Alcohol Use Disorder & Treatment Options

Understanding Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD)

Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) is a chronic, relapsing medical condition characterized by an inability to control alcohol consumption despite its harmful effects on personal and professional life. In the U.S., it’s estimated that 14.5 million people aged 12 and older suffer from AUD, with significant numbers found in both Massachusetts and New Jersey. Factors like stress, genetics, and environmental influences all contribute to the development of AUD, with men and women both being highly vulnerable.

AUD is diagnosed based on a set of behavioral and physical symptoms defined in the DSM-5, including:

• Drinking larger amounts or for a longer period than intended
• Unsuccessful attempts to cut down or stop drinking
• Craving alcohol when not drinking
• Continued drinking despite negative impacts on health, relationships, and work
• Development of tolerance, requiring more alcohol to achieve the same effects
• Experiencing withdrawal symptoms (shaking, nausea, seizures, etc.) when not drinking

AUD’s Impact on Health and Society in MA and NJ

Alcohol Use and Addiction in Massachusetts

Alcohol use is a significant public health concern in Massachusetts, with a notable portion of the population affected by Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD). The state has consistently reported higher-than-average rates of alcohol consumption, particularly among young adults and middle-aged individuals. According to data from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, approximately 26.5% of adults in the state reported engaging in binge drinking in the past month, which is above the national average. Binge drinking is defined as consuming five or more drinks on a single occasion for men and four or more drinks for women.

Alcohol’s Impact on Health in Massachusetts

Chronic alcohol use in Massachusetts has had a profound impact on the health of its residents.

Excessive alcohol consumption is a leading cause of preventable death in the state, contributing to a range of serious medical conditions, including:

• Liver disease: Long-term alcohol use can result in liver damage, including cirrhosis and alcoholic hepatitis. The Massachusetts Department of Public Health reports that alcohol-related liver disease is a significant cause of hospitalization and death.
• Cardiovascular issues: Heavy alcohol consumption can lead to high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke. Massachusetts has seen a rise in alcohol-related cardiovascular incidents, particularly among middle-aged adults.
• Mental health disorders: Alcohol abuse often coexists with mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder. Individuals in Massachusetts with AUD are more likely to suffer from co-occurring mental health issues, which can complicate their treatment and recovery.
• Increased cancer risk: Alcohol is a known carcinogen and increases the risk of developing several types of cancer, including breast, liver, and colon cancers.

Alcohol Use Among Youth in Massachusetts

One of the most concerning trends in Massachusetts is the prevalence of alcohol use among young people. According to the Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS), nearly 29% of high school students in the state reported drinking alcohol in the past 30 days, with 14% admitting to binge drinking. Early alcohol exposure dramatically increases the risk of developing AUD later in life.

Social and Economic Impact

The social costs of alcohol misuse in Massachusetts are equally staggering. Alcohol-related injuries, fatalities, and legal issues such as DUI arrests are common. Additionally, the state sees significant economic losses from alcohol-related absenteeism and lost productivity in the workplace. The Massachusetts Department of Public Health estimates that alcohol-related healthcare costs alone are in the billions annually.

Alcohol Use and Addiction in New Jersey

New Jersey also faces a significant challenge with Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD), as alcohol remains the most commonly abused substance in the state.

According to the New Jersey Department of Health, more than 22% of adults in the state report excessive drinking, including binge drinking and heavy drinking, placing New Jersey above the national average in alcohol consumption.

Alcohol-Related Health Concerns in New Jersey

Alcohol-related health issues are a growing concern in New Jersey, contributing to a wide array of medical conditions that burden the healthcare system.

• Liver disease: Excessive alcohol use is one of the leading causes of liver disease in New Jersey, with alcoholic liver cirrhosis being a common condition that leads to hospitalization and premature death.
• Heart disease: Similar to Massachusetts, chronic alcohol consumption in New Jersey significantly contributes to heart disease, stroke, and high blood pressure, increasing the risk of cardiovascular problems among drinkers.
• Alcohol poisoning: Alcohol poisoning from binge drinking is a severe issue in New Jersey. Hospital admissions due to alcohol poisoning are frequent, especially during weekends and holidays when alcohol consumption tends to increase.

Alcohol Use Among Teens and Young Adults in New Jersey

Alcohol abuse among teens and young adults is a serious issue in New Jersey. According to a report from SAMHSA, about 13% of teens between the ages of 12 and 20 in New Jersey reported drinking alcohol in the past month, with a significant number also engaging in binge drinking. Early alcohol exposure is particularly dangerous, as studies show that individuals who begin drinking at a young age are more likely to develop AUD later in life.

Social Consequences of Alcohol Abuse in New Jersey

Alcohol abuse has far-reaching social consequences in New Jersey, affecting families, workplaces, and communities. Drunk driving accidents are a significant concern, with DUI-related fatalities accounting for nearly 30% of all traffic deaths in the state. Furthermore, alcohol abuse is linked to higher rates of domestic violence, child abuse, and criminal activity, adding to the strain on social services and law enforcement.

Economic Costs of Alcohol Abuse

The economic impact of alcohol abuse in New Jersey is immense. The state bears a heavy financial burden due to healthcare costs, lost productivity, and legal expenses related to alcohol-related crimes. According to New Jersey’s Department of Health, billions of dollars are spent each year on treating alcohol-related conditions, not to mention the loss of economic output from individuals suffering from alcohol addiction.

Treatment Approaches for Alcohol Use Disorder

Serenity at Summit offers a comprehensive, individualized approach to treating alcohol addiction (AUD).

We understand that AUD affects every aspect of a person’s life, and our goal is to provide evidence-based treatments tailored to each individual’s needs. We offer services at our Union, NJ, and Haverhill, MA, locations.

Medical Detoxification for AUD

Medical detox is the first step for individuals suffering from severe AUD. At Serenity at Summit, our medically supervised detox program is designed to safely manage the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal, which can include nausea, tremors, hallucinations, and seizures. This is particularly crucial as withdrawal from alcohol can be life-threatening without proper medical supervision.

At our NJ and MA facilities, patients receive 24-hour care from licensed medical professionals who monitor vital signs, administer medications to ease symptoms, and ensure the detox process is as safe and comfortable as possible.

Alcohol withdrawal symptoms can range from mild to severe:

• Mild symptoms: Nausea, headaches, anxiety, insomnia
• Moderate symptoms: Sweating, elevated heart rate, increased blood pressure
• Severe symptoms: Seizures, hallucinations, delirium tremens (DTs), which can be fatal if untreated

In Massachusetts and New Jersey, detoxification is crucial for those who have developed a physical dependence on alcohol, and it is often the first step toward a more comprehensive treatment plan.

Pharmacologic Interventions

To support long-term sobriety, Serenity at Summit incorporates FDA-approved medications into our treatment plans when appropriate. Medications can help manage cravings and reduce the risk of relapse, making them a critical component of an individual’s recovery journey.

We offer:

• Naltrexone: Reduces alcohol cravings and blocks the euphoric effects of alcohol.
• Acamprosate: Helps restore the brain’s chemical balance post-detox, reducing the emotional and physical distress caused by withdrawal.
• Disulfiram: Triggers unpleasant side effects if alcohol is consumed, acting as a deterrent.

Serenity at Summit’s specialized medical teams in both MA and NJ carefully evaluate each patient to determine whether Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) is the right option for them.

Behavioral Therapies and Support

Behavioral therapy is a critical part of treating AUD, addressing the psychological aspects of addiction. Serenity at Summit integrates various behavioral therapies and support group participation to support patients in both the short-term and long-term stages of recovery.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT is an effective tool in treating AUD. It helps individuals recognize and change destructive thought patterns that lead to drinking.

CBT sessions at our NJ and MA centers help patients develop healthier coping mechanisms, avoid triggers, and prevent relapse.

Motivational Enhancement Therapy (MET)

MET is designed to help individuals overcome any ambivalence they might feel about stopping alcohol use.

It focuses on building motivation and creating actionable plans for change.

Support Groups

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and other support groups, such as SMART Recovery, are available at Serenity at Summit to offer patients a sense of community and peer support.

These groups provide ongoing emotional support and shared experiences contributing to sustained recovery.

Best Practices in Treating Alcoholism

At Serenity at Summit, we follow best practices set forth by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) and the American Psychiatric Association (APA). Research has consistently shown that integrating both pharmacologic and behavioral treatments leads to the best outcomes for individuals recovering from AUD.

Individualized Treatment Plans

Each treatment plan is tailored to the individual, addressing their specific needs based on their medical history, mental health status, and the severity of their addiction. For patients in Massachusetts and New Jersey, this can include:

• Medical detox
• Individual therapy
• Group counseling
• Dual diagnosis treatment (for co-occurring mental health disorders)
• Family therapy

By providing comprehensive care, we ensure that all aspects of a person’s addiction are addressed, promoting long-term sobriety.

Outpatient Treatment for AUD

Outpatient treatment allows individuals to receive treatment while maintaining their daily responsibilities.

This option is ideal for those who have completed detox or inpatient care but still need structured support.

Advantages of Outpatient Services

Outpatient services at Serenity at Summit in MA and NJ offer:

• Flexibility: Patients can attend therapy sessions during the day or evening, allowing them to work, attend school, or manage family obligations.
• Family Involvement: Family therapy is encouraged, helping to repair relationships damaged by alcohol use and providing a supportive home environment.

Key Components of Successful Outpatient Programs

• Regular check-ins with healthcare providers
• Access to both medication management and psychotherapy
• Individualized therapy sessions to address personal challenges and triggers

Continued Care and Support Post-Treatment

Maintaining sobriety after formal treatment ends is one of the most challenging aspects of recovery. Serenity at Summit offer a range of aftercare services, including:

• Sober living arrangements
• Continued access to outpatient services
• Participation in support groups like AA or SMART Recovery
• Regular check-ins with therapists and case managers
• Continued care is essential for preventing relapse and ensuring that patients remain on the path to long-term recovery.

Get Help at Serenity At Summit

If you or a loved one is struggling with Alcohol Use Disorder, Serenity at Summit is here to help.

With comprehensive care facilities in Union, New Jersey, and Haverhill, Massachusetts, we offer personalized treatment plans that address the medical, psychological, and emotional challenges of alcohol addiction.

Our team is dedicated to helping individuals achieve lasting sobriety.

Serenity at Summit is committed to guiding you on your journey toward recovery.