Approximately 29.5 million Americans ages 12 and older have alcohol use disorder (AUD). Without treatment, AUD increases the risk of more severe health problems, including kidney and liver disease. At Apex Medical Wellness in Brockton and Marlborough, MA, Jill Becker, MD, uses medication-assisted treatment (MAT) and other therapies to manage alcohol use disorder and prevent it from worsening. Call Apex Medical Wellness today to schedule an appointment or book your visit online.

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Do I have alcohol use disorder if I drink regularly?

It depends. There’s nothing wrong with drinking alcohol in moderation. But if you regularly drink and can’t stop, even when you try, seeking treatment is essential. That’s particularly true if your drinking causes health problems, work challenges, or relationship difficulties.

Quitting alcohol cold turkey isn’t like nicotine or marijuana. To do it safely, you must wean off over an extended period. Dr. Becker has extensive experience in this area and can help you achieve your goals.

Does alcohol use disorder increase my risk of other health problems?

Yes. Excessive alcohol consumption increases your risk of other health problems, including:

  • Brain damage, including dementia
  • Accidents and injuries, like falls and fractures
  • Liver problems like cirrhosis and fatty liver
  • Cancer
  • Mental health problems, like depression and anxiety

Alcohol also negatively affects your decision-making skills, increasing your risk of car accidents and verbal confrontations with friends, family members, and romantic partners.

How can I tell if I have an alcohol use disorder?

American culture embraces drinking, which can make it difficult to know if you’re at risk. Even so, there are several signs to watch out for. Make an appointment at Apex Medical Wellness if you regularly experience cravings for alcohol or find yourself obsessing over alcohol. That’s especially true if you’ve tried cutting back on your own but haven’t been able to.

How is alcohol use disorder diagnosed?

There isn’t a specific test that diagnoses alcohol use disorder. Dr. Becker reviews your medical records and asks about your relationship with alcohol, including how often you drink, the symptoms you’re experiencing, and if it’s contributing to problems at work or in your personal life.

If Dr. Becker confirms that you have alcohol use disorder, she develops a personalized treatment plan to help you achieve sobriety.

How is alcohol use disorder treated?

Dr. Becker treats alcohol use disorder through a combination of behavioral therapy and medication-assisted treatment (MAT). MAT uses prescription drugs, like naltrexone and Vivitrol, to block specific pleasure centers in your brain. This causes you to think less about alcohol, making it easier to wean off it.

Behavioral therapies, like counseling and support groups, teach you healthy ways to change your behavior. They also provide a community of peers who understand what you’re going through.

Call Apex Medical Wellness today if you’re concerned about having an alcohol use disorder, or make your appointment online.