MEND Corner: Recognizing and Treating Alcoholism

August 9, 2017

What do we mean by Alcoholism?

Alcoholism, clinically referred to as Alcohol Use Disorder, is a disease that includes alcohol craving and continued drinking despite repeated alcohol-related problems, such as job jeopardy.

What are the four main characteristics of Alcohol Use Disorder?

• Craving: A strong need, or compulsion, to drink alcohol.
• Impaired control: The inability to limit one’s drinking on any given occasion.
• Physical dependence: Produces physical withdrawal symptoms in the absence of alcohol.
• Tolerance: The need for increasing amounts of alcohol in order to feel its effects.

What are signs and symptoms of Alcohol Use Disorder?

• Decreased involvement in extracurricular activities.
• Loss of interest in work or school.
• Depression.
• Lack of interest in family and/or friends.
• Preoccupation with drinking.
• Restlessness.
• Inability to control drinking.
• Erratic behavior.
• Violent behavior.

Withdrawal Symptoms

Symptoms may occur from two hours to four days after stopping alcohol. People may experience:

• Whole body: Shakiness, sweating, or loss of appetite.
• Behavioral: Agitation, restlessness, or irritability.
• Gastrointestinal: Nausea or vomiting.
• Also Common: Fast heart rate, tremor, anxiety, disorientation, headache, insomnia, nervousness, or seizures.

Treatment Options

• Detoxification (“Detox”): This is the highest level of care, where individuals receive medically monitored treatment to safely detox from alcohol.
• Residential Treatment (“Rehab”): All residential treatment programs require that an individual live at the program during treatment. These programs typically involve attending group therapy sessions and individual therapy sessions.
• Intensive Outpatient Programs (“IOP”): An IOP is a program that includes group therapy, individual therapy/case management, and medication management. The frequency of attendance is typically three times (3) a week, but may be as frequent as five days (5) a week depending on the circumstances. Some IOPs have evening programs to accommodate those who work or attend school.
• Outpatient Services: This is the lowest level of care, where individuals receive treatment from a therapist, psychiatrist (to prescribe medication), psychiatric nurse practitioner, or an addiction counselor within a private practice or clinic setting.

If you or an eligible dependent is struggling with substance abuse, please contact the MEND Program at (212) 366-7590 or by email at Mend@nyccbf.org.