Alcohol Addiction: Signs, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Alcohol is one of the most widely used substances in the world, with consumption often starting as a casual part of social life. [1] For many people, what begins as social or casual drinking can gradually become something more serious.
Alcohol addiction can affect nearly every aspect of the user’s life—from physical and mental health to relationships, job, and daily routines. With prolonged drinking, suddenly, nothing feels the same unless alcohol is involved. Parties, holidays, and social gatherings all feel like they hinge on alcohol consumption just to “have a good time.” The good news is that recovery is possible. With the right support and treatment plan, it’s never too late to reclaim a life free from alcohol use.
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Key Points
- Drinking alcohol affects brain chemistry and can lead to dependence.
- Withdrawal without medical care can be dangerous or deadly.
- The most effective treatment for alcohol addiction combines medication with therapy.
- Treating co-occurring mental health conditions is essential for lasting recovery.
- A step-down model of care—from inpatient to outpatient— supports long-term success.
What Is Alcohol?
Alcohol is a central nervous system (CNS) depressant found in beer, wine, and liquor. [2] Drinking slows brain function, altering mood, judgment, coordination, and reaction time. While many people drink casually without harm, regular or heavy use can lead to a condition known as Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD).[3]
AUD exists on a spectrum—from mild to severe—and is diagnosed when drinking causes distress or interferes with daily life. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), signs of AUD include drinking more than intended, struggling to cut back, and continuing to drink despite negative consequences.[4]
Alcohol dependence is one of the most common substance use disorders in the U.S. Data from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health shows that more than 29 million adults aged 12 and older had AUD in 2022. [5] Each year, alcohol contributes to over 140,000 deaths in the U.S., making it one of the leading causes of preventable death.
While casual drinking may seem harmless, for many people it can become a chronic and progressive case of alcohol addiction.. Early recognition and treatment are key to reducing long-term health risks and restoring quality of life.
Alcohol Addiction and Abuse
Alcohol boosts dopamine, the chemical in the brain that is responsible for feelings of pleasure and relaxation. [6] At first, drinking may seem like a quick way to unwind or feel good after a long day, but over time, the brain begins to rely on alcohol. At first, you just need a few drinks to take the edge off, but before you know it, drinking alcohol becomes an important part of your daily routine.
The shift from drinking for fun to drinking out of necessity can make it harder to feel calm, happy, or normal without alcohol. This is how alcohol dependence begins.
Dependence doesn’t happen overnight. It may even sneak up gradually. As your tolerance builds, you may need to drink more just to feel the same effects. You might even begin to crave alcohol, feeling uneasy without it, or you might start drinking more often than planned. Risk factors like underlying mental health struggles, family history of addiction, or early alcohol exposure can all make someone more vulnerable to alcoholism.[7]
Understanding the impact that alcohol use may have on your thoughts and actions can make it easier to recognize the potential signs of a drinking problem. The sooner someone recognizes the signs and reaches out for help, the better their chances are of avoiding long-term harm and finding a path to successful recovery.
Signs & Symptoms of Alcohol Dependence
Alcohol dependence and addiction can show up as physical, psychological, and behavioral signs, often building over time.
Physical Effects of Alcohol Addiction
Physically, a person may develop a higher tolerance, so they need to drink more alcohol to feel the same effects.[8] They might also experience withdrawal symptoms like shaking, sweating, nausea, or tremors when they’re not drinking or when they cut back on their alcohol consumption.
In severe cases, alcohol withdrawal can lead to delirium tremens (DTs).[9] The symptoms of delirium tremens can be life-threatening without proper medical care.
Heavy drinking can also lead to health problems, such as blackouts, liver disease, cirrhosis, and an increased risk of many types of cancer.
Mental & Behavioral Symptoms of Alcohol Addiction and Dependence
Psychological symptoms may include intense cravings, anxiety when not drinking, and a constant mental focus on when or how the next drink will be consumed. [10] It begins to seem like alcohol is necessary just to feel normal or to function throughout the day.
Behavioral signs of alcohol dependence often revolve around skipping responsibilities, hiding alcohol use, lying about drinking, or damaging otherwise healthy relationships due to alcohol-induced behaviors.
Alcohol withdrawal can be dangerous. It’s important never to attempt to quit drinking or substantially scale back suddenly without medical supervision. Choosing a professional treatment setting for alcohol detox can help improve safety and increase chances of long-term recovery from alcohol addiction.
Treating Alcohol Addiction
Effective alcohol treatment isn’t one-size-fits-all. The best results usually come from combining treatments such as therapy, medication, and strong support from others. [11]
By combining these tools, treatment can address all sides of alcohol dependence, including how it affects the brain, the body, and the way a person thinks and lives. This well-rounded approach provides individuals with the best opportunity to establish a stable and lasting recovery.
Behavioral Therapies
Evidence-based therapies help individuals change thought patterns and build healthier coping skills. Methods might include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), which helps people recognize and shift negative thinking patterns; Motivational Interviewing (MI) and Motivational Enhancement Therapy (MET), which strengthen internal motivation to change; and the Community Reinforcement Approach (CRA), which builds healthy alternatives to drinking.
Relapse prevention strategies are also essential, helping individuals manage cravings and high-risk situations.
Medications
FDA-approved medications can support long-term recovery. [12]
Naltrexone reduces alcohol cravings and blocks the pleasurable effects of drinking. Acamprosate helps stabilize brain chemistry during early sobriety. Disulfiram creates an unpleasant reaction if alcohol is consumed, which discourages relapse.
Some providers also use off-label medications like topiramate or gabapentin to manage symptoms related to withdrawal or mental health.
Support Groups
Peer-based programs like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), SMART Recovery, and CRAFT (Community Reinforcement and Family Training) provide both individuals, families, and loved ones with encouragement, accountability, and tools to navigate recovery together.
If you or a loved one is ready to get help but finances are holding you back, give us a call. We can work with your health insurance provider.
Alcohol Addiction Treatment Programs at The Freedom Center
The Freedom Center offers a full continuum of care for alcohol addiction, designed to meet clients where they are in their recovery.
Residential Inpatient Program - Buckeystown, MD
Our residential inpatient rehab program in Buckeystown provides 21-days of immersive care in a supportive, peaceful, and structured environment. Patients follow a daily schedule that includes group therapy, individual counseling, wellness activities, and medication management when clinically appropriate.
Partial Hospitalization (PHP) & Intensive Outpatient (IOP) - Gaithersburg, MD
After inpatient care, many step down into our Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) or Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP) in Gaithersburg.
These options allow clients to participate in therapy and recovery work during the day while living at home or in supportive housing at night. Sessions focus on skill-building, emotional regulation, and relapse prevention.
Outpatient Program
For those in later stages of recovery from alcohol misuse, our standard outpatient program offers ongoing therapy and check-ins to maintain progress. Across all levels of care, clients may receive medications such as naltrexone or acamprosate as part of a personalized treatment plan.
By combining evidence-based care with flexibility and compassion, The Freedom Center helps people build lasting recovery—one step at a time.
Dual Diagnosis & Co-Occurring Disorders
Alcohol addiction often co-occurs with mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, or PTSD. Treating only one condition is rarely effective. These issues may contribute to drinking or worsen because of it.[13] When both conditions are present, treating just one is often insufficient.
That’s why The Freedom Center provides dual diagnosis care – integrated treatment that addresses both alcohol dependence and mental health disorders at the same time. Our therapists, psychiatric providers, and recovery staff collaborate to create a comprehensive picture of care, helping patients heal emotionally as well as physically.
Why Professional Alcohol Addiction Treatment Matters
Evidence-based treatment programs improve safety, outcomes, and long-term success. At The Freedom Center, we combine therapies like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and relapse prevention strategies with medications that reduce cravings and support brain recovery.
This dual treatment approach improves the chances of long-term success.
Continuity of care also plays a critical role in recovery. Many clients begin with residential treatment, then gradually step down through Partial Hospitalization (PHP), Intensive Outpatient (IOP), and finally standard outpatient therapy. This builds stability at each stage of recovery. Family involvement and aftercare planning are also integral to the process, providing support that extends beyond the treatment period and creates a foundation for lifelong recovery.
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We Accept With Most Major Insurance
If you or a loved one is ready to get help but finances are holding you back, give us a call. We can work with your health insurance provider.
Frequently Asked Questions About Alcohol Addiction
Alcohol dependence refers to the physical reliance on alcohol, marked by tolerance and withdrawal symptoms. [14] Alcohol addiction includes dependence but also involves compulsive drinking and a loss of control, even when it causes harm.The DSM-5 no longer separates alcohol dependence from alcohol addiction, combining both into “Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) which requires professional treatment.
Sources
[1] Alcohol | National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2024, July 2). National Institute on Drug Abuse. https://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/alcohol
[2] National Library of Medicine. (n.d.-b). Alcohol. https://medlineplus.gov/alcohol.html
[3][4][7][12] Understanding Alcohol Use Disorder | National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA). (n.d.). https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/brochures-and-fact-sheets/understanding-alcohol-use-disorder
[5] The 2022 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) releases. (n.d.). CBHSQ Data. https://www.samhsa.gov/data/data-we-collect/nsduh-national-survey-drug-use-and-health/national-releases/2022
[6] Di Chiara G. (1997). Alcohol and dopamine. Alcohol health and research world, 21(2), 108–114. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6826820/
[8][10][14] National Library of Medicine. (n.d.-c). Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD). https://medlineplus.gov/alcoholusedisorderaud.html
[9][15] MAEd, S. T. M. (n.d.). Delirium Tremens (DTS): Practice essentials, pathophysiology, etiology of delirium tremens. https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/166032-overview
[11][16] Recommend Evidence-Based Treatment: Know the options | National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA). (2025, May 8). https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/health-professionals-communities/core-resource-on-alcohol/recommend-evidence-based-treatment-know-options
[13] Nami, & Nami. (2024, May 31). Understanding dual diagnosis. National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). https://www.nami.org/advocate/understanding-dual-diagnosis/
