Online treatment for Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) has emerged as a convenient and accessible option for individuals seeking support in their alcohol recovery journey. At Eleanor Health, we provide holistic online addiction treatment services with a compassionate approach and combine the power of medication and therapy to create personalized treatment plans fit to your recovery needs.
Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) is a medical condition where a person can’t control or stop drinking alcohol, even when it causes problems in their life. This disorder, which used to be referred to as alcohol abuse, dependence, addiction, and alcoholism, looks different for everyone and can be mild, moderate, or severe, based on how many symptoms you may have.
Mild means having two or three symptoms, while severe means having six or more. Common symptoms of alcoholism include increased tolerance to alcohol, addiction withdrawal symptoms, unsuccessful efforts to cut down on drinking, and continuing to drink despite its negative impact on your life. AUD is diagnosed using criteria from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5).
There is no singular cause of alcoholism but dozens of risk factors that play a role in the development of an alcohol addiction. These risk factors interact differently in every individual, leading to alcohol use disorders (AUDs) in some and not in others.
Both internal and external factors can contribute to the development of alcoholism, including:
Eleanor Health offers online addiction treatment for alcohol, opioids, meth, and more.
Recognizing the signs and symptoms of alcohol addiction is crucial for seeking timely intervention and treatment. Some common indicators include:
Chronic alcohol use can seriously affect a person’s physical and mental health. The long-term effects of alcohol addiction can be harmful and, in some cases, life-threatening.
Outpatient treatment for alcoholism offers a flexible approach to recovery, allowing individuals to receive professional support while maintaining their daily routines and responsibilities. This treatment is an effective option for those with mild to moderate alcohol use or as a step-down approach after completing an alcohol detox or residential program.
Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is an evidence-based approach that combines behavioral therapy with medications to treat alcohol. MAT is effective in reducing cravings, preventing relapse, and promoting long-term recovery.
The FDA has approved several medications for the treatment of AUD, including Naltrexone, Acamprosate, and Disulfiram. During your first appointment, your medical provider will discuss which medications may be a good fit.
Addiction counseling is an essential part of treatment for alcohol dependence. It involves various evidence-based approaches that address the psychological, emotional, and behavioral aspects of addiction, helping individuals develop coping strategies, identify and modify negative thought patterns, and build a foundation for long-term recovery. Some of the most common addiction therapies include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing, contingency management, trauma therapy, and family therapy.
Peer support plays an important role in the recovery journey. Connecting with others who have experienced similar challenges and are on their own paths to sobriety can provide invaluable support, encouragement, and accountability. At Eleanor Health our Community Recovery Partners have been where you are and are ready to help you maintain sobriety and reduce feelings of isolation. Having a person who has shared similar experiences as you and from whom you can receive advice is particularly helpful during early recovery.
Call today to speak to one of our recovery specialists. We are ready to listen, learn and offer support without judgment.
