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Alcohol Rehab in San Diego
Alcohol is widely consumed across the U.S. However, it is commonly abused. In fact, in 2020, 28.3 million Americans 12 and older suffered from alcohol use disorder. Alcohol use disorder is the most common substance use disorder because it is readily available throughout the United States.
Abusing alcohol can put the heavy drinker and others around them in danger. Alcohol can damage the body and mind, compromise relationships, and lead to financial and legal problems. Treatment for alcohol use disorder can help with long-term recovery and improve quality of life overall.
What is Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD)?
Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a chronic mental health disorder characterized by a pattern of excessive alcohol use despite negative consequences. Alcohol use disorder is often referred to as alcohol addiction, alcohol dependence, alcohol abuse, or alcoholism. Alcohol addiction affects the brain and body by developing a psychological or physical dependence on alcohol.
Adverse health consequences and side effects from alcohol abuse can severely impact life. Relationships, physical health, and mental health can be negatively affected by alcohol use disorder. Recognizing the signs and symptoms of this disorder can help reduce consequences and discover recovery.
DSM-V Criteria for Alcohol Use Disorder
The manual used by psychiatrists and psychologists to diagnose mental disorders is the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-V). Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is one of the disorders described in the DSM-V as a pattern of alcohol use that can lead to distress and impairment. The DSM-V also outlines the specific criteria associated with alcohol use disorder.
The DSM-V further classifies alcohol use disorder according to severity:
- Mild AUD – two to three criteria are present
- Moderate AUD – four to five criteria are present
- Severe AUD – six or more of the 11 criteria are present
11 Criteria for AUD
The alcohol use disorder diagnostic criteria according to the DSM-5 include the following:
- Alcohol is often taken in more significant amounts or over a more extended period than was intended
- Persistent desire or unsuccessful efforts to reduce or control alcohol use
- Much time is spent in activities necessary to obtain alcohol, use alcohol, or recover from its effects
- Craving, or a strong desire or urge to use alcohol
- Recurrent alcohol use results in a failure to fulfill significant role obligations at work, school, or home
- Continued alcohol use despite having persistent social or interpersonal problems caused by alcohol
- Important social, occupational, or recreational activities are given up or reduced because of alcohol use
- Recurrent alcohol use in situations in which it is physically hazardous
- Alcohol use is continued despite the persistent physical or psychological problem that is caused by alcohol
- Tolerance to alcohol occurs causing the need for increased amounts of alcohol for the desired intoxication
- Withdrawal occurs when suddenly stopping alcohol consumption
Signs & Symptoms of Alcohol Abuse
Behaviors fitting the description in the DSM-5 can cause a diagnosis of a mild, moderate, or severe alcohol use disorder. These 11 diagnostic criteria are the primary signs and symptoms of AUD.
Signs of alcohol abuse can include:
- Consistently drinking more or longer than intended
- Experiencing gaps in memory while intoxicated
- Loved ones expressing concern
- Feeling guilty about drinking
- Attempting to cut back on drinking without success
- Needing a morning drink to ease nerves or relieve a hangover
Dangers of Alcohol Abuse
An alcohol use disorder can have various damaging effects in the short and long term. Some of these effects are physical, some are psychological, and others are social. Short-term effects can include memory loss, hangovers, and blackouts.
Long-term effects of heavy drinking can include:
- Stomach ailments
- Heart problems
- Cancer
- Brain damage
- Serious memory loss
- Liver cirrhosis
Treatment for Alcohol Use Disorder
There are a variety of treatment modalities that can be used to help treat alcohol use disorder. Customized treatment plans are developed based on individual needs and diagnoses.
At our alcohol rehab in San Diego, our program includes:
- Individual & Group Therapy – Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a type of psychotherapy that is considered the gold standard for addiction treatment. CBT is based on the theory that emotions, thinking, and behaviors are all connected. Changing one of these can affect all.
- Life Coaching – coaching is based off a shared feeling of trust, a relationship of equality, desire to focus on the future, willingness to work through challenges, and an acceptance of self while still wanting to improve
- Life Skills – Groups and individual sessions can be used to teach life skills like writing resumes, cooking meals, self-care, and finances. New healthy habits can be taught to help improve relationships with family, work, and school.
- Relapse Prevention – Developing tools, recognizing triggers, and discussing causation for alcohol use disorder can help with long-term recovery
Our Alcohol Rehab in San Diego
Alcohol use disorder (AUD), often referred to as alcohol addiction, is a mental health disorder characterized by a pattern of alcohol abuse leading to withdrawal and tolerance. AUD can affect daily functioning, relationships with others, physical health, and mental health. With treatment, long-term alcohol addiction recovery is possible.
If you or a loved one are struggling with alcohol abuse, reach out to our alcohol rehab in Oceanside, CA. Our team can answer any questions you may have and give you a better understanding of our outpatient rehab program in San Diego.
