Alcohol Use Disorder Alcohol is the most commonly used addictive substance. 1 in every 12 American adults is suffering from alcohol abuse or dependence. There is a difference between alcohol abuse and alcohol dependence. Addiction is a complicated brain disorder. It happens when a person is regularly seeking and using the substance. This damaging pattern can affect performance at home and work. It can also affect physical and mental health. It can damage relationships, cause trouble with the law and cause health issues. What is alcohol use disorder? Alcohol use disorder occurs when a person has a Treatment uncontrollable urge to drink alcohol and because of The first step in getting treatment is admitting you that use, has problems in multiple areas of their life. have a problem. Getting support is the next step. Talk to your doctor. There are a variety of treatments Do you have a drinking problem? available. These may include self-help, (Alcoholics www.indyaa.org You may have a drinking problem if you: Anonymous; ), inpatient treatment and therapy. There are medicines that help with • Feel shame and guilt about your drinking. cravings. Recovery is an ongoing process. Discuss with • Lie to others to hide your drinking. your provider a plan or available resources to help • Are confronted by those close to you you feel the best you can. worried about your drinking. Helping someone with alcohol use disorder • Need to drink to relax. There may be painful emotions when trying to hep • Experience behavior changes when a loved one with alcoholism. You may experience a you drink. wave of different feelings. You will need to take care • Don’t remember what happened of yourself during this difficult time. Al-Anon/Ala-Teen while drinking. is a free support group that helps deal with these • Hide alcohol containers. emotions. You will learn that: • You cannot stop someone from drinking Drinking and denial go together too much. Denying you have a problem is part of the process. If • You are not responsible for someone else’s you have a drinking problem you may deny it by: alcohol use. • Underestimating how much you really drink. • Your loved one may not be able to stop drinking without help. • Minimizing the effect of your drinking. • Thinking your family and friends are Where can I go for help? exaggerating about how much you drink. • Alcoholics Anonymous (www.aa.org), is a free • Making up excuses for missing work. 12 step program that helps alcoholics. • Al-Anon (www.al-anon.alateen.org) is a Causes support group for families of alcoholics. The cause of alcohol use disorder and alcohol abuse is a complicated set of factors. It may include family genes, surroundings and emotional health. Those who suffer from a mental health condition are also at higher NAMI, helpguide.org. risk. They may use alcohol to feel better. HHW-HIPO0040 (11/17) Revised 10/2019