[This is the fourth part in a series that examines alcohol use disorder as a brain disorder and how public perceptions prevent those with the disorder from seeking treatment.]

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a brain disorder and a medical condition, it is not a choice and those who have alcohol use problems are not at fault for the addiction. As Thrive Treatment Center explains it:

“No man wakes up one day with the outright intention of becoming an “alcoholic” or a “drug addict“. Even in his deepest denial, even in his greatest enjoyment of the euphoria put forth by substances, he still does not want to be someone who is physically, mentally, and spiritually sick as a result of addiction.”

Thrive, however, does not stop there, but points out that while addiction is not the fault of the person experiencing the condition, the he or she responds to that addiction, and takes charge of his or her recovery, is the responsibility of the person.

It is crucial for the person who suspects they have an AUD to understand that they are not alone, they are not unique, and that countless others have successfully undergone treatment, entered recovery, and have gone on to lead happy, healthy and productive lives. How common is AUD?

In 2022, there were 17,353 substance use treatment facilities in the United States, according to statistics.

Statistics also show that in 2019 alone, approximately 1.3 million received treatment for (in order of prevalence) Alcohol, followed by opiods, then marijuana. Sadly, only 10% of people in need of treatment actually receive it.

Wellbrook Recovery, in Wisconsin, reports that with alcohol being the most commonly treated substance, 76% of treatment centers offer specialized programs for alcohol abuse. Outpatient facilities are the most common, comprising roughly 65% of all treatment centers, reflecting the demand for flexible treatment schedules that accommodate patients’ daily responsibilities.

In Part Three of this series (April 11), it was stated that AUD is often a form of self-medicating for underlying psychological traits such as impulsiveness, low self-esteem and a need for approval.

Statistics on treatment facilities support that. Wellbrook reports that dual-diagnosis treatment, for individuals with co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders, is available at 53% of addiction treatment centers.

Boulder, Colarado’s Northstar Transitions treatment center, lists 10 signs to look for when suspecting an AUD. These include continuing drinking more or longer than planned, frequent hangovers, unsuccessful attempts at quitting.

“There is a strong correlation between AUD and other mental health disorders,” Northstar states. “If you are struggling with AUD, you may be drinking to cope with symptoms of conditions like anxiety or depression. Additionally, you may begin experiencing symptoms of mental health disorders due to your drinking.”

AUD can also lead to engaging in risky behaviors like drunk driving, having unsafe sex, or experimenting with other substances when under the influence or experiencing cravings.

Pinelands Recovery Center of Medford offers another, significant, indicator of substance abuse:

“One of the largest red flags and hallmarks of substance abuse is damaged relationships within a family. This can include divorce, families splitting up, parents evicting their children or parents leaving their families in favor of substance abuse. Family members can also turn against each other because of their choices on how to deal with the person with addiction. This causes family members to pick sides, stop talking and hold grudges against each other.”

If an addiction is severe enough, it can lead to abuse within a family, Pinelands points out. This can include emotional and physical abuse. Between spouses, both can occur frequently. People with addiction often lie, cheat and steal in order to sustain their substance abuse and when confronted, this can lead to volatile situations.

Treatment, says Northstar, looks different for everyone.

“For you, it may consist of behavioral therapies–such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) and motivational interviewing,” Northstar states. “Medications may also be necessary or at least helpful.”

Again, in the midst of all of the anguish a substance use can bring about, only 10% of those who need treatment actually seek it. The primary barrier to treatment, according to research, is the stigma that surrounds those with addictions, and those with mental health conditions, and many of those needing treatment are experiencing both.