Alcohol Use Disorder Treatment & Recovery

Understanding Alcohol Use Disorder

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a pattern of alcohol use involving loss of control, continued use despite negative consequences, and sometimes physical dependence. AUD ranges from mild to severe and affects millions of people.

You don’t have to hit “rock bottom” to seek treatment. Early intervention is more effective. And contrary to common belief, people don’t need to want to stop drinking to benefit from treatment. In fact, treatment often helps people develop that motivation.

At Brady Psychiatry, we treat AUD with compassion and evidence-based medication. Recovery is possible.

Signs of Alcohol Use Disorder

You might have AUD if:

  • You drink more often or in larger amounts than intended.
  • You’ve tried to cut down but can’t stick with it.
  • Drinking takes up a lot of your time (including recovery time).
  • You crave alcohol.
  • Drinking causes problems at work, school, or home, but you continue anyway.
  • You’ve given up important activities to drink or recover.
  • You continue drinking despite knowing it’s causing physical or psychological harm.
  • You need more alcohol to feel the same effect; you’ve developed a tolerance.
  • You experience withdrawal symptoms when not drinking, such as shaking, sweating, anxiety, and insomnia.
  • You black out, or can’t remember what happened while drinking.

AUD Diagnosis

Montana will explore your drinking history: how much and how often you drink, how long this has been happening, withdrawal symptoms, health consequences, and impact on relationships and work. He’ll assess whether you need medical detoxification or if outpatient medication-assisted treatment in Kansas is appropriate because alcohol withdrawal can be dangerous.

What Is Alcohol Use Disorder Treatment?

Treatments for alcohol use disorder can include:

Medication

Your medical provider may prescribe medications to help manage alcohol use disorder. Each medication works differently, and your treatment will be tailored to your needs and experiences.

  • Naltrexone: Reduces alcohol cravings and the rewarding effects of drinking. Can be taken as daily pills or monthly injections.
  • Acamprosate: Helps maintain abstinence from alcohol by supporting brain chemistry balance and is especially useful in long-term recovery.
  • Disulfiram: Also known as “Antabuse.” Creates an unpleasant reaction if you drink; is useful as a strong deterrent.

Medical Detoxification

If you’re a heavy daily drinker or have experienced symptoms of withdrawal, medical detoxification is important. Although Brady Psychiatry does not provide inpatient detox, we can refer you to appropriate programs. After detoxification, we provide ongoing outpatient management.

Counseling and Psychotherapy

Therapy can address your drinking triggers and help you develop coping strategies. Managing commonly co-occurring conditions, such as depression, anxiety, or trauma, can also provide relief.

Some people with alcohol use disorder may struggle maintaining relationships; counseling and therapy can help you navigate those relationships and help you build confidence and purpose in life. Support groups, such as AA, SMART Recovery, and other peer support programs are also valuable resources.

Lifestyle Changes

Getting regular exercise, eating right, and developing a sleep routine are important during your recovery. Finding ways to reduce stress and building social connections without alcohol or other high-risk situations can help you feel like the best version of yourself.

Regular Monitoring

While you learn strategies to overcome alcohol dependency, Brady Psychiatry will support your accountability with frequent appointments and potentially urine drug screens to help keep you on track.

Conditions We Treat

Your AUD Evaluation

Your first 40-minute appointment with Brady Psychiatry involves an honest discussion of your alcohol use. There’s no judgment here — only genuine care and professional support. We’ll discuss your drinking history, withdrawal risk, and what brought you in. We’ll determine if you need a referral for medical detoxification or if you can start medication-assisted treatment.

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When to Seek Help for Alcohol Use Disorder in Kansas

If alcohol is affecting your health, relationships, work, or safety, reach out. You don’t need to be in crisis to seek treatment. *If you’re experiencing severe withdrawal symptoms, such as seizures, confusion, or hallucinations or are concerned about your safety, call 911 or go to the emergency room immediately. Alcohol withdrawal can be life-threatening.

Frequently Asked Questions About Alcohol Use Disorder

Do I have to abstain from alcohol entirely to recover?
Abstinence is the safest and most common goal of alcohol use disorder treatment. Some people can moderate drinking with treatment, but abstinence is strongly recommended, especially early in recovery.
No. Alcohol use disorder involves brain chemistry, genetics, and environmental factors. It is a medical condition, not a moral failing.
Repeated and frequent alcohol use alters brain chemistry, particularly in reward and stress-response systems. Cravings are both physical and psychological. This is why medication can be effective in reducing them.
Yes. You don’t have to be sober to start treatment. Medication and counseling can help you reduce drinking and eventually achieve abstinence.
Relapse is a common part of recovery and is not a sign of failure. If you relapse, we’ll adjust your treatment plan and continue supporting you toward recovery.

Recovery is possible.

Schedule your appointment with Montana at Brady Psychiatry today. Telehealth appointments available 24/7 through SimplePractice.

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