Humans have fermented plant matter for millennia. Originally used to preserve foods, fermentation was soon discovered to have other effects. Today, alcohol is widely used in every culture and continent in celebrations and everyday meals. But alcohol is also the most commonly abused addictive substance in the world. What is alcohol abuse? How do you tell the difference between appropriate consumption and addiction? For the more than 15 million Americans over the age of 12 who struggle with alcohol use disorder (AUD), receiving evidence-based alcohol abuse treatment is the single best way to begin recovery.
Virtue Recovery Killeen offers cutting-edge outpatient alcohol addiction treatment. Let us answer your questions such as, “What is alcohol use disorder?” and “How do I get started with treatment?” Simply reach out via this online form or call us at 866-843-0545.
What Is Alcohol Use Disorder?
An alcohol use disorder (AUD) is defined as alcohol use that leads to significant impairment or distress. In other words, if you or someone you care about drinks alcohol to the point of being compromised or in danger, and if drinking causes adverse outcomes in your life and the lives of others, you probably have an AUD.
If you recognize any criteria for an AUD listed below, seek help and information at an addiction treatment center:
- Drinking more to achieve the desired results
- Requiring more significant amounts to achieve the desired results of drinking
- Drinking three or more drinks a day for women or four or more for men
- Being unable to stop drinking despite wanting and trying to do so
- Spending a great deal of time planning your next drink, acquiring alcohol, drinking, and recovering from overuse
- Craving alcohol between drinking sessions
- Failing to meet your responsibilities at work, home, or school because of alcohol use
- Damaging relationships due to alcohol use but being unable to stop
- Avoiding or missing activities with family and friends due to alcohol use
- Preferring to drink alone to hide how much you consume
- Drinking despite dangers and physical and mental health problems made worse by alcohol
- Lying about or hiding evidence of your alcohol consumption
- Experiencing symptoms of withdrawal if alcohol is not available
The public perception of alcohol use is that it is normal. The law designates an age at which it becomes legal to drink, most people have alcohol in their homes, and parents drink in front of their children at dinner or celebrations—none of which is true for drugs people abuse. However, it is a fact that alcohol is also a drug that people can abuse.
What Is Alcohol Addiction Treatment?
Evidence-based alcohol addiction treatment at Virtue Recovery Killeen will include psychotherapy, peer support, 12-step programs, and relapse prevention. It may include experiential therapies as well. Some of the treatments offered at Virtue Recovery Killeen include:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy
- Motivational interviewing
- Trauma therapy
- Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR)
- Relapse prevention
- Equine therapy
- Music therapy
If you have a co-occurring mental health condition, coordinated treatment for both an alcohol use disorder and another mental health issue is available and recommended.
Find AUD Treatment in Texas at Virtue Recovery Killeen
To learn more about our outpatient program for alcohol addiction and to get answers to your question, “What is alcohol use disorder?” call 866-843-0545 to speak to one of our compassionate and experienced professional staff members today. You can also complete this online form to connect with us.
We are committed to your health and well-being and will help you find the right type of alcohol addiction treatment for your needs. We are here to support you on your journey to a healthier, happier life free from the bonds of AUD. Begin your recovery today at Virtue Recovery Killeen.
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