Alcohol Addiction

Risk Factors

• Regular, heavy drinking over an extended period
• Family history of alcohol use disorder
• Untreated anxiety, depression, or trauma
• Using alcohol to cope with stress or difficult emotions
• A history of increasing tolerance over time

Signs & Symptoms

• Drinking more or longer than intended
• Unsuccessful attempts to cut down or stop
• Withdrawal symptoms — shakiness, sweating, anxiety, in severe cases seizures — when not drinking
• Continued drinking despite negative effects on health, work, or relationships
• Needing more alcohol over time to feel the same effect

How We Evaluate It

We conduct a thorough medical evaluation, including an assessment of withdrawal risk, since alcohol withdrawal can be medically significant for patients with heavy, regular use. This evaluation guides both the safety of your treatment start and the overall plan.

Our Treatment Approach

Alcohol use disorder is treated with a combination of medical support, medication when appropriate, and counseling.

• Medical evaluation and, when indicated, medication-assisted treatment (such as naltrexone)
• Individual and group counseling addressing the behavioral side of alcohol use
• Coordination with primary care to address the physical health effects of alcohol use
• Coordination with psychiatry for co-occurring anxiety, depression, or trauma

What to Expect

Recovery timelines vary widely, but most patients see meaningful improvement in cravings and stability within the first several weeks of treatment.

For patients with significant physical dependency, medical safety during the initial withdrawal period is a priority before broader treatment begins.