Alcohol Use Disorder

Alcohol use disorder is one of the most common types of addiction. In fact, alcohol is one of the most widely abused substances in southeast Michigan, affecting people from all walks of life. 

Alcohol use disorder, also known as alcohol addiction, is a brain condition that causes chronic compulsive drinking with an inability to stop. It’s normal to feel out of control, but having alcohol use disorder isn’t about a lack of self-control. It’s a medical condition that requires expert treatment. 

The addiction medicine program at Henry Ford Health provides multiple treatments for alcohol use disorder. We use a range of techniques to meet you where you are, helping you find hope and lasting recovery. 

Signs of alcohol addiction (alcohol use disorder)

Alcohol use disorder tends to cause behavioral changes, such as: 

• Continuing to drink even when it leads to negative consequences
• Cravings for alcoholic beverages
• Difficulty fulfilling personal or professional responsibilities due to alcohol use
• Drinking more alcohol than intended
• Feeling distracted by thoughts of getting alcohol
• Repeated attempts to scale back or quit drinking without success

Over time, heavy alcohol use can also cause physical complications, including: 

• Alcohol-induced liver scarring (cirrhosis)
• Heart enlargement (cardiomyopathy)
• Liver disease
• Worsening of other health conditions, such as diabetes or high blood pressure 

If you stop using alcohol, you may experience physical symptoms such as shaking, sweating or vomiting. This is known as withdrawal. Consult with your provider before suddenly quitting alcohol if you have a personal or family history of seizures. 

Who is at risk of alcohol addiction (alcohol use disorder)? 

There’s rarely a single cause of alcohol use disorder — many factors can contribute to its development. Researchers have shown a link between this condition and: 

• General drinking habits: Binge drinking regularly or starting to drink at a very early age can increase the risk of alcohol addiction.
• Genetics: A family history of alcohol use disorder can increase your risk of developing the condition.
• Life events: Traumatic experiences, especially in childhood, can make some people more prone to addiction.
• Mental health conditions: Studies have shown a correlation between alcohol use disorder and certain mental health conditions, such as depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). 

Treatment for alcohol addiction (alcohol use disorder)

If you are living with alcohol use disorder, know it’s not your fault. Substance use disorder is a brain condition that leads to certain behaviors. With treatment, you can change your behavior and find healing. 

We provide an array of treatment options, from inpatient withdrawal management to outpatient medications. We also offer a variety of individual and group therapy options at every level of care. Our team personalizes your care plan to your needs, so you get tailored treatment designed to be effective for you. Find out more about the substance use disorder treatments we offer.