Alcohol Use Disorder: Effects, Withdrawal & Treatment

Alcohol misuse can have a devastating impact on your life, affecting not only your physical health but also your relationships, career, and finances. What starts as occasional drinking can grow into dependence and addiction. 

Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) interferes with a person’s ability to control their drinking, often leading to serious health risks and increasing the risk of developing a mental health disorder. The excessive alcohol consumption often involved in AUD can result in dangerous situations such as alcohol poisoning and physical injury. Understanding the risks and recognizing the signs of AUD are necessary for effective recovery. If you or someone you love is struggling with alcohol use, professional alcohol treatment at our drug and alcohol rehab in Kansas City can provide the support needed to regain control. 

What Is Alcohol Use Disorder? 

Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) is a medical condition that affects a person’s ability to manage or stop their consumption of alcohol, even when it leads to negative social, professional, or health consequences.  

Recognized as a brain disorder, AUD can range from mild to severe. Prolonged alcohol misuse can create lasting changes in the brain, reinforcing cycles of addiction and increasing the risk of relapse.  

In addition to being recognized as a brain disorder, AUD has also been labeled by medical experts as a chronic disease, with significant medical, social, and psychological implications.¹ 

AUD encompasses what is often referred to as alcohol abuse, alcohol dependence, or alcohol addiction, as well as the commonly used term “alcoholism.”² However, the diagnostic term Alcohol Use Disorder can help reduce some of the negative social implications associated with this complex medical condition.³ 

It should be noted that alcohol dependence and alcohol addiction are different conditions. Dependence is characterized by the body’s physical adaptation to alcohol, which leads to increased tolerance, meaning the body is able to process increasingly larger quantities of alcohol, as well as withdrawal symptoms after drinking has stopped. Alcohol addiction, on the other hand, goes beyond dependence to involve compulsive drug-seeking behaviors and continued use despite negative consequences.⁴ 

While the medical research community does not fully know the causes of AUD, numerous studies suggest that people with a family history of AUD have an increased risk of developing the disorder. Also, the presence of mental health disorders like depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) have been linked to an increased risk of developing AUD.⁵ 

Signs of Alcohol Use Disorder 

When thinking about the symptoms of a medical condition, many people tend to focus on physical issues like pain, fever, or exhaustion. However, the symptoms of AUD manifest strongly in changes in mood and behavior. Common signs and symptoms of AUD include:³

• Alcohol is often taken in larger amounts or over a longer period than intended 

• There is a persistent desire or unsuccessful efforts to control alcohol use 

• A great deal of time is spent on activities necessary to obtain alcohol, use alcohol, or recover from alcohol’s effects 

• Craving, or a strong desire or urge to use alcohol 

• Recurrent alcohol use, resulting in a failure to fulfill obligations at work, school, or home 

• Continued alcohol use despite experiencing persistent or recurrent social or interpersonal problems caused or exacerbated by alcohol 

• Continued alcohol use despite persistent or recurrent physical or psychological problems that may have been caused or exacerbated by alcohol 

• Important social, occupational, or recreational activities are given up or reduced because of alcohol use 

• Recurrent alcohol use in situations in which it is physically hazardous 

If you or a loved one exhibits one or more signs of AUD, contact Empowered Recovery Center in Kansas City today. 

Effects of Alcohol Abuse 

Whether on a single occasion or over a long period of time, the abuse of alcohol can have a number of short- and long-term effects on a person’s physical and mental health. The effects of alcohol abuse include:⁶ 

• Changes in mood and behavior, both when drinking and not drinking 

• Confusion 

• Digestive problems 

• Increase in blood pressure 

• Cardiomyopathy, or the stretching of the heart 

• Arrhythmia, or irregular heartbeat 

• Weakening of the immune system 

• Steatosis (fatty liver) 

• Increased risk of stroke 

• Increased risk of pancreatitis 

Alcohol Poisoning Symptoms 

Alcohol poisoning, or alcohol overdose, is the result of drinking large amounts of alcohol over a short period of time. Drinking in this way affects breathing, heart rate, body temperature, and the gag reflex. In some cases, alcohol poisoning can lead to coma and death. 

While alcohol poisoning can occur after binge drinking—defined as having five or more alcoholic drinks within a two-hour span for men or four or more alcoholic drinks within a two-hour span for women—alcohol poisoning can also occur when someone accidentally or intentionally drinks household products that contain alcohol. Common alcohol poisoning signs include:⁷ 

• Vomiting 

• Seizures 

• Confusion 

• Slowed breathing 

• Irregular breathing (gaps of more than 10 seconds between breaths) 

• Skin that looks blue, gray, or unnaturally pale 

• Hypothermia (low body temperature) 

• Trouble staying awake 

A person with alcohol poisoning who has passed out or cannot wake up could die. If you think that someone has alcohol poisoning, seek medical care right away by calling 911 or your local emergency number. Be prepared to give information if you can, such as how much and what kind of alcohol the person drank. 

Because alcohol poisoning affects the way the gag reflex works, someone with alcohol poisoning may vomit and choke. For this reason, do not leave the person alone and do not make the person vomit, as this could also cause choking. If the person is vomiting, help them by keeping them awake and sitting up. If the person has to lie down, turn their head to one side to prevent choking.⁷ 

Other Risks of Alcohol Addiction 

Aside from AUD and alcohol poisoning, abusing alcohol can negatively affect other aspects of a person’s life. 

AUD can worsen symptoms of an existing mental health disorder like depression and anxiety. This in turn can create learning difficulties at school or work, cause memory problems, and corrupt the user’s relationships with family and friends. 

AUD can also heighten the risk of possible legal problems related to drinking, such as repeated arrests for driving while intoxicated (DUIs). AUD has also been linked to violent acts such as domestic abuse, homicide, suicide, sexual abuse, and sexual assault. AUD also heightens the risk of unplanned pregnancy or contracting a sexually transmitted infection.⁸ 

Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms & Detox  

Quitting alcohol can result in uncomfortable, even intense withdrawal symptoms for those who have developed a dependence on or addiction to the drug. These symptoms result from alcohol-induced imbalances in the brain chemistry, causing excessive neuronal activity when alcohol is withheld. This is why people attempting to quit drinking experience great difficulty in staying sober. 

Common alcohol withdrawal symptoms include:⁹

• Tremors 

• Irritability and agitation 

• Anxiety 

• Delirium Tremens (DTs) 

• Hallucinations 

• Seizures 

A medically supervised alcohol detox program can help those experiencing alcohol withdrawal symptoms to safely manage their symptoms. Sometimes, these programs can prescribe medications that make recovery easier and safer. This approach is known as Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT).  

Following detox, an effective alcohol rehab program that offers therapy and imparts coping skills is also recommended for long-term support.  

Treating Alcohol Use Disorder 

Effective alcohol addiction treatment can take place in a variety of settings, starting with alcohol detox and going all the way to outpatient (OP) and aftercare. These treatments are designed to help the patient develop coping skills and avoid relapse. Finding the right treatment program depends on the patient’s health history, the substance or substances to which they are addicted, and the length of their addiction. 

Many addiction treatment programs offer dual diagnosis treatment, a therapeutic approach that addresses both the addiction and any co-occurring mental health disorders such as depression or anxiety. They may also offer Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT), which prescribes medications to address uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms in addition to therapy and other evidence-based treatment methods. 

The various settings for treatment of alcohol addiction include: 

• Detox is the process of ridding alcohol from the body while managing any withdrawal symptoms that might occur. The time it takes to detox from alcohol can vary, but most medically supervised detox programs last three to seven days. Some medically supervised detox programs are prepared to prescribe medications to manage severe alcohol withdrawal symptoms
  

• Inpatient treatment requires the patient to temporarily reside in a rehab facility to receive comprehensive, individualized therapy and support. Also known as residential treatment, inpatient treatment helps patients manage their alcohol addiction over the long term and develop life skills to enable them to live healthier and more productive lives
  

• Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHP) represent a “step down” from inpatient treatment by offering addiction treatment without the residential stay. During PHP, you attend a program for several hours a day for three to five days per week. PHP programs enable patients to manage their long-term withdrawal symptoms while honing life and coping skills. PHP can last up to 30 days
  

• Intensive Outpatient (IOP) offers multiple therapy sessions per week, including individual counseling and group therapy, designed to address various aspects of recovery from AUD. IOP programs are appropriate for patients who require more support than standard outpatient programs but less intensive treatment than what is offered under inpatient or PHP treatment
  

• Outpatient (OP) programs offer patients flexible treatment options, which allows them to live in their own homes and address everyday work, school, or family duties while still receiving treatment. Treatment can take place via recurring office, virtual, or telehealth visits for counseling, medication support, or both. OP is a viable standalone treatment option for those with mild or moderate substance use disorders.¹
  

• Aftercare is the stage of addiction treatment that follows more intensive care, including inpatient and outpatient treatment. It is provided in a variety of formats and modalities, including individual therapy, group counseling, and self-help meetings.¹¹ 

How to Help Someone With AUD

AUD is a chronic condition that often leads to negative consequences. It can damage a person’s physical and mental well-being, harm relationships, and undermine a person’s ability to make a living. As a result, it can be extremely difficult to witness a loved one suffering with addiction. 

It takes courage and resolve to talk to a loved one about their alcohol abuse. It helps to prepare for these conversations beforehand, where you can practice what you want to say while remaining positive and nonjudgmental. It also helps to offer specific reasons for your concern and make concrete suggestions on how to find help.¹² 

Keep in mind that these conversations should be caring and nonjudgmental. Try not to threaten or plead.¹³ It may take several conversations to get someone to agree to professional help, so patience is a necessity. At Empowered Recovery Center in Kansas City, we offer family therapy and support groups designed to help you navigate this difficult journey.

Alcohol Addiction Treatment in Kansas City 

The staff of Empowered Recovery Center in Kansas City know that recovery from long-term alcohol abuse can be challenging. Our AUD addiction treatment programs in Kansas City are designed to help you effect lasting change in your life. 

We offer a variety of alcohol rehab programs designed to fit different needs and levels of intensity. These include partial hospitalization programs (PHP), intensive outpatient (IOP) treatment, and outpatient (OP) treatment. We also offer one full year of recovery coaching at no cost to help you keep working toward the life you deserve. 

Have questions about the cost of rehab or paying for rehab with insurance? Our admissions team can answer any questions you have and can even verify your insurance benefits. If you’d like to learn more about our alcohol addiction treatment programs, contact us today and take that first step toward a better life. 

References  

1. U.S. National Library of Medicine. (n.d.). Alcohol use disorder. National Institutes of Health. Retrieved January 27, 2025, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK436003/ 
2. National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. (2025). Understanding Alcohol Use Disorder. National Institutes of Health. Retrieved January 25, 2025, from https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/brochures-and-fact-sheets/understanding-alcohol-use-disorder 
3. National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. (2025). Alcohol Use Disorder: From Risk to Diagnosis to Recovery. National Institutes of Health. Retrieved January 27, 2025, from https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/health-professionals-communities/core-resource-on-alcohol/alcohol-use-disorder-risk-diagnosis-recovery#:~:text=Craving%2C%20or%20a%20strong%20desire,by%20the%20effects%20of%20alcohol 
4. U.S. National Library of Medicine. (2007). DSM-IV-TR Diagnostic Criteria for Alcohol Abuse and Dependence. National Institutes of Health. Retrieved January 26, 2025, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK44358/ 
5. Cleveland Clinic. (2024). Alcohol Use Disorder. Cleveland Clinic’s Health Library. Retrieved January 28, 2025, from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/3909-alcoholism 
6. National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. (2024). Alcohol’s Effects on the Body. National Institutes of Health. Retrieved January 26, 2025, from https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/alcohols-effects-health/alcohols-effects-body 
7. Mayo Clinic. (2023). Alcohol Poisoning. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. Retrieved September 25, 2025, from  https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/alcohol-poisoning/symptoms-causes/syc-20354386 
8. U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (n.d.). Alcohol use and your health. U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved January 26, 2025, from https://www.cdc.gov/alcohol/about-alcohol-use/index.html 
9. U.S. National Library of Medicine. (n.d.). Introduction to alcohol withdrawal. National Institutes of Health. Retrieved January 27, 2025, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6761824/ 
10. National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. (n.d.). Treatment for alcohol problems: finding and getting help. National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. Retrieved January 25, 2025, from https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/brochures-and-fact-sheets/treatment-alcohol-problems-finding-and-getting-help 
11. U.S. National Library of Medicine. (n.d.). Continuing Care Research: What We’ve Learned and Where We’re Going. National Institutes of Health. Retrieved January 27, 2025, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2670779/ 
12. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (n.d.). Alcohol use: conversation starters. Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion. Retrieved January 27, 2025, from https://health.gov/myhealthfinder/healthy-living/mental-health-and-relationships/alcohol-use-conversation-starters
13. MedLine Plus. (2024). Helping a loved one with a drinking problem. National Library of Medicine. Retrieved January 27, 2025, from https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000815.htm