What are the signs and symptoms of alcohol addiction?
The DSM-5 identifies 11 diagnostic criteria for alcohol use disorder. Meeting 2-3 criteria within a 12-month period indicates mild AUD, 4-5 moderate, and 6 or more severe. Key indicators include:
- Drinking more or for longer than intended
- Persistent desire or unsuccessful attempts to cut down or control use
- Spending a significant amount of time obtaining, using, or recovering from alcohol
- Cravings or strong urges to drink
- Recurrent alcohol use resulting in failure to fulfill major role obligations
- Continued use despite persistent social or interpersonal problems
- Important activities given up or reduced because of alcohol use
- Recurrent alcohol use in physically hazardous situations
- Continued use despite knowledge of physical or psychological problems
- Tolerance — needing markedly increased amounts for the desired effect
- Withdrawal symptoms when alcohol use is stopped or reduced
According to the 2022 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 28.8 million Americans ages 12 and older met criteria for AUD. Only 7.6% received any treatment.
How does Ascend treat alcohol addiction?
Treatment at Ascend follows ASAM (American Society of Addiction Medicine) criteria for patient placement. After a comprehensive biopsychosocial assessment, clients are placed in the appropriate level of care:
- Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP): 5-6 hours of structured clinical programming per day, 5 days per week. Includes individual therapy, group counseling, psychiatric services, and psychoeducation.
- Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP): 3 hours per day, 3-5 days per week. Step-down from PHP or entry point for moderate AUD with stable living situations.
- Outpatient: Individual and group sessions for clients in sustained recovery who need continued clinical support.
- Telehealth: HIPAA-secure virtual sessions for ongoing care and relapse prevention.
All levels of care incorporate cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), motivational interviewing (MI), and family systems therapy. Treatment plans are reassessed weekly and adjusted based on clinical progress.
Questions About How does Ascend treat?
Call our 24/7 admissions line or verify your insurance online.
What medication-assisted treatment is available for alcohol addiction?
Three FDA-approved medications are used in the treatment of alcohol use disorder:
- Naltrexone (oral or injectable): Opioid receptor antagonist that reduces cravings and blocks the rewarding effects of alcohol. The COMBINE study demonstrated naltrexone's effectiveness when paired with medical management.
- Acamprosate (Campral): Modulates glutamate and GABA neurotransmission to reduce protracted withdrawal symptoms and support abstinence. Most effective for individuals who have already achieved initial abstinence.
- Disulfiram (Antabuse): Acetaldehyde dehydrogenase inhibitor that creates an aversive reaction when combined with alcohol. Requires high motivation and adherence.
MAT is always combined with behavioral therapy at Ascend. Medication alone has limited efficacy — integrated treatment produces the best outcomes. Our medical team evaluates each client's history, liver function, and treatment goals to determine appropriate pharmacotherapy.
“Alcohol use disorder is one of the most under-treated conditions in medicine. By the time someone walks through our door, they've typically been suffering for years. Our role is to meet them where they are, stabilize the crisis, and build a sustainable path to recovery.”
What does the PHP/IOP structure look like for alcohol treatment?
Ascend's PHP and IOP programs are designed specifically for addiction treatment in a structured outpatient environment.
PHP Schedule (typical): Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM. Programming includes morning process group, psychoeducation, individual therapy (2-3x/week), evidence-based group therapy (CBT/DBT skills), relapse prevention, family therapy, and psychiatric appointments as needed.
IOP Schedule (typical): 3-5 days per week, 3-hour sessions. Group therapy, individual counseling, relapse prevention skills, and 12-step or alternative recovery pathway facilitation.
Both programs include regular drug and alcohol screening, psychiatric medication management, care coordination with outside providers, and discharge planning that begins at intake. Clients in PHP/IOP may reside at home, with family, or in a structured sober living environment.
