when you stop drinking, or drinking to avoid withdrawal symptoms

Risks of alcohol use disorder

AUD can affect nearly every part of life. In the short term, alcohol can impair judgment, coordination and decision-making, which raises the risk of injuries, falls, violence and accidents. Mayo Clinic notes that alcohol intoxication can also lead to memory problems (including blackouts) and can contribute to unsafe situations.

Over time, heavy or frequent drinking can contribute to serious health problems and can worsen mental health symptoms. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) describes AUD as a brain disorder, alcohol-related brain changes can make it harder to cut back and can increase the risk of returning to drinking after a period of stopping. AUD is also linked with challenges in relationships, work performance, finances and housing stability.

Who is at risk for alcohol use disorder?

There is no single cause of AUD. Risk can increase based on how much, how often and how quickly someone drinks, plus factors related to health and life experience. According to NIAAA, risk factors can include:

  • Starting to drink at an early age
  • Family history of alcohol problems and genetic risk
  • Mental health conditions, including depression, PTSD or ADHD
  • A history of trauma, including childhood trauma
  • High stress, limited support or environments where heavy drinking is common

When to get help for drinking

If your alcohol use is starting to feel like it is out of control, that is a good time to reach out. The American Psychiatric Association emphasizes that people can seek treatment at any point, and can work toward a range of goals, from cutting back to abstinence. At WellPower, we meet people where they are and build a plan that fits their lives.

Consider reaching out to us for support soon if you notice any of these:

  • You have tried to cut back but cannot, or you quickly return to old patterns
  • You hide drinking, drink in the morning or drink alone more often
  • You need more alcohol than you used to, or you feel unwell when you stop
  • You have alcohol-related problems at work, school or at home
  • You are drinking to cope with anxiety, depression, grief or trauma
  • Friends or family have expressed concern about your drinking

If you drink heavily or daily, do not stop suddenly without medical guidance. Alcohol withdrawal can be dangerous for some people. Seek urgent care if you or a loved one has severe confusion, hallucinations, seizures, trouble breathing or cannot be awakened. If you are in immediate danger, call 911.

Alcohol use disorder treatment and what recovery can look like

Recovery is possible, and treatment works. NIAAA notes that evidence-based care can include behavioral therapies, mutual-support groups and medications. Mayo Clinic also describes a range of care options, from brief interventions and outpatient counseling to medically managed withdrawal and higher levels of care when needed.

Depending on your needs and goals, a treatment plan may include:

  • Screening and assessment to understand how alcohol is affecting your health and daily life
  • Individual therapy to build coping skills, manage triggers and address underlying stress or trauma
  • Group counseling and peer support to reduce isolation and strengthen accountability
  • Family support or family therapy when relationships have been affected
  • Medication, when appropriate, as part of a comprehensive plan
  • Care coordination for housing, employment and other stability needs

How WellPower can help

At WellPower, we understand that substance use, alcoholism, addiction and mental health challenges often show up together. Our teams provide integrated care that can include therapy, psychiatry, peer support and coordinated services that support long-term recovery. We offer substance use recovery programs such as an Intensive Outpatient Program, a structured program that helps adults build skills to manage mental health symptoms and substance use, and Medication Assisted Treatment to support recovery with medications and clinical care when appropriate.

To get started with services, call us at (303) 504-7900. If you are in crisis or need help dealing with one, the 988 Colorado Mental Health Line is available for free, immediate, human support 24/7/365 – call or text 988 or live chat at 988colorado.com.

In Colorado, you can also visit a walk-in center for immediate, in-person help in a crisis. Denver’s walk-in center (operated by WellPower) is at 4353 E. Colfax Ave. Find the location closest to you here.

If you are searching for alcohol use disorder treatment in Denver, you are not alone. Whether you want to cut back, stop drinking or simply understand what is happening, the next step can be a conversation. Our team can help you explore options, set goals and connect to care that fits your life.