Alcohol Use Disorder Treatment
Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a treatable medical condition affecting roughly 28.9 million Americans (SAMHSA, 2022). Withdrawal from heavy, daily drinking can be medically dangerous and often requires supervised detox. Three FDA-approved medications are available alongside therapy.
About Alcohol Use Disorder
Alcohol Use Disorder is the DSM-5 diagnosis for compulsive alcohol use despite negative consequences. It is classified mild (2-3 criteria), moderate (4-5), or severe (6+ of 11). Beyond the well-known social and psychological harms, untreated AUD carries serious medical risks including hepatic disease, cardiomyopathy, Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome, and a withdrawal syndrome that can be life-threatening in severe cases.
Withdrawal & Medical Considerations
Alcohol withdrawal can begin 6-12 hours after the last drink and follows a predictable timeline: tremors, anxiety, and nausea in the first 24 hours; possible seizures between 12-48 hours; and delirium tremens (DTs) — with confusion, hallucinations, severe autonomic instability, and a historic mortality rate of 5-15% if untreated — between 48-96 hours. Medically supervised detox is the standard of care for anyone with moderate-to-severe AUD or a history of withdrawal seizures.
Medications & Treatment
Three medications are FDA-approved for AUD: Naltrexone (oral or monthly injection Vivitrol) reduces craving and the rewarding effects of alcohol. Acamprosate (Campral) helps maintain abstinence by stabilizing post-acute brain chemistry. Disulfiram (Antabuse) creates an unpleasant reaction if alcohol is consumed and works best for highly motivated patients with good supervision. All three can be combined with behavioral therapy and are typically covered by insurance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to quit drinking cold turkey?
Not always. People who drink heavily every day are at risk for serious withdrawal — including seizures and delirium tremens, which can be fatal. If you have experienced past withdrawal symptoms or drink heavily daily, talk to a medical provider or call us before stopping abruptly.
How long is alcohol detox?
Acute detox typically takes 3-7 days. Symptoms peak around day 2-3 and resolve over the next several days. Post-acute withdrawal (mood, sleep, cravings) can continue for weeks to months and is best addressed in ongoing treatment.
Do I have to go to inpatient treatment?
Not necessarily. The right level of care depends on your medical risk, home environment, co-occurring conditions, and prior treatment history. ASAM criteria are used by clinicians to match patients to the right level — ranging from outpatient therapy to inpatient hospitalization. We can help you find the right fit.
Does insurance cover alcohol treatment?
Under federal parity law (MHPAEA + ACA), most health plans must cover AUD treatment at parity with medical-surgical care, including detox, residential treatment, PHP, IOP, and outpatient therapy. Pre-authorization is typically required for the higher levels of care.
Can I drink in moderation again after treatment?
Most clinical guidance recommends abstinence for people with moderate-to-severe AUD, because controlled drinking is difficult to sustain once the brain changes of AUD are present. Some research supports moderation as an option for select mild cases, but this should be discussed with a clinician.
Find the Right Treatment for Alcohol Use Disorder
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