Alcohol Use: Signs, Risks, and Treatment Options
Alcohol affects the brain, body, and daily life. Knowing the signs to watch for, when withdrawal can be risky, and the treatment options available is helpful when seeking recovery.
Our website is for information only. We help you understand your options and prepare for conversations with licensed providers, but we do not diagnose, treat, or guarantee outcomes.
What Is Problem Drinking?
Alcohol becomes a problem when it harms your health, mood, relationships, school, or work, or when cutting back feels hard or out of control. Some people drink daily; others binge on certain days. Both patterns can be risky. A clinician can assess your situation and recommend a safe plan.
Common Signs and Symptoms
Physical Signs
Shakes or sweating after not drinking, headaches, nausea, poor sleep, feeling “on edge,” or new stomach or heartburn issues
Behavioral Signs
Using more or longer than planned, strong cravings, hiding alcohol, blackouts, missing work or classes, arguments about drinking, or driving after drinking
Mental/Emotional Signs
Mood swings, anxiety, low mood, memory trouble, irritability, or losing interest in normal activities
Not everyone has the same signs, and some signs overlap with other conditions. Only a clinician can assess.
Alcohol Poisoning (Emergency)
Call your local emergency number now if someone:
- Can’t be woken up or keeps passing out
- Has slow or irregular breathing, blue or very pale skin
- Is vomiting and not waking up
- Has a seizure or very low body temperature
Alcohol Withdrawal: Safety Basics
If you drink heavily or daily, stopping suddenly can be dangerous. Symptoms may include shakes, sweating, nausea, fast heartbeat, anxiety, or trouble sleeping. Some people develop seizures or severe confusion.
Don’t start or stop on your own. A clinician can tell you if you need medical detox or a supervised plan.
Treatment Options
Care is matched to safety, withdrawal risks, support at home, and your goals. Many people transition to less intensive levels of care over time as needs change.
Detox (If Needed)
Detox provides short-term medical support to manage withdrawal and stabilize your health. It is often followed right away by ongoing care.
Inpatient/Residential
Inpatient care offers 24/7 structure in a safe setting. It can help when risks are higher, home is not stable, or you need a focused reset away from triggers.
Day Program (PHP)
PHP offers most of the day in treatment, often several days per week. You return home at night but spend many daytime hours in structured therapy and skills practice.
Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)
IOP involves several therapy sessions each week, usually in blocks of a few hours. It provides strong support and structure while still fitting around other duties.
Outpatient
Outpatient care usually means weekly or biweekly therapy, with recovery skills and medication management. It works best if you have stable housing and support at home.
Telehealth
Telehealth lets you attend therapy and, when appropriate, medication follow-ups by secure video or phone. It offers flexibility and removes transport barriers to care.
Medications for Alcohol Use (When Appropriate)
A prescriber may discuss:
- Naltrexone: May reduce heavy drinking and cravings.
- Acamprosate: May support abstinence after detox.
- Disulfiram: Causes an adverse reaction if alcohol is consumed; requires commitment and supervision.
Therapies and Skills You May Experience
Alcohol addiction treatment can include:
CBT to explore thoughts and behaviors
DBT skills for emotion regulation and distress tolerance
Motivational interviewing to support change at your pace
Relapse-prevention planning
Family sessions (with consent)
Peer support groups
Co-Occurring Mental Health
Anxiety, depression, PTSD, or sleep problems often overlap with alcohol use. Ask about integrated (dual diagnosis) care so both substance use and mental health are treated together. This can improve safety and long-term stability.
How to Choose Alcohol Addiction Treatment
Check for state license and accreditation
Ask about medical and psychiatric staff availability
Review safety policies and detox support
Confirm aftercare planning and insurance coverage
Insurance and Costs
Coverage depends on your plan, network, and medical needs. Programs can check benefits, but your insurer makes the final decision. Ask about self-pay or payment plans if needed.
FAQs
Can I just cut down instead of stopping?
It depends on your health and history. Cutting down can still trigger withdrawal for some people. A clinician can suggest the safest approach.
Can I detox at home?
Home detox can be risky. A clinician should assess whether medical detox or a supervised plan is needed based on your use and health.
How long does treatment last?
Timelines vary. Many people start with higher support, then step down to IOP (half-day programs) or outpatient as they stabilize, followed by aftercare.
Will I have to take medication?
No. Medication is offered only when clinically appropriate and with informed consent.
Can I drink while taking disulfiram or naltrexone?
It’s not recommended to drink on disulfiram. Ask your prescriber about alcohol use with any medication; they will explain risks and instructions for your plan.
Helpful Resources
In Crisis? Get Immediate Help
Safety & Crisis: If you are in danger or thinking of self-harm, call 911 (or your local emergency number). In the US, dial or text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.