Tag: Alcohol

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Overcoming Addiction with Biblical Faith: Embracing God’s Guidance and Support

Disclaimer: Healing from addiction can be an incredibly spiritual experience. There are a variety of resources available to help individuals on their journey to recovery, each of which may be used in a unique and personalized way. Everyone’s path to sobriety and healing is different, and the following provides just one perspective.

God has the power to rescue you from addiction. As Corinthians 10:13 reads ““No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.”

You might see Him working through talented counselors, therapists, and doctors, or a divine intervention (miracle!). In any case, you don’t have to walk the journey alone. You can use this knowledge to bolster your faith and your recovery efforts. But you need to know where to start.

You and your care team may decide on going to rehab. You can go to a Christian rehab to receive faith and science-backed recovery opportunities. 

Understanding Addiction

Addiction is a complex disease that could affect anyone, regardless of their background, religion, economic status, or gender. Addiction can even change the way your brain works1. That’s why stopping can feel like such a monumental feat—even with God at your side.

Stopping substance use can also make you sick, which may only reinforce your need for more drugs, alcohol, or medications. Depending on your unique situation, you may need to detox in a medical facility (or a residential rehab with detox) for your safety. Here, doctors monitor your symptoms and can prescribe comfort medications for withdrawal symptoms. 

Process addictions impact your brain2 in the same way, too. Though you won’t get physical withdrawal if you stop watching porn or spending too much money, it can cause a lot of emotional distress and grief. As with substance addictions, behavioral addictions can also separate you from your family, loved ones, and God.

Addiction affects your mind, body, and spirit. That’s why treatment must, in turn, reach your mind, body, and spirit. For some, the spiritual component can feel crucial. 

The Role of Faith And Spirituality in Recovery

If you’re a believer, incorporating your faith into recovery could be the key for your success. Connecting to God and learning more about who you are in Him can give you the encouragement, hope, and strength to recover.

Finding Unwavering Faith

With God’s help, you can grow your faith as you rely on Him for delivery. As with all trials of this world, including addiction, God promises to see us through. Sometimes, you won’t be able to go back to the life you lived before addiction. But that’s okay. A new start might be exactly what God intends. 

Holding fast to truths like this can offer encouragement. God doesn’t promise an easy life. He also doesn’t promise to answer prayers. But He does promise to work all things for your good. Look at these verses:

“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28

“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11

These promises can strengthen your faith—whether you’ve just started your recovery journey or have years of sobriety under your belt.

Leaning on God’s Strength

Limitless strength through God can help you throughout your recovery journey. It’s not always easy to feel strong, though. Especially if you’ve relapsed—again or for the first time—or unintentionally hurt someone you love because of your addiction. In these difficult moments, you can look back at God’s word (and your own life) to see examples of His strength and mercy. 

And remember, your strength doesn’t have to come from you. So, part of your recovery journey could include admitting you need help. Then, you can ask God for strength and take comfort in sharing your yolk with someone who can endlessly bear it. 

Many verses from the Bible3 talk about strength—it’s something we’ve needed for decades. Here’s one from Philippians:

“I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” Philippians 4: 12-13

And from Isaiah,

“He gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless.” Isaiah 40:29

Alone, these verses and truths may not help you much. True change and joy often takes prayer, meditation on these truths, and voicing your struggles to others.

Seeking Divine Intervention And Guidance

Your first step in seeking God may already sit on your shelf: your Bible. But having one doesn’t mean you’ll automatically know how to find the passages you need—it’s a big book! So, you can connect with a member of your church, your pastor, an elder, or a Biblical counselor to help you use your Bible well.
You can also use Bible studies on addiction and recovery. YouVersion has dozens of free Bible studies on a variety of addictions, including pornography.

addiction bible reading plans

Many Christian authors have also covered the topic of addiction and recovery. Redemption House lists books about addiction, shame, recovery, and how you can rediscover hope. 

You can listen to resources on addiction, too. Plenty of podcasts discuss addiction in Christians, how they’ve healed, and their own personal stories with recovery. You can see a non-exhaustive list here. 

Finding Support in Religious Communities

Your church might have resources and advice for addiction recovery. You can also ask your pastor, elders, or someone else on your church’s team for advice and direction. Even if they don’t know how to help you right away, you at least won’t be alone as you look. 

You can also use the internet to find faith-based support groups. Celebrate Recovery has peer support meetings available around the world. Some 12-Step meetings identify God as the Higher Power mentioned in the Steps—or, you can make God your Higher Power. You decide which direction to go. Here’s a few other steps you can take:

  • Reach out to religious leaders in your local area. They can provide advice and support or connect you with people in the community who can.
  • Attend religious services or events at local places of worship. This can be a great way to meet people and make connections.
  • Join an online forum or chatroom related to your religion. Here, you can find support from people who have similar beliefs.
  • Use services offered by your local church or other religious organizations. These may include counseling, support groups, or other resources that can provide support.
  • Research organizations or charities that focus on providing spiritual support. These may offer programs, events, or other services that can provide support.

Developing a Spiritual Practice

You can create your own spiritual practice of recovery through Bible studies, prayers, and meditation. Try crafting one or more prayers for your recovery journey, either alone or with someone who can offer guidance. 

For example, you might come up with a prayer to combat the flashbacks that once prompted you to drink. Rather than forcing down the thought or feeling, you redirect it into a prayer to God. And if you’ve told people about your struggles, you can text or call them and have them start praying for you, too. Here’s some other examples:

  • Start your day with prayer: Take a few moments each morning to thank God for the gift of a new day and ask for His guidance throughout the day.
  • Read the Bible: Spend some time each day reading the Bible. You can work through a Bible study, go chronologically, or pick a book in the Bible to dissect and apply to your life.  
  • Memorize scripture: Commit one or 2 Bible verses to memory each day, or choose a life verse for your recovery journey and memorize it. 
  • Journal: Take some time to write down your thoughts and reflections on your spiritual journey.
  • Attend church: Make it a priority to attend church services regularly and participate in church activities, like small groups and Bible studies.
  • Practice acts of service: Take time to practice acts of service to others, such as volunteering in your community or helping a friend in need.
  • Reflect on how you can live out your faith: Spend some time each day reflecting on how you can live out your faith in your daily life.
  • Spend time in nature: Take time to appreciate the beauty of God’s creation.
  • Give thanks: Take some time each day to thank God for all his blessings.

Connect With Others

You can also start going to small groups at your church. These connect you to others at your church and may provide a space that feels safe to share. And, going to these groups keeps you continually connected to God’s Word, your church, and your hope in Christ.

Serving can keep you busy and productive, all while helping others. Your church likely has plenty of volunteer opportunities available, either within your church (like nursery, coffee, and decorating) or with outside organizations, like college ministries.  

But sometimes, you need more than the help of your church and the people in it. And while prayer, Bible study, and meditation can strengthen and sustain your recovery, you may need professional help to heal efficiently.

Integrating Professional Help And Treatment

Faith-based and evidence-based treatments can, and do, mix. You don’t have to sacrifice either one to see results. 

Many, if not all, therapists and counselors accept and welcome people of all religions and backgrounds. They’ll respect your preferences and beliefs, even if it means you don’t always agree with their counsel. Working with a licensed therapist connects you to evidence-based therapies like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), and trauma-informed therapies. 

These therapies can change the thoughts leading to addiction, strengthen your morale, and give you added hope in a dark time. 

Medical Treatment for Addiction

Withdrawing from substances like alcohol and benzodiazepines present significant detox dangers. That’s why it’s usually best to detox in a medical facility or a residential rehab with detox. The doctors and other professionals there may prescribe medications to help with your withdrawal symptoms and keep you safe.

A multidisciplinary treatment team can help you find, and keep, your recovery. Your faith will only bolster it. 

Discover Your Hope Everlasting

Your addiction likely won’t go away after a prayer or 2—if it did, recovery wouldn’t be a life-long journey. But keeping your eyes on God, meditating on His promises, connecting with others in your faith, and seeking professional help can all make your recovery journey fruitful. 
You can browse our collection of faith-based Christian rehabs to see photos, pricing, reviews, and more.

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What Are the Different Types of Alcohol Addiction?

Alcohol addiction looks different for different people. Your age, family history, and other mental health issues have a major impact on your drinking habits. To better understand this behavior, experts have defined a few subtypes of drinkers.

About the Subtypes of Alcohol Addiction

Alcohol is legal, accessible, and socially acceptable. Because of this, alcohol addiction is extremely common. According to one survey, 10% of teen and adult Americans have alcohol addiction.1 And you might not realize you have this condition until it gets out of hand. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAA) defines various drinking levels2 as follows:

  • Moderate drinking includes up to 2 drinks a day for men, or up to 1 drink a day for women.
  • Binge drinking raises your blood alcohol concentration to .008% or higher. For most men, that means having 5 or more drinks in 2 hours. For most women, it means having 4 or more drinks in the same amount of time.
  • Heavy drinking refers to a pattern of behavior. For men, it means having over 4 drinks in a given day or over 14 drinks in a week. For women, it means having 3 or more drinks in a day or over 7 drinks in a week.

On their own, these behaviors aren’t always problematic. You can have an occasional night out and still lead a balanced life. But if you binge drink or drink heavily on a regular basis, you increase your risk of alcohol addiction. 

In one 2007 study, NIAA researchers defined 5 distinct subtypes of alcohol addiction.3 While these categories are not official diagnoses, some clinicians use them to aid in addiction treatment. You may or may not fit into any of the subtypes. But if you do, this framework can help you understand the root cause of your addiction. It can also help your care team design a treatment plan. If you have a loved one with alcohol addiction, learning about these subtypes can give you insight into their experience.

Young Adult Subtype

Compared to other age groups, young adults have the highest rates of binge drinking.4 This contributes to their high rates of alcohol addiction. According to the NIAA, 31.5% of people with alcohol addiction5 in the U.S. fit into this subtype. 

Social norms play a role in young adults’ drinking6 habits. For example, college students tend to drink more than other young adults of the same age. Experts believe this is because students have fewer responsibilities. If you’re working long hours, married, or raising children, you might not have time to go to parties or drink with friends. 

Many young adults recover from alcohol addiction without formal treatment. As you take on more work or family commitments, your priorities will naturally change. It’s not that easy for everyone. But data shows that alcohol addiction treatment is extremely effective for this demographic.

Young Antisocial Subtype

Alcohol addiction and antisocial personality disorder7 often go hand in hand. If you have these co-occurring disorders, you might need specialized care during recovery. 

Antisocial personality disorder, or ASPD,8 is a serious mental health issue. Having a parent with alcohol addiction increases your risk of developing this diagnosis. ASPD makes it hard to empathize with the people around you. This personality disorder can undermine your relationships and your career, and even increase your risk of legal issues. 

There’s a great deal of overlap between the symptoms of alcohol addiction and ASPD. For example, impulsivity is both a symptom of ASPD9 and a common trait of people with alcohol addiction. You may often find yourself in high-risk situations, including those where you’re encouraged to drink.

Up to 75% of people with ASPD have alcohol addiction.10 Recovery from either one is a complex process. Experts recommend managing the symptoms of ASPD11 with long-term treatment. This usually includes medication and outpatient therapy. Some of the same methods might help you recover from alcohol addiction. 

Functional Subtype

Dr. Howard Moss of the NIAA explains that people in this subtype experience “fewer psychosocial consequences from their alcohol dependence.”12 In other words, while this type of drinking can severely damage your health, it might not noticeably affect your relationships. People with this form of alcohol addiction tend to have a few traits in common:

  • Middle-aged or retired adults
  • Higher family income
  • College education
  • More lIkely to be married than other subtypes

If you fit into this classification, recovering from your addiction might not feel urgent. But, Moss emphasizes, you might still “be at significant risk of the biomedical consequences” of heavy drinking. In addiction treatment, your therapist can help you understand the impact your addiction has on the rest of your life. 

People with functional alcohol addiction can approach recovery in several ways. Many programs, including 12-Step rehabs, encourage total abstinence. But depending on your physical health, that may or may not be necessary for you. For example, your care team might suggest you moderate your drinking instead of quitting completely. If you decide to go this route, make sure you schedule regular check-ins with your doctor, talk therapist, or another provider. They can help you stay on track throughout your ongoing recovery.

Intermediate Familial Subtype

Data shows that there’s a genetic component to alcohol addiction.13 The intermediate familial subtype14 mostly includes middle-aged people with a family history of this condition. People in this category often have co-occurring disorders, especially depression and bipolar disorder, and develop substance use disorders later in life. One study found that most people within this subtype start drinking as teenagers but don’t show signs of alcohol addiction until their 30s.

Nearly 20% of people in the intermediate familial subtype15 also use cocaine, marijuana, or both. Most also smoke cigarettes. If this is your experience, you might consider attending residential rehab for multiple addictions. While inpatient treatment won’t change your family history, it can give you the coping skills you need to move forward.

Chronic Severe Subtype

While chronic severe alcohol addiction16 accounts for just 9.2% of all alcohol addiction in the U.S., this is the most serious subtype. Most people with this condition start drinking in their teens and show signs of alcohol addiction before the age of 30. They are also at a high risk of several different co-occurring disorders:

People in this subtype are also at risk for developing multiple addictions at once:

If you fit into this subtype, it’s extremely likely that 2 or more people in your family also have some form of alcohol addiction. 

When you enter recovery for chronic severe alcohol addiction, you might need intensive treatment like medical detox. That’s partly because 88% of patients experience withdrawal symptoms when they try to quit drinking.17 Without proper support, alcohol detox can be life-threatening.18 

With the right treatment, you can get through this process safely. And once your body heals, you’ll be able to focus on your long-term emotional recovery.


Connect with a rehab for alcohol addiction to start planning your healing journey.

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9 Ways To Help Someone With An Addiction

If your loved one is addicted to drugs or alcohol, you can make an impact in their life by supporting their recovery journey. Being a positive support for your loved one can help them navigate the transition to treatment, and life afterwards. If the addicted person doesn’t have a strong support network, they could easily fall back to old patterns. You can be that powerful motivator.

There are resources available to help work through addiction at all stages of rehabilitation. You can start the journey by finding addiction treatment to start the healing process today.

What To Do: How to Help Someone With an Addiction

Here are 9 ways you can help a loved one who’s struggling with addiction.

1. Educate Yourself

Addiction is not necessarily “curable,” but with understanding and guidance, it is possible to successfully manage the ups and downs of it. Education is key for family and loved ones to provide the best support to those affected by addiction. Empowering yourself through knowledge helps you through the recovery process.

The Biology of Addiction

When you take drugs, they interrupt how neurotransmitters communicate in the brain1. Addiction begins when your brain produces less of its natural neurotransmitters due to high, constant drug use. You can build up a tolerance and need to take more of the substance. At first, using drugs or drinking alcohol is a choice, but it can soon spiral out of control.

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Eventually, some neurotransmitter networks and areas of the brain become damaged from the constant disruption. Because of this, addiction changes your brain chemistry, so many scientists believe that it is a disease. In some ways, you can look at addiction like cancer or diabetes. It’s an ongoing disease that, luckily, can be treatable. As the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) thoughtfully puts it, “addiction is a disease, not a character flaw2.”

2. Recognize The Signs of Relapse

Just like other diseases, relapse is always possible. So, being aware of warning signs is crucial. Everyone’s triggers are different, but common ones include stress and trauma. 

If your loved one is about to relapse, you might notice them fudging the truth, keeping secrets, or lying about their whereabouts. They could also show other changes in behavior such as:

  • Being withdrawn or distant
  • Showing a loss of interest in activities they like
  • Displaying mood swings

If you notice this, you may want to start gathering resources for help and talk to a professional. 

3. Listen

Be compassionate with your loved one. Ask them questions about why they drink or use drugs. And speak without judgment. Getting them to trust you with this vulnerable information is the first step towards getting them the help they need.

3A. Be open-minded: Ask questions that can help your loved one reflect on their addiction and their progress. Don’t judge the person or their decisions. Show that you are open to different approaches and solutions.

4. Be Patient

This process can be a great opportunity to show your loved one how much you care. Being patient and empathetic throughout their recovery journey will help them through difficult times and be greatly appreciated. Let the person know that you care and understand what they are going through. Your presence and support will be invaluable to them.

5. Vocalize Your Support

Sometimes, we think actions speak louder than words, but voicing your support of this journey is so important. Just saying, “I love you, and we’re going to get through this together” can encourage your loved one during a confusing and difficult time. Here are some more supportive phrases for recovery:

1. “I’m here for you no matter what.”

2. “I’m proud of you for seeking help.”

3. “I believe in you.”

4. “I’m here to help.”

5. “You can do this.”

Words of Support and Encouragement for Your Loved One During Their Recovery Journey.

6. Set Healthy Boundaries

Prioritize yourself and your wellbeing while helping your loved one. It is a difficult process, so remember to take a break when needed. It’s okay if you are unable to be involved in every aspect of their healing. If a situation becomes heated, consider setting a boundary such as taking a break from the conversation to reflect and come back to it in a more peaceful mindset. 

7. Have Realistic Expectations

Change doesn’t happen overnight. Be patient and supportive of your family member/friend’s journey of recovery. Celebrate each step of progress they make and encourage them to keep going. Don’t expect instant results, as change takes time and effort. Remind them that with perseverance, anything is possible. Be their source of hope and strength.

8. Offer resources

Suggest helpful resources or support groups that may be beneficial. Your loved one may want to look into different groups like Alcoholics/Narcotics Anonymous3, Women for Sobriety4, or SMART Recovery5. They can also explore our resource center with different articles to learn more about their condition or recovery in general.

9. Research Treatment and Recovery Resources

One of the biggest ways you can help your loved one is by getting them professional treatment. Rehab, outpatient programs, and/or therapy all teach clients the tools they need to regulate their emotions and behaviors to reinforce their sobriety. 

What Not To Do:

This is a sensitive time, and there are some things you might want to avoid to keep the recovery journey on track.

1. Don’t Enable

While you want to support your loved one, there’s a fine line between support and enabling. Don’t give your loved one money or a place to stay if their predicament results from drug use. Don’t tolerate negative behavior. And don’t rescue them every time they mess up. Instead, hold them accountable and practice tough love.

2. Don’t Blame Yourself or Them

Many factors go into how addiction forms, and you could end up wasting a lot of energy trying to pinpoint the cause. Instead, you can focus on taking action and moving forward to overcome this struggle.

3. Don’t Force Them To Quit

If your loved one feels like they can’t trust you because you demand they quit, that could make matters worse. They might start sneaking around or lying about their actions. And the less you know about their addiction, the less likely you’ll know how to help.

Offer to help them, but don’t demand sobriety immediately.

4. Don’t Ignore The Problem

Pretending an issue doesn’t exist doesn’t make it go away, especially for addiction. By ignoring it, you’re enabling it. You can take concrete steps to better your loved one’s life.

Find a Treatment Program For Addiction

So your loved one admits they need help, now what?

Doing some research to find the best kind of treatment for their needs is a great start. 

A good, and often necessary, first step in the healing journey is detox. Medically monitored detox safely rids your body of drugs and alcohol and can help you feel clear minded and ready to tackle treatment.

Many people then need residential rehab to overcome their addiction. Residential care can help them replace their unhealthy coping mechanism, substances, with positive habits. They’ll learn new techniques with therapies like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to be well equipped to face the uncomfortable feelings that come with addiction recovery. And they’ll likely engage in holistic activities like yoga for well-rounded healing.

If you’re a family member, you may want to look into a program that offers family therapy. Usually, you’ll work with a therapist and your loved one. Or, they might offer a family weekend for on-site visits. Another key component of family therapy is addiction education. You’ll learn more about the addiction and recovery process, so post-treatment your loved one will have a healthy environment to come home to.

Post-residential care, sober living homes offer more flexibility while providing a comfortable place for your loved one to focus on their sobriety. They’ll likely attend an outpatient program, go to work or school, and grow with other peers in recovery. This is especially great for those who need a stable environment to heal in.

Recovery starts with a single step. You can make an impact in your loved one’s life by reaching out to addiction treatment centers.

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Alcohol Cravings in Recovery: How Long Do They Last?

Craving alcohol is a normal part of addiction recovery. When you first quit drinking, your cravings might be especially intense. As you heal, you’ll learn how to recognize and control cravings. Still, the temptation might never completely disappear. Cravings might even be a lifelong challenge. But there are ways to cope with them and reduce your risk of relapse.

Understanding Alcohol Cravings

Alcohol cravings are physical and emotional urges to drink. You might feel a loss of control or an overwhelming desire to consume alcohol, even if you know it would have negative consequences. There are some clear neurochemical reasons you might experience cravings. 

Alcohol addiction changes your brain,1 most noticeably in the reward center. Once drinking becomes a habit, your brain gets used to the good feelings that come with alcohol. It can grow harder to feel good without drinking. So when you quit, you might still crave that sense of reward. 

Alcohol cravings can have physical and emotional symptoms.2 For instance, you could have vivid fantasies about alcohol. Physically, you might start sweating3 or feel on edge.

Several factors can trigger alcohol cravings. Some triggers are internal, like memories and emotions. For example, if you used to drink to cope with stress at work, you may start to crave alcohol whenever you have a looming deadline. 

People, places, and situations can also be triggers. You might walk by a restaurant that was your go-to happy hour spot and suddenly get the urge to drink. Triggers are unavoidable at times. But once you understand them, you can learn how to curb alcohol cravings.

Timeline: How Long Do Alcohol Cravings Last?

Detox and Withdrawal

When you stop drinking and go into acute alcohol withdrawal, your cravings will be at their most intense.4 Medical detox programs can help you manage these symptoms. In this phase of recovery, your body needs to readjust to functioning without alcohol.

Alcohol detox can be difficult and even dangerous, especially if you drank heavily for a long time. It’s crucial to get medical care when you first quit drinking. You might feel physical withdrawal symptoms,5 like restlessness, shakiness, sweating, and nausea, for the first couple of weeks after you quit drinking. Your care team will keep you safe as these symptoms subside. 

Treatment and Early Recovery

Cravings often last well beyond the initial detox. It’s important to remember that everyone’s timeline is unique. While these urges usually lessen over time, you may never learn how to stop alcohol cravings entirely. Some people also develop post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS),6 in which intense cravings can last up to 2 years. 

During initial treatment, you can develop coping skills to manage these urges. You’ll also learn to recognize triggers before they overwhelm you. While cravings are uncomfortable, they don’t have to result in relapse.

Manage Cravings in Ongoing Recovery

By the time you leave rehab, you’ll have plenty of practice responding to triggers. And over time, as you continue to stay sober, you’ll develop more confidence in your ability to manage cravings. While your urges may not disappear, you’ll get better at living with them. 

Coping Strategies for Alcohol Cravings

No matter how long your cravings last, there are many ways to cope with the urge to drink. Sometimes you can avoid triggering situations—but that’s not always possible. You can also learn how to navigate triggers without giving in to your cravings. In treatment, your care team might suggest several different strategies.

Choose Fulfilling Alternatives

No feeling lasts forever—even alcohol cravings come and go.7 Sometimes all you need to do is wait them out. During that time, you can distract yourself with an engaging alternative to drinking. You might go for a walk, listen to music, or try a new sober hobby. 

Meditate to Reduce Stress

Meditation and similar activities can reduce stress,8 helping you manage alcohol cravings. Studies show that mindfulness can even reduce the amount you drink.9 These activities promote self-acceptance and a sense of calm. When you accept that even intense cravings are temporary, waiting for them to pass might get a little easier.

Lean on Your Support System

Social support is a vital part of recovery10 from alcohol addiction. When you have cravings, you can ask loved ones for encouragement. You might also attend a support group or schedule an extra session with your therapist.

Professional Support and Treatment

Therapy and medication can play an important role throughout addiction recovery. A few types of treatment are especially helpful for alcohol addiction.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

In cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT),11 you’ll start by identifying the triggers and behaviors that contribute to your addiction. Then, your therapist will teach you specific techniques to use when cravings arise. 

Prescription Medications

Your treatment might include medications to help you stop craving alcohol.12 Prescriptions like acamprosate, disulfiram, and naltrexone can decrease the urge to drink. This approach is especially helpful for people healing from long-term alcohol abuse.

Peer Support Groups

Support groups, like SMART Recovery or 12-Step groups, can help you connect with your peers. These programs offer fellowship, encouragement, and accountability as you move forward in recovery. 

Lifestyle Changes for Long-Term Sobriety

Positive lifestyle changes13 can set you up for long-term sobriety. It’s important to create a daily routine that includes both self-care and fun activities. Maybe you used to have a drink every day at 6. You can take your mind off those memories by filling the same time slot with a new activity. Focus on what you are doing, like having coffee with a friend, instead of what you’re not doing, like going to a bar.

Recovery is a chance to build a life you love, sustainably. You can fill your time with activities you find meaningful, and ones that have immediate positive effects:

  • Picking up a new hobby
  • Eating well
  • Exercising
  • Spending time with loved ones
  • Expressing yourself through art, music, or writing
  • Learning a new skill

As you continue to heal, these new habits can become part of your daily practice. And data shows that strong routines support addiction recovery.14 You can develop a schedule that includes activities you love, and then stick to it—even when you’re craving alcohol.

Relapse Prevention

There will probably be times when you can curb alcohol cravings and times when you feel like you can’t. When you can recognize the warning signs of relapse,15 you’ll be able to get help more quickly: 

  • Isolating yourself
  • Skipping meetings you usually attend
  • Reminiscing about drinking
  • Letting go of your routine
  • Spending time with people who encourage you to drink

When this happens, you can reach out to people you trust. For example, you might call your therapist or your original treatment program. Certain programs can also help you stay sober after treatment:

Managing alcohol cravings is a vital part of maintaining sobriety. Connect with an alcohol rehab to get the support you need to meet your recovery goals.

Frequently Asked Questions About Alcohol Cravings in Recovery

What are alcohol cravings and why do they occur?

Alcohol cravings are intense urges to consume alcohol, both physically and emotionally. These cravings are a result of the changes that occur in the brain’s reward center during alcohol addiction. When alcohol becomes a habit, the brain associates it with feelings of pleasure and reward. As a result, when you stop drinking, cravings can occur as your brain seeks that sense of reward.

How long do alcohol cravings last during recovery?

The duration of alcohol cravings varies for each individual. Initially, during acute alcohol withdrawal, they can be very intense. However, cravings may persist beyond the detox phase and throughout early recovery. Some people experience post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS), where cravings can last for several months or longer. Everyone’s timeline is unique, and cravings usually lessen over time.

What are effective strategies for coping with alcohol cravings?

Coping with alcohol cravings requires a multi-faceted approach. Choosing fulfilling alternatives to drinking can help manage and reduce their intensity. These can include new hobbies or activities, practicing mindfulness meditation to reduce stress, leaning into your support network, attending support groups, seeking professional treatment, and making positive lifestyle changes. These strategies can empower you to navigate cravings and maintain long-term sobriety. Planning for relapse prevention can begin as soon as you enter recovery.

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How Long Does It Take to Break an Addiction? 5 Key Factors That Affect Your Timeline

Addiction recovery is a personal journey that looks different for everyone. When you first decide to seek help for substance use disorder, you might wonder how long the process will take. While each person’s recovery journey is unique, the research shows some clear patterns that can help you set realistic expectations as you start your recovery process.

Understanding the Recovery Timeline

Let’s look at some common misunderstandings about recovery timelines to help set realistic expectations for your journey.

Infographic listing key factors that influence addiction recovery time, including type of substance used, genetics and family history, mental and physical health, environment and trigger exposure, quality of support and connections, and duration and severity of use. An illustrated stopwatch emphasizes the concept of time.

The 21-Day Myth

You may have heard that it takes just 21 days to break any habit,1 including addiction. This common belief sounds promising, but unfortunately, it’s not accurate. The idea of the 21-day timeline came from Dr. Maxwell Maltz’s 1960 book Psycho-Cybernetics. He observed that surgery patients needed about 21 days to adjust to their new appearance. Over time, people misunderstood this observation and started applying it to all kinds of behavioral changes, including breaking addiction.

But making this kind of life change takes time—and preparing yourself for a more realistic timeline can help set you up for success in recovery.

Why Breaking Addiction Takes Longer

Breaking free from addiction is a lot more complex than changing a simple habit. Drug and alcohol use create changes in your brain that affect everything from your emotions to your decision-making to the coping mechanisms you use to deal with life. Unfortunately, these changes don’t reverse themselves in just a few short weeks.

Research shows that addiction follows many of the same patterns as other strong habits2 we develop. Just like learning any new behavior, recovery involves teaching your brain new ways to respond to stress and triggers. The good news is, this means we can use proven strategies for changing behavior to help break addiction.

Giving Your Brain Time to Heal

Recovery involves more than stopping substance use. It’s about allowing your body and brain to recover from the effects of substance abuse, addressing the causes of your addiction at its core, and building new habits that support long-term recovery. You can think of it as helping your brain relearn how to function normally. During active addiction, your brain adapts in 3 important ways:3 

  1. It starts strongly connecting substances with pleasure
  2. It becomes less sensitive to natural rewards like food and social connection
  3. It has a harder time making and sticking to decisions about staying sober

Recovery means giving your brain time to heal and rebuild healthier patterns at each stage. This process takes time, patience—and often, professional support—to achieve lasting change.

While timelines vary from person to person, some experts believe there is a bare minimum for breaking addiction: 90 days of treatment.

Infographic titled 6 Main Keys to Unlock Addiction Recovery, illustrating six essential components for healing: body detoxification, brain rewiring, developing coping skills, identifying triggers, building support systems, and forming healthy habits. Each concept is paired with a key graphic, leading to an open lock symbolizing recovery.

What role does neuroplasticity play in long-term addiction recovery?

Recovery is a journey, not a destination. Each person’s journey takes as long as it takes them to achieve the quality of life they want. After a person ceases the behavior of using substances, the brain is miraculous and, over time, can heal itself, and the neuropathways can return.  The longer someone does not use drugs in obsessive and harmful ways, the more healed a brain will be after two years of nonuse.

Tanya Kraege, LCSW, CSAC, CPS | Ventus Rex

Why Treatment Often Takes 90 Days or More

While residential rehab programs typically start at 28 days, research shows that most people need more time for the best chances of success. According to National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA),

Research indicates that most addicted individuals need at least 3 months in treatment4 to significantly reduce or stop their drug use and that the best outcomes occur with longer durations of treatment. 

This longer timeline makes sense when you consider all the changes happening in your brain and body during recovery.

During these crucial first 90 days, several important changes occur:

  • Your body rids itself of substances and begins to heal
  • Your brain starts rebuilding healthy neural pathways
  • You learn to identify and work through triggers
  • You learn and practice new coping skills
  • You build stronger support systems
  • You develop new, healthy habits to replace old patterns that led to addiction

While everyone’s journey is different, staying in treatment for enough time is one of the most important factors in successful recovery. Most people need a sufficient amount of time to change deeply rooted behavioral patterns, and longer treatment often leads to better results.

Infographic displaying seven healthy alternatives to manage addiction cravings, including physical activity, healthy snacks and hydration, deep breathing and mindfulness, creative outlets, social connection, engaging or fun activities, and sensory grounding. Each strategy is represented with a simple icon. Recovery.com logo appears in the bottom left.

Factors That Influence Your Recovery Time

Addiction is defined5 as “a treatable, chronic medical disease involving complex interactions among brain circuits, genetics, the environment, and an individual’s life experiences.” As such, a number of factors can influence how long it takes to recover:

1. The Type of Substance You Used

Different types of addiction require different treatment lengths. For example, physical health problems from alcohol addiction often require extended treatment because alcohol affects multiple organ systems. And with opioids and benzodiazepines, the intense impact on brain chemistry means you might need longer-term medication-assisted treatment.

2. Your History of Substance Use

The severity of the addiction—that is, the duration and pattern of drug use—significantly affects your timeline. If you’ve been using a substance for a very long time, or at very high doses, you’ll likely need a more intensive treatment approach. Your treatment team will consider several factors when creating your treatment plan:

  • How long you’ve been using substances
  • How much you typically use
  • Whether multiple substances are involved

3. Physical and Mental Health 

Your overall physical health plays an important role in your recovery process. Any existing health problems you have might affect how your body responds to treatment. Similarly, mental health conditions like anxiety or depression often require specialized treatment to address both addiction and mental health simultaneously.

Learn more about this complex condition—and how to find effective care—in our article on co-occurring disorder treatment.

4. Quality of Support

A strong support network makes a significant difference in addiction recovery. This includes:

  • Support from family members and loved ones
  • Connections with others in recovery
  • Professional help through addiction treatment programs
  • Community resources and support groups
  • Stable living environment

Building this support network is part of what you’ll work on in rehab as part of your plan to prevent relapse once you return home. Having reliable support can help you stay motivated during challenging times and celebrate your successes along the way.

5. Personal Circumstances

A few individual factors also influence recovery:

  • Age and how quickly your body heals
  • Family history and genetic factors
  • Current stress levels
  • Previous attempts at recovery
  • Work and family responsibilities
  • Living situation and daily environment

In addiction treatment, your clinical team will consider these factors when creating a treatment plan and timeline that’s tailored to your specific needs.

How do cultural or community factors affect recovery timelines?

Cultural and community factors play a significant role in shaping a person’s beliefs and understandings about addiction and recovery. An individual’s timeline for treatment or recovery may be impacted by stigma in their community, lack of culturally appropriate support, or pressure to prioritize culture and community over recovery and treatment. There also may be cultural and community factors that identify specific timeframes for recovery based on their understanding and structure. Counselors often need to build extra trust and tailor approaches that respect those dynamics because recovery isn’t one-size-fits-all.

Andrew Schreier, ICS, CSAC, LPC, ICGC-II, BACC

The Science of Breaking Addiction

Understanding the science behind addiction can help explain why recovery takes time—and why professional support is so valuable.

Understanding Brain Changes

Addiction changes your brain’s natural reward system6 and decision-making processes. When you regularly use substances, your brain adapts by reducing its own production of feel-good chemicals. This is why breaking addiction takes time and professional care—your brain needs to rebuild these natural systems.

How Cravings Affect Recovery

When you use substances regularly, your brain adapts to expect them.7 That’s why when you stop using, you’ll experience powerful cravings that can feel overwhelming at first. This helps explain why early recovery can feel so challenging—your brain needs time to unlearn these strong associations. In rehab, you’ll learn how to handle these feelings as you keep moving toward your recovery goals. 

Rehabs teach strategies like these to help you manage cravings:

  • Recognizing early warning signs
  • Using distraction techniques
  • Urge surfing and other mindfulness tools
  • Applying stress management skills
  • Reaching out for support when you need it

Understanding Treatment Options

The good news is that addiction is a treatable disorder8 that responds well to proper care. Addiction treatment options exist along a spectrum, and finding the right type of care is essential to your recovery. 

Let’s look at how different levels of care meet different needs:

Detox 

Not everyone needs detox, but if you’re severely physically dependent on a substance, it’s extremely important to detox under medical supervision. This is especially true if you use alcohol, opioids, or benzos. Detoxing in a substance-free, recovery-focused environment means you’re less likely to relapse when withdrawal symptoms get challenging. It also ensures your detoxification is as safe and as comfortable as possible. 

Inpatient Treatment (30-90 Days)

Inpatient treatment offers the highest level of support during early recovery. You’ll receive round-the-clock care in a treatment facility, where addiction professionals guide you through a personalized treatment plan. The structured environment removes you from daily triggers and stress, allowing you to focus completely on your recovery. During your stay, you’ll participate in intensive behavioral therapy and have access to comprehensive support services, including individual counseling, group therapy, and holistic healing approaches.

Outpatient Treatment (3-12 Months)

Outpatient addiction treatment lets you continue working or caring for your family while receiving a high level of professional support. You’ll attend therapy and counseling sessions several times per week, participate in support groups, and learn to practice recovery skills in real-world situations. This option helps you build a local support network while maintaining your daily responsibilities.

Relapse Prevention and Continuing Care (Ongoing)

Recovery is a lifestyle: It continues long after initial treatment ends. Aftercare helps you maintain the progress you started in rehab through regular counseling, check-ins with your healthcare providers, and regularly attending support groups. Many people find that this level of support helps them navigate the challenges of recovery and stay motivated toward their goals. Remember that seeking additional support if you’re struggling isn’t a sign of failure—it’s a smart way to protect your well-being.

Keep in mind that when it comes to recovery, progress is a process. The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) explains:

Drug treatment9 is intended to help addicted individuals stop compulsive drug seeking and use. Treatment can occur in a variety of settings, take many different forms, and last for different lengths of time. Because drug addiction is typically a chronic disorder characterized by occasional relapses, a short-term, one-time treatment is usually not sufficient. For many, treatment is a long-term process that involves multiple interventions and regular monitoring. 

True Healing Takes Time

Recovery is about more than just stopping substance use—it’s about creating sustainable, long-term lifestyle change. 

These changes don’t happen overnight. Like learning any new skill, building a better life takes consistent practice over time. Be patient with yourself while you take small steps forward. As you develop new routines, find activities you enjoy, and learn better ways to handle stress, your journey will start to feel more and more rewarding. 

Recovery life takes time. And the sooner you start your recovery journey, the sooner your healing can begin.

What leads to a long-term and sustained recovery?

A long-term and sustained recovery is about more than sobriety. It involves lifestyle changes, purpose-driven actions, and supportive relationships. People that I know in long-term recovery have discovered that it is a lifetime process of continual growth and course correction. Tough times happen and challenges do occur, but as we grow in our recovery, so too do we grow in our resilience and our capacity for hope.

Caroline Beidler, MSW

Build a New Life Beyond Addiction

Finding the right treatment team can make all the difference in helping you break the cycle of addiction. As you look for a rehab program, consider your unique recovery goals. How much medical care do you need during treatment? Are you also healing from a co-occurring mental health issue? Do you want to practice relationship skills? These questions and others like them can help you find the best program for you.

Browse rehab programs and get the help you need to break out of addiction. 

FAQs

Q: How long does it take to break an addiction?

A: While you might have heard it takes 21 days to break a habit, that’s actually a myth. Most people need at least 90 days of addiction treatment to make significant progress in their recovery. The longer you stay in treatment, the better your chances of success.

Q: How long do withdrawal symptoms and detox last?

A: Everyone’s detox experience is different, and the timeline depends on what substance you used and your personal health factors. If you’ve been using alcohol, opioids, or benzodiazepines, it’s especially important to detox under medical supervision. This keeps you safe and comfortable while helping prevent relapse during this challenging time.

Q: How long do addiction cravings last?

A: Even after 90 days of treatment, you might still experience cravings—and that’s completely normal. While cravings may not disappear entirely, you’ll learn effective strategies to manage them, including:

  • Spotting your personal warning signs early
  • Using proven distraction techniques
  • Practicing mindfulness
  • Managing stress in healthy ways
  • Reaching out when you need support

Q: What affects the timeline for addiction recovery?

A: Your recovery timeline is unique to you and depends on several factors:

  • Which substance you used and for how long
  • Your physical and mental health
  • Your support system
  • Personal factors like age and genetics
  • Past recovery experiences
  • Your current living situation and stress levels

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How Long Does It Take to Detox?

Detox usually lasts at least a couple of days, but many factors can affect how long detox lasts and your side effects. Getting proper care during this sensitive time is vital. Licensed professionals will help you understand how long the detox process is and safely guide you through it.

These days can provide an opportunity to start a healthier life, and detox can help lay the foundation for success. Residential or outpatient treatment can further equip you with necessary skills to maintain sobriety. To begin your journey towards a healthier life, explore the various detox services available.

Factors Affecting Detox Duration

Here are 4 things to consider when talking with a doctor about what your detox process will look like:

  • How long you’ve been using the substance
  • To what extent you’ve been using the substance
  • If you’ve been using just one substance vs multiple substances
  • Individual factors, such as overall health, mental health conditions, and metabolism
detox timeline

Detox Timeline for Common Substances

Every substance, and every person, is different, but this is what you can expect to encounter during detox for each substance. 

Alcohol

Alcohol detox usually lasts 2 – 10 days1. Symptoms appear within 6 – 24 hours after quitting drinking and are most severe during the 36 – 72 hour period. Symptoms include:

  • Anxiety
  • Sweating
  • Tremors
  • Dehydration
  • Increased heart rate and blood pressure
  • Insomnia
  • Nausea and vomiting

Severe withdrawal may involve complications like:

  • Seizures
  • Hallucinations
  • Delirium tremens
  • Extreme agitation

Alcohol detox can be life threatening, so doing this with medical care is vital.

Opioids/Heroin

Opioids are drugs such as heroin, opium, morphine, codeine, and methadone. Detox can last 4 – 20 days, depending on the opioid used1. Quick-acting opioids like heroin typically have a shorter duration than long-acting opioids like fentanyl. Withdrawal symptoms usually appear in 8 – 12 hours after quitting. Symptoms include:

  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Anxiety
  • Insomnia
  • Hot and cold flashes
  • Sweating
  • Muscle cramps
  • Diarrhea

Opioid withdrawal can be safely worked through as long as you are detoxing with medical supervision. 

Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines are psychoactive drugs that act as central nervous system depressants. Doctors prescribe them to treat anxiety and sleeping disorders. This drug is relatively easy to become addicted to, so if you are prescribed benzodiazepines, you should use them with caution.

Detox typically lasts 2 – 8 weeks, depending on the benzodiazepine. Quick acting benzodiazepines, like oxazepam, have a shorter detox period1, while clonazepam and other long acting ones have longer detox periods. Symptoms include:

  • Anxiety
  • Insomnia
  • Restlessness
  • Agitation
  • Poor concentration and memory
  • Muscle pains

Benzodiazepine withdrawal could be fatal, so it’s important to taper off these with guidance from medical professionals.

Meth/Stimulants

Stimulants are drugs such as methamphetamine, amphetamine, and cocaine. Detox usually lasts 3 – 5 days1, and symptoms begin within 24 hours of quitting. Symptoms include:

  • Agitation and irritability
  • Depression
  • Increased sleeping and appetite
  • Muscle aches

Particularly those who use methamphetamine can develop hallucinations, paranoia, or depressed thoughts during detox.

Meth and stimulant withdrawal can be safely worked through as long as you detox with medical support. 

Barbiturates

Barbiturates are depressant drugs prescribed for sleep aid, muscle spasms, anxiety relief, and seizure prevention. Detox usually lasts around 2 weeks, and symptoms appear 2 – 4 days after stopping the medication2. Symptoms include:

Barbiturate detox can be life-threatening, so it’s vital to do so under medical supervision.

Marijuana

Marijuana detox typically lasts 1 – 2 weeks1, and the symptoms are relatively mild compared to other detoxification processes. However, this can still be an uncomfortable experience. Symptoms include:

  • Anxiety 
  • Feelings of fear or dissociation
  • Restlessness
  • Irritability
  • Poor appetite
  • Disturbed sleep
  • Gastrointestinal upsets
  • Night sweats
  • Tremors

Marijuana withdrawal can be safely worked through as long as you detox with medical supervision. 

Your Unique Experience Detoxing

Taking all of this into account, detox duration and experience can vary from person to person.

The detox process can negatively affect your co-occurring disorder(s)4 or vice versa. This could apply to medical disorders or mental disorders. Agitation, depression, or hallucinations can appear during detox, so if your mental health issues include these, they may be heightened during this process.

Be sure to tell your doctor about any medical conditions you have. It’s very important that they take these into account when deciding what medication to give you, your tapering timeline, etc.

Medical Detox vs. Other Forms of Detox

Detox is a broad term, and the general definition is to rid the body of toxic things. When we hear “detox,” we may first think of using dandelion tea to cleanse our bodies, or holistically-based cellular detox. 

Medical detox, what we’ve been covering in this article, involves ridding the body of drugs or alcohol under the supervision of licensed medical professionals. Often, this involves using medication to assist the detoxification, like methadone and diazepam. 

Coming off of any substance could have negative or life threatening effects, so this process shouldn’t be taken lightly. Your detox beyond dandelion tea needs to be medically monitored for your own safety and well being.  

Detoxing Safely With Professional Guidance

Substance detox is a complicated process that requires professional guidance 24/71. Doctors can help you safely rid yourself of the substance. You could risk harming yourself if you detox without proper care. You might also relapse without the guidance of a doctor. Having professionals there helps make this uncomfortable experience as comfortable as possible. 

Post-Detox Transition and Treatment

Detox is a great start to recovery, but most of the time people will relapse if that’s the only care they receive1. The next part of your journey can include attending a residential or outpatient program to build your recovery toolkit with essential coping skills. In fact, SAMHSA emphasizes this as their 3rd pillar of detoxification5. These 3 components are 

  • Evaluation: testing how substance use has affected your body and creating a plan
  • Stabilization: medically assisted detox to get you to a stable, substance-free state
  • Fostering the patient’s entry into treatment: emphasizing the importance that you follow through with a substance abuse program to maintain your sobriety

During detox, you usually won’t participate in talk therapy because you’re in a susceptible, healing state. The real work and self growth comes after detox. During residential or outpatient care, you’ll work in individual and group therapy sessions using a variety of methods, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT is a highly effective treatment for addiction6. This is because it targets the thoughts, feelings, and behavior patterns that are common in substance use disorder.

You can build a support network with your therapists, peers, and family. You’ll learn to identify the early warning signs of relapse. You can even participate in relapse prevention groups. And in treatment, you’ll have more time to solidify your new coping skills. 

Addiction is more than just using substances, and recovery is more than just detoxing from those substances. It’s impacted your perspective and how you think. Treatment can guide you back to a better place by shifting how you view yourself, your surroundings, and your future. 

 A Step Forward You can try your best to plan for what your detox may look like, but the bottom line is that there are a lot of variables. Detoxing safely with medical professionals ensures that the bumps along the road during this process can be molehills instead of mountains. Explore where your new journey will take you by starting with detox.

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The Most Common Addictions in the United States

Both drug and behavioral addictions are extremely common in the United States. And drug addiction is steadily on the rise. 

In 2021, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) found that nearly 50 million Americans have drug or alcohol addictions.1 Behavioral addictions, like gambling and internet use, are also a growing healthcare concern.

If you’re wondering how to overcome addiction, you can start by learning about the most common types of addiction and abused drugs in the United States. 

Alcohol Addiction

Alcohol is one of many sedatives, calming the central nervous system while also causing a release of dopamine that floods the reward system, which contributes to addiction. According to a national survey done by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), 11.3% of adult Americans have alcohol addiction.2 A report from the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence even calls alcohol “the most commonly used addictive substance3 in the United States.”

Causes:

There are several possible causes of alcohol addiction:4 

Alcohol is widely available, and many people feel social pressure to drink.5 This can also contribute to addiction.

Effects: 

According to the CDC, long-term excessive drinking puts you at risk6 of physical health problems and other side effects:

  • High blood pressure
  • Liver disease
  • Cancer

Alcohol addiction also affects mental health.7 It can lead to mental health conditions like depression, memory problems, and even antisocial behavior. Withdrawal symptoms can be especially dangerous, and in many cases require medical oversight or hospitalization.

Treatments:

There are many treatment programs and therapies for alcohol use disorder, from inpatient care to outpatient programs. Experts report that a few specific types of therapy are especially helpful:8

  • Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
  • Motivational enhancement therapy (MET)
  • Contingency management
  • Couples therapy
  • 12-Step programs

Nicotine Addiction

Nicotine and tobacco rank high on the list of most common addictions9 in America. Nicotine, the addictive substance found in tobacco, is easy to access via vaping and smoking, and legal in all states. Nicotine addiction and tobacco use can affect people of all ages, from adolescents to older adults.

Causes:

This type of addiction is often caused by repetitive use, meaning someone uses nicotine often enough for their brain to grow used to its effects and need it frequently to avoid stress and withdrawal symptoms. Smoking can become a compulsive behavior, which often signifies the change from regular use to addiction. Causes for nicotine addiction include:

  • Peer influence
  • Social expectations and norms
  • Family history of tobacco use

Effects:

Smoking cigarettes or vaping regularly comes with a host of side effects10, including:

  • Lung cancer, among other types of cancer
  • Heart disease
  • Lung diseases, which can be irreversible
  • Reproductive issues

Treatments:

Many treatment programs and tools can help with nicotine addiction, like

  • Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), to understand the thoughts and emotions leading to tobacco use, and to gain the behavioral skills to prevent use
  • Contingency management
  • Nicotine patches and other forms of nicotine-replacement therapy, like nasal sprays or inhalants
  • Support groups dedicated to supporting people who decide to quit smoking. You can access many of these online, even through apps on your phone

Marijuana Addiction

In 2020, marijuana addiction was one of the 3 most common addictions in the United States,11 despite being an illegal drug in some states. As cannabis becomes more socially acceptable, rates of this addiction may continue to rise. People can ingest weed by vaping it, smoking bongs, or by adding tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) into food. THC is responsible for the psychoactive effects common to marijuana.

Causes:

The younger you are when you start using marijuana,12 the higher your risk of addiction. The drug’s potency also plays a role.

As more states legalize cannabis, scientists are developing more potent strains. According to Tom Freeman, Director of the Addiction and Mental Health Group at the University of Bath, high-potency marijuana has 4 times the risk of addiction.13 

Effects:

There’s a relationship between marijuana use and mental health issues,14 but we need more data to determine which one causes the other. Research shows that marijuana addiction shares symptoms with mental health conditions like anxiety and depression. Long-term marijuana use also causes memory problems.15 

Treatments:

Most marijuana rehabs focus on counseling. During treatment, you might engage in a few types of talk therapy:16

  • MET
  • CBT
  • Contingency management

Opioid Addiction

There is currently an opioid addiction crisis in the United States.17 These prescribed or illicit drugs play a role in nearly 75% of all overdose deaths. According to SAMHSA, 1% of all Americans over the age of 12 had opioid addiction in 2020.18 

Fentanyl is a particularly deadly opioid, one of many synthetic painkillers that can cause addiction and overdose deaths when misused. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports fentanyl overdose deaths tripling19 from 2016-2021. Other opioids include prescription drugs like Oxycodone and Hydrocodone.

Causes:

Many factors contribute to opioid addiction,20 like genetics, environmental factors, and mental health issues. Childhood trauma also makes you more vulnerable. Chronic pain is a major risk factor,21 especially if you manage it with an opioid prescription. 

Effects:

Opioid abuse has many health risks.22 As your tolerance goes up, you may need higher and higher doses to manage physical pain. This addiction also cuts into the time you spend with loved ones, damaging your relationships.

Opioid use can be life-threatening. Overdose causes respiratory depression, in which you can stop breathing. Without immediate medical attention, this is often fatal.

Treatments:

Opioid addiction treatment plans normally include more than one type of care: 

Cocaine Addiction

Cocaine is a stimulant, like Adderall and some other prescription medications. It comes from the coca plant, which typically grows in South America. SAMHSA estimates that 1.3 million people have cocaine addiction25 in the United States. Nearly 25% of these people are teenagers. Some studies suggest that teens are more vulnerable to cocaine addiction26 than adults. 

Causes:

In addition to age, genetics play a role in cocaine addiction.27 What’s more, ongoing cocaine use can change your brain activity, so your reward system responds only to the drug. Over time, that increases your risk of addiction.

Effects:

Cocaine causes a wide range of physical symptoms, potentially requiring medical care and hospitalization. Snorting cocaine harms your nasal passages,28 causing nosebleeds, sinus issues, and respiratory problems. Smoking crack cocaine causes lung damage. Cocaine also impacts your cardiovascular system, reducing blood flow throughout the body. 

Treatments:

Most rehabs treat cocaine addiction with behavioral therapy. Contingency management and various types of CBT are especially beneficial treatments.29 There are currently no FDA-approved medications for this condition. 

Methamphetamine Addiction

Reports show that in 2019, over 2 million American adults used methamphetamine,30 up from 1.6 million in 2015. In the same time period, the number of deaths and arrests related to methamphetamine skyrocketed.

Causes:

Several experiences increase your risk of meth addiction:31

  • Drinking
  • Smoking
  • Attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
  • Family history of legal issues
  • Family history of drug use

Effects:

Meth addiction causes many health problems and mental health symptoms:32 

  • Though meth isn’t a hallucinogen, it often causes paranoia and hallucinations
  • Anxiety
  • Organ damage, especially to the lungs, liver, and kidneys
  • Dental problems
  • High blood pressure
  • Permanent neurological changes

Treatments:

In treatment for methamphetamine addiction, you’ll probably engage in behavioral therapy. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), CBT and contingency management are “the most effective treatments33 for methamphetamine addiction.”

Gambling Addiction

Because research into this condition is so new, it’s hard to accurately assess how many people have a gambling addiction. But some reports estimate that “roughly 1 percent of American adults, or about 2.5 million people, have a severe gambling problem.”34

Causes:

Men are at a higher risk for gambling addiction.35 You might also be more vulnerable if you were raised by a single parent or a parent with an addiction. 

Effects:

Unlike substance use disorders, behavioral addictions rarely have physical symptoms. Even so, the effects of gambling addiction36 can be overwhelming:

  • Anxiety which is only relieved by gambling
  • New or worsening depressive symptoms
  • Financial hardship
  • Strained family relationships

Treatments:

When you’re ready to recover from gambling addiction, your care team will help you choose the right treatment plan. That means something different for everyone. Most programs recommend at least one type of talk therapy to treat gambling disorder:37

  • CBT
  • Psychodynamic therapy
  • Group therapy
  • Family therapy

In rehab, you might also attend a 12-Step group like Gamblers Anonymous (GA).

Internet and Gaming Addiction

At least 93% of Americans are internet users.38 One study found that within that number, 63% of adolescents go online every day, and 36% go online several times each day.39 

While we have clear data about internet use, we need more about internet and gaming addiction. Various studies claim that anywhere from 38-90% of internet users have internet addiction.40 Another survey reports that 3.3% of people who play video games have a gaming addiction.41 

Causes:

Gaming and internet addiction are more common among men.42 Several factors make these conditions more likely: 

  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • ADHD
  • Social isolation
  • Aggressive behavior
  • Low self-esteem

These issues can lead to internet addiction—and vice versa. Unchecked internet use makes the same symptoms even more severe. 

Effects:

Excessive gaming can have serious health effects:43 

  • Back pain
  • Eye strain
  • Carpal tunnel syndrome
  • Sporadic eating habits
  • Sleep problems

Internet addiction also isolates you from loved ones. In extreme cases, it can interfere with work or school.

Treatments:

A growing number of rehabs treat internet and gaming addiction. However, this is a new area of study. Researchers warn that until we have more data, we should approach all treatments for these addictions as experimental.44 

Despite these concerns, mental health professionals recommend a few types of therapy for internet and gaming addiction:45 

  • CBT
  • Wilderness therapy
  • Family therapy

Food Addiction

Various reports estimate that anywhere from 5.8-56.8% of Americans have a food addiction.46 Experts also note the overlap between food addiction and eating disorders47 like bulimia nervosa. 

Causes:

Food addiction and drug addiction48 often co-occur. Either one might make the other more likely. Severe childhood abuse can also lead to food addiction49 in adulthood. This condition is more likely for people with depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem.

Effects:

While food addiction can make you gain weight,50 that’s not true for everyone. More consistently, it leads to overwhelming feelings of guilt and shame. 

Treatments:

Food addiction recovery can include weight loss, but that’s not always the right approach. To treat the root cause of this condition, experts recommend approaching it like a binge eating disorder. CBT and interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT) are popular treatments for food addiction.51

Pornography Addiction

Like any other behavioral addiction, including shopping addiction, excessive pornography use can be very serious. But we don’t yet understand the scope of the issue in the United States. That’s partly because news sources commonly circulate false statistics about online pornography.52 

Causes:

Porn addiction is more likely53 for people with certain characteristics:

  • Male
  • Younger age
  • Religious
  • Novelty-seeking

It’s also more common among people who spend a lot of time online. 

Effects:

One study links excessive porn use with anxiety,54 depression, and sexual dysfunction. Porn addiction might cause these symptoms, or vice versa. Porn use also affects relationships. This condition can make it easier to objectify your partner. Over time, that disconnect can drive a wedge between you. 

Treatments:

Most rehabs for porn addiction offer several types of therapy. However, researchers say that CBT “might be the most effective technique55 for such patients addicted to pornography.” Some people also attend 12-Step groups like Porn Addicts Anonymous.

To learn more about treatment options for various addictions, search our collection of rehabs to take virtual tours, read reviews, see pricing, and more, and reach out to centers directly.

Frequently Asked Questions About Common Addictions in the U.S.

What are the most common addictions in the United States?

The most common addictions in the U.S. include alcohol addiction, opioid addiction, marijuana addiction, cocaine addiction, methamphetamine addiction, nicotine addiction, gambling addiction, internet and gaming addiction, food addiction, shopping addiction, and pornography addiction.

What are the causes of alcohol addiction?

Genetic predisposition, a family history of alcohol abuse, co-occurring mental health issues, easy availability of alcohol, and social pressure to drink can all contribute to problem drinking.

How is opioid addiction treated?

Rehabs typically treat opioid addiction through a combination of medications (such as methadone) and talk therapy. Medications help alleviate cravings, while therapy addresses the underlying psychological factors that led to the addiction in the first place.
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The Signs of Drug Use in Teens

Drug use in teens is an increasing problem in the U.S. It’s important to recognize the signs of drug use in order to intervene and help teens struggling with addiction. Common signs of drug use in teens include changes in behavior, including mood swings, attitudes, and school performance. Additionally, physical signs can include red eyes, changes in sleep patterns, and changes in physical appearance. Finally, teens with drug addiction may show signs of financial or legal trouble, including stealing money or getting into trouble with the law.

If your child is using drugs, this recovery journey you’re about to embark on can not only help your teen, but it can also make your whole family grow closer. Getting teen treatment can set your child on the path to success. 

Signs, Symptoms, and Behaviors of Drug Use in Teens

If you know what to look for, you can discover if your teen is using drugs or drinking alcohol. Be on the lookout for these signs:

Changes in mood:

  • Irritable
  • Withdrawn
  • Unable to focus
  • Depressed or hyperactive

Changes in appearance:

  • Unkempt appearance
  • Bloodshot eyes
  • Flushed cheeks

Changes in behavior:

  • Sneaking out
  • Secretive about their phone or their whereabouts
  • Missing school or work
  • Hanging out with a new crowd of friends

How to Spot Drug Use in Teens

If you have a hunch your kid is using drugs, but you want to be sure, there are some things you can do to get a better idea of the situation:

  • Have eye contact conversations, and see if their eyes are bloodshot.
  • Smell for smoke.
  • Pay attention to their emotional state, this may be out of the norm.
  • Go through their belongings: This can be a sensitive topic. Giving your children the privacy they deserve is important, but if you are concerned about your teen’s safety and well being due to possible drug use, you may want to consider this option.

Teen Drug Use Statistics

 According to the National Institute on Drug Use, since the start of COVID-19, reported drug use has decreased1. This is likely due to school closure and social distancing (i.e. less peer pressure). Luckily, the downward trend has continued through the last couple of years; however, substance use still poses a threat.

The Most Commonly Used Drugs Amongst Teens

The most commonly used drugs reported in 2022 were nicotine/vaping, cannabis/marijuana, and alcohol. (Keep in mind that these are only the reported statistics. More teens likely use these substances and just don’t report it.)

  • 20.5% of 10th graders vaped
  • 19.5% of 10th graders ingested cannabis
  • 15.2% – 31.3% of 10th graders drank alcohol

While this downward trend provides some hope, research findings show dramatic and rising death rates in youth between the ages of 14-18. 

Also, it’s important to know that fentanyl, amongst other dangerous players, has contaminated the U.S. and worldwide drug supply2. This substance is extremely potent, meaning even the tiniest drop can make the user overdose. Fentanyl could be found in drugs like cocaine, MDMA (ecstasy), and heroin because it’s cheaper to cut these drugs with fentanyl than sell the pure substance.

Educating yourself on these dangers, and knowing how to help your child, is crucial for prevention, awareness, and recovery if/when needed.

Reasons Why Teens Use Drugs

Each teen has their reasons for using drugs. Here are some common factors that can push them to experiment.

  1. Peer Pressure: Being a teenager is hard, and they just want to fit in with their peers. If their best friend, or someone they admire, offers them drugs or alcohol, they’ll likely take it to feel accepted. 
  2. Media: TV shows, movies, and especially social media nowadays can show drug use as glamorous, normal, or fun. This can appeal to impressionable teens.
  3. Self-Medication: Mental health issues start to pop up around adolescence, and some teens may see the escape of drugs as a way to avoid these complex feelings.
  4. Experimentation: Teens are curious and ready to try new things, especially as they start to gain some freedom.
  5. To Feel Grown Up: Wanting to be a grownup and assert their independence can lead them to drinking or doing drugs.

Find Help for Teen Drug Use

So you’ve had the conversation with your teen about their drug or alcohol use. Now is the time to start gathering resources on how to help them.

  1. Gather Information: Begin by browsing programs for teens. Think through what you want to get out of this experience—for your child and your family. You may want to look for gender-specific care. These programs address hardships that boys and girls uniquely experience by giving them tools to face uncomfortable emotions and experiences. Gender-specific care also helps them focus on treatment without distractions. 
  1. Engage in Family Therapy: Family therapy will likely be an important part of the recovery process, for your teen and your whole family. Addiction education for loved ones is usually offered with this, as well. This gives clarity on your teen’s journey with substances and recovery. So when your child comes home after treatment, everyone will have the skills they need to maintain a healthy recovery environment.
  1. Be Supportive: Most importantly, be a rock for your child. They’re likely going through a confusing time, so having your support will make this process easier and improve their chances of success.
  1. Make Sure You Have Support: Give yourself grace through this journey. Helping your child through addiction recovery can be emotionally draining. You will have support from medical professionals, but other family members or friends can also provide support in this process. 

4A. Remember to prioritize your own self-care. Engage in activities that bring you joy and practice stress-reducing techniques.
As your kids grow older and start making their own decisions, you can act as a compassionate guide and lead by example. What you do from here on out is what matters most. A bright future awaits for your child with the right teen treatment.

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Alcohol vs. Marijuana: Is One Safer Than the Other?

Alcohol and marijuana use are both socially acceptable, and they can both be dangerous. But is one safer than the other? That’s a complicated question—partly because “safety” means something different for everyone. No matter how safe a substance seems, addiction is always possible.

Alcohol Use 

It may feel like almost everyone you know drinks alcohol. Around the world, this is one of the most socially acceptable substances. In 2021, more than 78% of Americans aged 12 and older reported using alcohol at least once in their lifetime.1 

How Addictive Is Alcohol?

Alcohol addiction is more common2 than other drug addictions in the U.S. There’s no fixed timeline for how quickly or easily this condition develops. Depending on your genetics, your drinking habits, and other factors, it could take several years or just a few months for you to need treatment.

Several factors can give you a greater risk of addiction. For one thing, it depends on how long alcohol stays in your system. Some people get drunk faster than others, or have a naturally low tolerance to alcohol. If you keep drinking regularly, your tolerance will go up. That means you’ll have to drink more and more to feel the same effects. This cycle can quickly lead to addiction.

Binge and heavy drinking also play a significant role in developing alcohol use disorder. For many people, it’s perfectly safe to have a drink or 2 with friends on occasion. But if you’re getting drunk every day, or blacking out every time you go to the bar, you may be more vulnerable to addiction.

Risk Factors of Alcohol Use Disorder 

It’s easy to overlook the short and long-term consequences of excessive drinking.3 Alcohol abuse impairs your judgment, and it can lead to impulsive decisions. Experts note a few common short-term risks of heavy drinking:

  • Injuries like car crashes, burns, and falls are common when you’ve been drinking. In the U.S., 1 person dies in an alcohol-related car accident4 every 45 minutes.
  • Alcohol poisoning is a medical emergency5 that can cause vomiting or seizures, and even be life-threatening. 
  • Risky sexual behavior may result in accidental pregnancy. It can also expose you to sexually transmitted infections (STIs), like herpes or HIV.

With ongoing alcohol abuse, you’ll also face certain long-term risks:6

  • Health conditions like heart disease, high blood pressure, digestive problems, stroke, and liver disease
  • Cancer, including breast, throat, esophageal, and colon cancer
  • Mental illness such as depression and anxiety
  • Weakening of the immune system, which increases your likelihood of getting sick and makes it harder to heal from any illness
  • Memory and learning problems, which can cause problems at school or work
  • Relationship problems with loved ones, colleagues, and your wider community

When to Seek Help for Excessive Drinking 

Alcohol affects everyone differently. It might be hard to notice when your drinking becomes a problem. So how do you know when you cross the line?

This question is very personal. Drinking might not cause any major problems in your life at first, or ever. But if you’re wondering whether you need help, you might be onto something. In a sober moment, you can take an inventory of your behavior by answering a few questions:

  • Do you usually drink more than you planned? 
  • Can you go a whole day without drinking alcohol?
  • Do you drink at inappropriate times (at work, first thing in the morning, etc.)? 
  • Does drinking interfere with important parts of your life? 
  • Do you hide your drinking from other people?
  • Do you often make poor decisions when you drink?  
  • Are your loved ones concerned about your drinking habits?
  • Do you think you have an alcohol addiction?

With a clearer sense of your own drinking habits, you can decide on next steps. However, only a professional can diagnose you with alcohol use disorder. If you think you need help, you can contact a rehab or share your thoughts with a specialist.

Marijuana Use 

Between alcohol and cannabis, many people see marijuana as the lesser evil. You might not even know that weed is addictive.7 As legalization becomes more widespread in the U.S., so do studies shedding light on cannabis use, weed’s potential risks and benefits,8 and addiction.

Medicinal Benefits of Marijuana

When you use it safely, marijuana has many medicinal benefits.9 It’s especially helpful for people with chronic pain. Some see cannabis as a safer alternative to prescription opioids and other narcotics. Natural chemicals like THC and CBD, which appear in most strains of marijuana, also have several other effects.

For example, CBD oil can help with anxiety10 and depression. It can also protect against neurological issues like Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and multiple sclerosis. 

There’s no doubt marijuana can help people. But it’s up to you to decide if marijuana products will benefit you in the long run. Thinking about your relationship with substances is always a great place to start.

Is Marijuana More Addictive Than Alcohol? 

Whether marijuana is more addictive than alcohol is a complex question, and there’s no simple answer. On the surface, cannabis might seem like a medicine that does more good than harm. But just about any substance can be addictive11—even seemingly harmless ones like caffeine or ibuprofen. And marijuana is no exception. 

The health effects of marijuana use, however, are generally less risky than those of alcohol. Many studies suggest cannabis has a lower risk for health-related harms12 like cancer, death from severe withdrawal, and liver damage. And one study found that marijuana has a much lower risk of overdose than alcohol. Still, we need more data on weed and addiction.

Effects of Excessive Marijuana Use 

Abusing marijuana has both short and long-term impacts13 on your health. Some of its short-term effects might be enjoyable, but others are dangerous:

  • Enhanced sensory perception and euphoria: You may feel happy, and sights and sounds may become more profound.
  • Drowsiness and relaxation: Some strains of marijuana have more powerful sedative effects than others.
  • Slowed reaction times: Marijuana makes activities like driving more dangerous.
  • Problems with balance and coordination: Marijuana can make you feel dizzy or lightheaded.
  • Anxiety: Marijuana can increase anxiety levels over time—not just while you’re using it.

Continuing marijuana use over time also has long-term effects:

  • Chronic cough and frequent respiratory infections: The more you smoke marijuana, the more harmful toxins go into your lungs. Over time, this can lead to serious physical problems.
  • Learning and memory problems: Studies show regular marijuana use alters memory,14 learning, and impulse control. 
  • Mental health issues: Excessive ongoing marijuana use can lead to anxiety,15 depression, and psychosis.

When to Seek Help for Marijuana Abuse 

It can be even harder to recognize marijuana addiction than alcohol abuse. If you think you might need help, you can start by answering these questions:

  • Do you usually use high doses of marijuana?
  • Is it hard to go a day without using marijuana? 
  • Do you use marijuana at work or school?
  • Is marijuana use causing problems in your life? 
  • Are you detaching from the people closest to you or spending most of your time with other friends who use marijuana?
  • Have you ever had a relapse after trying to stop using marijuana? 
  • Do you drive while high?
  • Are your loved ones concerned about your marijuana use?
  • Do you think you have a marijuana addiction?

If you answered yes to some or all of these questions, you might want to share your responses with a clinical expert. They’ll be able to give you a proper diagnosis and help you plan for the future.

Treatment Options for Marijuana Abuse

Treatment for marijuana abuse16 normally includes a combination of therapies. Depending on where you go to rehab, you may have access to a variety of options: 

It’s important to find a program that can support your personal goals for recovery. If you need help with marijuana addiction, learn more about treatment at marijuana rehabs.

Treatment Options for Alcohol Abuse 

When you start treatment for alcohol addiction, you’ll probably need to attend detox first. Without proper medical care, alcohol withdrawal can be dangerous or even fatal. Healthcare professionals can help you safely begin recovery.

Once you complete detox, your rehab may provide a variety of alcohol addiction treatment options:17

  • Cognitive behavioral therapy 
  • Motivational enhancement therapy (MET)
  • Family counseling
  • Medications
  • Peer support groups

Browse alcohol rehabs that offer these therapies and more.

Frequently Asked Questions About Alcohol vs. Marijuana

Is alcohol or marijuana safer to use?

Both alcohol and marijuana can be dangerous substances, and addiction is a potential risk regardless of perceived safety. It’s important to exercise caution and make informed decisions about substance use to minimize potential risks and harms.

How addictive is alcohol compared to marijuana?

Alcohol addiction is more common than marijuana addiction. The development of alcohol use disorder (AUD) depends on various factors like genetics, drinking habits, and individual traits. Marijuana, though generally considered less risky, can still be addictive (as any substance can be). Further research is needed to better understand the relationship between marijuana use and addiction.

When should I seek help for alcohol or marijuana abuse?

Recognizing when to seek help for marijuana or alcohol abuse can be challenging. If you find either substance interfering with your life, or if you find yourself questioning your substance use, talking to a professional can be helpful.

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Why Is Alcohol Considered a Drug?

By definition, alcohol is a drug because it impacts the way your brain works. Not everyone sees it that way, partly because we no longer use alcohol for medical reasons. Today, people drink to celebrate, socialize, and relax. But like any other drug, alcohol can lead to addiction.

Alcohol: What Makes It a Drug?

Alcohol is a psychotropic central nervous system (CNS) depressant.1 Here’s what that means: 

  • Psychotropic drugs affect the way you think and feel. In other words, alcohol can change your mood, thoughts, and behavior. Other psychotropic drugs include cocaine, marijuana, and nicotine. 
  • Central nervous system depressants slow down your brain activity. This relaxes your muscles and makes you feel at ease. Other depressants include prescription drugs like Xanax, Valium, and Klonopin. 

How Alcohol Affects Your Brain and Body

When you drink, alcohol slows down communication between your brain cells.2 This makes you feel more relaxed as early as 15 minutes after you start drinking. Your unique metabolism determines how long alcohol stays in your system. 

For most people, the liver can only process about 1 drink an hour.3 If you drink more than that, you may feel more intense side effects. These can include lower inhibitions, intense emotions, and a loss of muscle coordination. You might even black out—which is when your brain stops recording memories due to binge drinking. If you drink beyond your body’s capacity, you can even get alcohol poisoning.

Alcohol also has long-term effects4 on your brain and body. For example, alcohol is a carcinogen, meaning it causes cancer. Long-term drinking wears down the immune system, which makes you more likely to get sick. According to the CDC, excessive drinking contributes to “high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, liver disease, and digestive problems.” There’s also a link between alcohol and certain mental health issues, like anxiety and depression.

Alcohol Is Classified as a Depressant

The term “depressant” refers to slowing neural activity,5 not depression as a mental health issue. Certain prescription depressants can even treat anxiety and insomnia. Not every depressant makes you feel depressed. 

However, experts point out a link between alcohol and the feeling of sadness.6 According to one study, 1 out of 3 people with alcohol addiction have “experienced episodes of intense depression and/or severe anxiety.” This data suggests that alcohol addiction might indeed cause depression.

Is Alcohol Addictive?

Alcohol is highly addictive.7 However, not everyone with alcohol use disorder develops physical dependence. To find the right type of treatment, you can learn about the difference between physical and psychological addiction.

Physical Addiction

Drinking releases endorphins8—neurochemicals that make you feel euphoric. The more often and heavily you drink, the more your brain will associate good feelings with drinking. So any time you want to feel good, you’ll start craving alcohol. This cycle can quickly lead to addiction.9 

Because alcohol is a depressant, suddenly quitting drinking reactivates your central nervous system.10 This leads to physical withdrawal symptoms which can range from being uncomfortable to life-threatening. For some people, fear of these symptoms becomes a barrier to long-term treatment. 

Psychological Addiction

Many people abuse alcohol to self-medicate11 anxiety, trauma, and other mental health conditions. This doesn’t always lead to physical dependence. But if you keep drinking in spite of negative consequences, it can still constitute addiction.

According to the National Institute of Health,12 this strategy doesn’t work in the long term: 

“Drinking to cope with stress—while it may provide temporary relief from emotional discomfort—tends to enhance negative emotional states between bouts of alcohol consumption. These changes can motivate further drinking and cause an individual to become stuck in an unhealthy cycle of alcohol consumption.”

While alcohol is considered a drug, it still has cultural and economic value in the U.S. In fact, alcohol is a $363.33 billion industry.13 Alcohol was illegal in the U.S. during Prohibition, from 1920-1933.14 But the ban didn’t last long. Illegal alcohol was a public health threat, and creating a black market for drinking didn’t serve the economy. This is similar to the recent change in policy around marijuana legalization. When drugs are legal, the government can regulate them for safety and tax them to boost the economy. 

How Alcohol Abuse Affects Your Loved Ones

Alcohol addiction doesn’t only affect you. It can also impact your wider community:

  • Drinking takes up time. You might spend long nights away from home, or be too hungover to enjoy other activities with family.
  • Alcohol causes conflict. Because alcohol impairs judgment, you might act very differently when you’re drinking. On top of that, abusing alcohol can make you more aggressive.15
  • Drinking can damage trust. Many people try to hide their alcohol abuse.16 You might want to avoid consequences at work or protect your loved ones from the truth. If you have high-functioning alcohol addiction, this could go on for some time. But eventually, your loved ones will realize something’s wrong and feel betrayed as a result.
  • Alcohol addiction is expensive. Drinking can drain your finances, which puts stress on partnerships and families. 
  • Alcohol affects your work. Drugs, including alcohol, can make it hard to focus. Being drunk, hungover, or sleep deprived at work might damage your professional relationships. You might even risk losing your job, which could affect your family.
  • Drinking can cause legal problems. Alcohol abuse impairs your judgment. If you drive drunk, for example, you could get in an accident or get arrested. Even if no one gets hurt, that can damage your reputation and your closest relationships.

Signs and Symptoms of Alcohol Abuse

If you think you might be addicted to alcohol, it’s important to get a professional diagnosis. As you plan to speak to an expert, take stock of your drinking habits. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) defines alcohol addiction17 by a few specific criteria:

  • Do you often drink more than you planned to?
  • Do you spend excessive amounts of time drinking or recovering from drinking?
  • Have you ever tried to quit drinking and failed? Has this happened more than once?
  • Have you ever wanted a drink so intensely you couldn’t think about anything else?
  • Does drinking or being hungover often interfere with your other responsibilities (family, friends, work, school, etc.)?
  • Have you ever given up activities you cared about in order to drink instead?
  • Does drinking make you feel depressed, anxious, or otherwise unwell? If so, do you continue to drink anyway?
  • Does alcohol have less of an effect on you than it used to? If so, does this make you drink more?
  • Do you ever feel shaky, nauseous, or have trouble sleeping when the effects of drinking start to wear off?

When to Seek Professional Help for Alcohol Use

It’s never too early to ask for help. If you think you have alcohol use disorder, you very well might. An addiction expert can help you decide which type of treatment will best suit your needs. 

Treatment Options

Everyone’s experience with alcohol addiction is unique. What works for someone else might not be a good fit for you. However, there are a few common treatments for alcohol abuse:

  • Alcohol detox: Quitting drinking abruptly can cause potentially dangerous withdrawal symptoms.18 These can even be life-threatening. In a medical detox program, your care team will keep you safe throughout this process. Some rehabs require you to attend medical detox before you start longer-term treatment.
  • Residential rehab for alcohol addiction: In these programs, you’ll live on-site at a treatment center. Your length of stay in rehab could be anything from a few days to several weeks, or even longer. Most programs offer a combination of treatments, such as 1:1 therapy, support groups, and medical care.
  • Partial hospitalization program (PHP): Also known as day treatment, in a PHP, you’ll live at home but follow an intensive schedule of treatment. Most programs require you to be on-site for about 40 hours per week.
  • Intensive outpatient program (IOP): An IOP provides structured, intensive therapy and support services for people who don’t require all-day treatment. Outpatient care is often used as a step-down approach after residential treatment, and could be a good option if you need to keep working or going to school while attending intensive therapy. 
  • Sober living: Sober living environments help you transition out of residential addiction treatment. You’ll live with other people in recovery, but have plenty of access to the outside world. 

Alcohol addiction recovery is an ongoing process. With the right type of care you can detox safely, learn to recognize triggers, and start building a meaningful life without alcohol. To find the right program for you, explore rehabs for alcohol addiction.

Frequently Asked Questions About Alcohol Use

Is alcohol considered a drug?

Yes, alcohol is a drug because it affects the brain. It’s classified as a psychotropic central nervous system (CNS) depressant. While it’s commonly used for socializing and relaxation, it’s important to recognize its addictive properties and potential risks.

What are some long-term effects of alcohol?

Long-term alcohol use can have detrimental effects on both the brain and body. Prolonged drinking weakens the immune system, making you more susceptible to illness. Excessive alcohol consumption can also lead to high blood pressure, heart disease, cancer, stroke, liver disease, digestive problems, and mental health conditions like anxiety and depression. Getting professional help is crucial to address these long-term effects and mitigate their impact.

When should I seek professional help for alcohol use?

It’s important to seek professional help if you’re unable to quit drinking on your own. If you often drink more than intended, have intense cravings for alcohol, have mood swings as a result of drinking, or if drinking interferes with your responsibilities, it’s time to consult an addiction expert. Early intervention can lead to effective, long-term recovery.