How psychiatry can help you quit drinking alcohol

A note on terminology: Research shows that words matter when it comes to talking about substance use. So, throughout this article, we’ve avoided words like “alcoholism” and “alcoholic.” Instead, you’ll see terms like “alcohol use disorder” (AUD) or “person with AUD.” This is part of our effort to replace stigmatizing language with more inclusive terms. In doing so, we hope to help more people feel comfortable seeking the care they deserve.

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a treatable mental health condition. It can be managed with the right support, like therapy and community groups. For some people, effective treatment includes working with a psychiatrist who specializes in alcohol addiction. 

Symptoms of AUD can include: 

• Difficulty controlling how often or how much alcohol you drink 
• Having problems in your relationships, work, or other responsibilities due to your drinking 
• Continuing to drink despite negative consequences 
• Needing to drink more alcohol to get the same effects, or in severe cases, to avoid withdrawal symptoms

If you’re concerned about your drinking, you might be unsure what to do next or what sort of help to seek. Fact is, you have many paths toward recovery. What’s most important is finding what works for you. 

The first step for many people is talking about your concerns about your alcohol use with your primary care provider. Some people may need or prefer to work with a psychiatric provider who specializes in alcohol addiction. They can prescribe medication for AUD. But they can also support your goals for recovery in other ways. Learning more about addiction psychiatry can help you decide if it might be a fit for you. 

When to seek a psychiatrist for alcohol use disorder

Decades of research have shown us that AUD is a medical and mental health condition, not a choice or a sign of weakness. Today, it’s listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-V). This is what psychiatrists use to identify and diagnose psychiatric concerns.

There are many ways to manage AUD. You may start with seeking support from loved ones or a mutual aid group like Alcoholics Anonymous or SMART Recovery. Finding a therapist with experience in treating addiction or talking with your primary care provider about your concerns are also good steps. But psychiatry can play an important role in the healing process too. 

You may wish to explore alcohol addiction psychiatry if you’ve tried other forms of support without success. Or you might want to start your recovery journey with psychiatry. There’s no right or wrong way to approach this choice. But working with a psychiatrist who specializes in AUD can provide some unique advantages.

Psychiatrists can prescribe medication to treat AUD and other concerns. They can also identify and treat co-occurring conditions, like depression or anxiety. It’s important to address other mental health concerns and understand how they may be related to your alcohol use. Some people may use alcohol as a way to cope with underlying mental health symptoms. Problematic alcohol use can also trigger or worsen depression or anxiety. 

An addiction psychiatrist can work with you to address all aspects of your mental health.

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How a psychiatrist treats alcohol use disorder

Psychiatric treatment for AUD starts with an assessment. This part of the process will help your provider get to know you so they can provide the right care for your needs. 

It may involve:

• Using a questionnaire like the Alcohol Use Detection and Identification Test (AUDIT)
• Reviewing your medical, mental health, and family histories
• Ordering lab tests
• Talking about your drinking habits and other challenges, including physical symptoms 
• Discussing your triggers and what makes them better or worse
• Outlining any steps you’ve taken to change your drinking habits and if you were successful

Once they gather this information, your psychiatrist will move on to the next step: making a diagnosis. They’ll review the information they gathered from your assessment with you, and talk through whether you meet the criteria for AUD and possibly other mental health conditions.

After diagnosing you with AUD, you and your provider will move into treatment planning. In this phase, they may prescribe medication that can help you reduce or stop drinking, recommend therapy or other supports, and collaborate with your other providers. 

If your AUD is severe enough for you to experience withdrawal symptoms when you stop drinking, it’s very important for you to have medical support. These symptoms can be life-threatening if not treated. Your provider can prescribe medications to help keep you safe and comfortable and recommend in-patient treatment if necessary.

Long-term support for alcohol recovery

Throughout your recovery, your psychiatrist will work with you to help you meet your goals. They’ll monitor the effectiveness of your medication and make changes as necessary. But they can also provide support and guidance as your needs change. You can continue to work with a psychiatrist even if you’re abstaining from drinking.

As time goes on, you may see your psychiatrist less often. But you can always increase how often you see your psychiatrist if you need more support. For example, relapse is a common part of recovery. Remember, while they can be challenging, relapses don’t erase all the progress you’ve made. Your psychiatrist can be an invaluable resource during those difficult times. Throughout your recovery, your psychiatrist can help you learn new coping skills, collaborate with your other providers, and help you stay on track.

Find care with Rula

From therapy to community-based programs, there’s many types of support for AUD. But for some people, psychiatry can be an essential part of recovery. Addiction psychiatrists are medical providers who can prescribe medication for AUD. But they’re also trained to identify and treat co-occurring conditions. Whether you’re experiencing withdrawal, relapse, abstaining from alcohol, or want help reducing your alcohol use, an addiction psychiatrist can provide comprehensive, long-term care throughout your recovery.

At Rula, we’re committed to delivering a comprehensive behavioral health experience that helps people feel seen and understood so they can get back to feeling their best. 

Rula makes it easier to find a licensed therapist or psychiatric provider who accepts your insurance so you don’t have to choose between affordable care and excellent care. With a diverse network of more than 15,000 providers, 24/7 crisis support, and appointments available as soon as tomorrow, we’re here to help you make progress — wherever you are on your mental health journey.

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