Are you worried that you or a loved one may be struggling with an alcohol use disorder, but are unsure of how to tell? Is your body craving alcohol? Or maybe you find yourself drinking in large quantities and are having trouble cutting back. Do you notice a loved one struggling to maintain relationships? Or is a loved one missing work or failing to attend to other major obligations due to their alcohol use?
An alcohol use disorder is characterized by a cluster of behavioral and physical symptoms. These symptoms differ for every individual. However, there are telltale signs that point to a need for professional help from a therapist.
At Wisdom Within Counseling, our therapists specialize in supporting clients on the road to recovery.
Common Symptoms of an Alcohol Use Disorder
An alcohol use disorder is defined as a pattern of alcohol use leading to impairment or distress. The disorder is manifested by at least two of the following, occurring within a 12-month period:
- Alcohol is taken in larger amounts over a longer period than intended
- There is unsuccessful efforts to cut down or control alcohol use
- A great deal of time is spent to obtain alcohol, use alcohol, or recover from its effects
- Craving or a strong urge to use alcohol
- Alcohol use results in failure to fulfill major role obligations at work, school, or home
- Continued alcohol use despite having social or interpersonal problems
- Social, occupational, or recreational activities are given up or reduced
- Recurrent alcohol use in situations in which it is dangerous
- Alcohol use is continued despite knowledge of having a problem
- Tolerance marked by the need for increased amounts of alcohol to achieve intoxication
- Withdrawal effects
To begin recovery, click the button below to schedule a free phone consult and get matched with a therapist!
What Does Withdrawal Look Like?
Withdrawal is a prominent symptom of an alcohol use disorder. Withdrawal occurs when one stops or seriously cuts back after drinking heavily. Symptoms can take place the morning after a night out drinking. Withdrawal can also occur after weeks of drinking, or even after months and years of consuming alcohol. Symptoms of withdrawal range from mild to serious. In some cases withdrawal can be fatal. Withdrawal symptoms also depend on how much one drank, and for how long.
Mild symptoms begin as early as 6 hours after stopping drinking. Mild symptoms of withdrawal include anxiety, headaches, shaky hands, nausea, vomiting, insomnia, and sweating. More serious symptoms, including hallucinations and seizures, begin 12-48 hours after stopping drinking. If you are experiencing withdrawal symptoms, it may be an indicator that you are struggling with an alcohol use disorder.
Alcohol Use Disorders and College Students
You may worry that your child in college is developing an alcohol use disorder. There is an acceptance of “party culture” and a prevalence of drinking among college-aged individuals. For this reason, college students are at an increased risk for developing an alcohol use disorder.
It is common for college students to engage in binge-drinking. Binge-drinking is the consumption of 5 or more drinks on one occasion for males. For females, it is 4 or more drinks. However, some college students drink twice that amount. Furthermore, thousands of college students transport to the emergency room each year due to alcohol overdose.
Factors that influence drinking among college students vary. Universities that promote Greek systems or have athletic programs tend to have students that drink more. Other factors, such as access to alcohol and peer influence, may encourage drinking behaviors among students.
Drinking in college is harmful to students’ health and wellbeing. Excessive alcohol use among college students can be fatal. Alcohol use can also lead to physical and sexual assault. Furthermore, it can generate academic problems. For these reasons, it is critical to recognize the symptoms of an alcohol-use disorder among college students and to seek the help of a therapist early-on.
Alcohol Use Disorder in a Spouse or Partner
Maybe you question if your spouse or partner has an alcohol use disorder. If this is the case, it is important to recognize harmful relationship patterns that may arise.
The first issue to be cautious of is codependency. Codependency occurs when you feel compelled to take care of your partner’s needs at the expense of your own. Or, you may find that living with a spouse with an alcohol use disorder is leading to enabling behaviors. Enabling occurs when you are “covering” for your loved one. This includes picking them up from bars, bailing them out of a DUI, or taking care of them when they are hungover. Another common issue that arises is the partner that does not drink experiences self-blame. In this case, you feel partly responsible for your partner’s drinking.
It is important to remember that the individual with the alcohol use disorder is responsible for their own recovery.
How To Help an Individual with an Alcohol Use Disorder
You may be unsure of how to help yourself or a loved one struggling with an alcohol use disorder. Begin by educating yourself on alcohol use disorders. If you are concerned about a loved one and are contemplating speaking with them, do so by letting them know you care. Formulate statements that use positive and supportive language. Avoid being hurtful and presumptuous. Using “I” statements instead of “you” statements is helpful as this allows you to avoid accusations. For example, do not say “You are an alcoholic, you need help.” Instead, try saying, “I am concerned about your drinking recently. I love and support you, and I am here for you.”
The individual may react aggressively to your concerns. However, remain calm during the conversation. Assure the individual that they have your support. It is equally important to listen with empathy and honesty. Additionally, allow the individual to voice their frustrations or resistance. Do not take this response personally. Instead, give the individual space and time to think things through.
You cannot force an individual to receive treatment. All you can do is offer your support along the way. You can do so by encouraging the individual to set goals and stay committed. Also, you can encourage them to receive formal treatment by working with a therapist.
How Wisdom Within Counseling Can Support an Individual with an Alcohol Use Disorder
A therapist offers guidance on how to help you or a loved one struggling with an alcohol use disorder. At Wisdom Within Counseling, our team of therapists specializes in helping clients overcome addictive behaviors. Your therapist will provide education on alcohol use disorders and create a treatment plan with you. Your therapist will also help you find local programs to attend. Additionally, your therapist at Wisdom Within Counseling will hold a positive and nurturing space for you. You can share your fears, concerns, resistance, and any feelings that come up throughout your recovery.
At Wisdom Within Counseling, we also bring a creative approach to treat alcohol use disorders. This includes the use of art, yoga, meditation, and nature. Expressive therapies allow the client to learn self-regulating strategies and build confidence. The client will have a positive outlet to channel their frustrations throughout treatment.
Our therapists at Wisdom Within Counseling work diligently with couples and families. Including the family as a whole in an individual’s treatment for an alcohol use disorder has many benefits. Also, the spouse and children of an alcohol-dependent person have their own emotions that are important to discuss throughout one’s recovery.
To begin therapy for an alcohol use disorder, click the button below to schedule a free phone consult!
Recovery is possible and does not have to occur alone. The sooner you seek help, the better.
Book your free phone consultation today at www.wisdomwithinct.com to begin recovery. We look forward to help you or a loved one overcome addiction, build positive coping tools, and regain control of your life!
The author of this article is Irinel Fishlock, holistic therapist at Wisdom Within Counseling.
