Alcohol Use Disorder

Alcohol addiction—also known as Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD)—is a chronic disease marked by a person’s inability to stop or control alcohol use despite negative social, occupational, or health consequences. AUD exists on a spectrum, from mild to severe, depending on the number of symptoms. It affects millions of people worldwide and can be physically, emotionally, and socially devastating.

Therapy is a core component of treatment for alcohol addiction. It helps people understand the roots of their drinking, build coping skills, and develop long-term strategies to stay sober., and is often combined with peer support (like AA - alcoholics anonymous).

MW Counselling for support with addiction, sexually compulsive behaviour and couples therapy

A diagnosis of AUD is typically made if a person meets 2 or more of the following within a 12-month period:

Drinking more or for longer than intended.
Wanting to cut down or stop but being unable.
Spending a lot of time drinking or recovering from drinking.
Cravings or a strong urge to drink.
Failing to fulfill responsibilities due to drinking.
Continuing to drink despite it causing problems in relationships.
Giving up important activities to drink.
Drinking in dangerous situations (e.g., driving).
Developing tolerance (needing more to get the same effect).

Dopamine plays a central role in the "pleasure/reward" system. Chronic addiction alters brain circuits, especially in areas involved in judgment, decision-making, learning, memory, and behaviour control. These changes make quitting extremely difficult, even when the individual wants to stop.	Tolerance builds (needing more to get the same effect), Withdrawal symptoms appear when not engaging, Control over the behaviour weakens.
Cravings Loss of control Neglect of responsibilities Continued use despite harm Withdrawal symptoms (anxiety, depression, tremors, etc.)	Genetics: Family history of addiction increases risk. Environment: Trauma, stress, abuse, and peer influence can contribute. Mental health: Depression, anxiety, or PTSD often co-occur with addiction. Early use: The younger someone starts, the higher the risk.
Behavioral therapies (CBT, motivational interviewing) Medications (like methadone, buprenorphine, or naltrexone for opioids) Support groups (AA, NA, SMART Recovery) Rehabilitation programs (inpatient or outpatient)	Please contact me for support

Addiction typically develops through repeated use or behaviour that activates the brain’s reward system. Over time

Neuroscience behind addiction

Signs and Symptoms

Causes and Risks

Treatment Options

Alcohol Use Disorder

Dopamine plays a central role in the "pleasure/reward" system. Chronic addiction alters brain circuits, especially in areas involved in judgment, decision-making, learning, memory, and behaviour control. These changes make quitting extremely difficult, even when the individual wants to stop.

Tolerance builds (needing more to get the same effect), Withdrawal symptoms appear when not engaging, Control over the behaviour weakens.

Cravings Loss of control Neglect of responsibilities Continued use despite harm Withdrawal symptoms (anxiety, depression, tremors, etc.)

Genetics: Family history of addiction increases risk. Environment: Trauma, stress, abuse, and peer influence can contribute. Mental health: Depression, anxiety, or PTSD often co-occur with addiction. Early use: The younger someone starts, the higher the risk.

Behavioral therapies (CBT, motivational interviewing) Medications (like methadone, buprenorphine, or naltrexone for opioids) Support groups (AA, NA, SMART Recovery) Rehabilitation programs (inpatient or outpatient)

Please contact me for support