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What We Treat

Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) Treatment

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is the most common substance use disorder in the U.S. However, no matter the severity, Recovery is possible. If you or a loved one is struggling with substance use disorder or have concerns about alcohol use, Gateway Foundation is here to help.

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Table of Content

Table of Content

Understanding Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD)

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is the most common substance use disorder in the U.S., affecting millions of individuals and families.

Alcohol is deeply embedded in many cultures, playing a role in socialization, celebrations, and traditions. However, excessive or risky alcohol consumption poses serious public health challenges, increasing the risk for AUD, liver disease, heart disease, depression, stroke, and various types of cancer.

AUD is a medical condition defined by “an impaired ability to stop or control alcohol use despite adverse social, occupational, or health consequences.”

Often misunderstood, AUD is sometimes labeled as alcohol abuse, alcohol dependence, alcohol addiction, or alcoholism—terms that oversimplify its nature by suggesting it’s merely a behavioral issue. In reality, AUD is a complex brain disorder deserving the same level of care and attention as other medical conditions like cancer or heart disease.

The severity of AUD symptoms varies based on factors like consumption amount, frequency, and duration, and can range from mild to severe. Thankfully, regardless of the level of severity, there is hope. Evidence-based treatments—including behavioral therapies, mutual-support groups, and medications—can empower individuals with AUD to recover and sustain their recovery.

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Signs and Symptoms of AUD

Recognizing the signs of AUD can help individuals and their loved ones seek help before the disorder worsens. Common symptoms include, but are not limited to:

  • Inability to control alcohol use (drinking more or for longer than intended).
  • Cravings or strong urges to drink.
  • Neglecting responsibilities at work, school, or home due to drinking.
  • Continuing to drink despite negative consequences (health issues, relationship strain, legal trouble).
  • Withdrawal symptoms (tremors, sweating, anxiety) when not drinking.

Some individuals who struggle with alcohol use disorder also battle mental health conditions, like depression, anxiety and other issues before or in combination with their addiction. 

If you or someone you care about is experiencing these signs, seeking professional treatment is crucial.

Key Statistics on Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD)

According to the 2023 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH):

  • 9 million people aged 12 and older had AUD in the past year.
  • AUD affected 16.8 million males and 12.0 million females.
  • 5 million U.S. children (10.5%) live with a parent who has AUD (SAMHSA, 2017).

Alcohol-related deaths are also a significant public health issue:

  • Excessive alcohol use contributes to over 178,000 deaths per year in the U.S.
  • The S. Surgeon General has issued warnings on alcohol’s direct link to cancer, responsible for approximately 75,000 new cancer cases and 19,000 cancer-related deaths annually.
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Take the First Step Toward Recovery

If you or a loved one is struggling with substance use disorder or have concerns about alcohol use, Gateway Foundation is here to help. We offer evidence-based, personalized treatment to support lasting Recovery. Start your journey today.

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 Our Treatments

How We Treat Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD)

At Gateway Foundation, we specialize in comprehensive, personalized treatment for AUD at all our treatment centers. 

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Our treatment approach

Evidence-Based Therapies

We incorporate proven behavioral therapies, including:

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) – Helps individuals identify and change unhealthy drinking patterns.
  • Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) – Supports emotional regulation and stress management.
  • Motivational Interviewing – Encourages self-driven change and commitment to Recovery.

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Residential Withdrawal Management (Medically Supervised Detox)

Gateway Foundation’s Residential Withdrawal Management (RWM) provides a medically supervised environment with 24/7 nursing care, medications to ease withdrawal symptoms, and counseling from licensed therapists for individuals to safely withdraw. Patients can transition to residential or outpatient treatment for continued care after RWM.

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Medication-Assisted Recovery (MAR)

MAR combines FDA-approved medications with therapy to help individuals maintain recovery by:

  • Reducing cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
  • Blocking the euphoric effects of alcohol.
  • Stabilizing brain chemistry to support long-term sobriety.

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A Personalized Approach to Recovery

We believe that every individual’s journey to Recovery is unique. Our team creates tailored treatment plans that address the physical, emotional, and social aspects of AUD.

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Strong Support Systems

Recovery doesn’t end after treatment. We offer:

  • Alumni support groups for long-term encouragement.
  • Family therapy to rebuild relationships and create a supportive home environment.
  • Continuing care planning to help individuals stay on track after treatment.

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Who’s at Risk of Developing AUD?

A person’s risk for alcohol use disorder depends on the amount of alcohol they consume, how often they drink and how quickly they drink. Additionally, genetics, lifestyles, and influences can increase a person’s risk of developing alcohol use disorder.  According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism,  factors that increase the risk of AUD, are:

  • Drinking at an early age.
  • Genetics and family history of alcohol problems.
  • Mental health conditions and a history of trauma.
  • Environment and social influences.

Alcohol Misuse Can Increase the Risk of AUD

Alcohol misuse—defined as drinking in a manner, situation, amount, or frequency that could cause harm to the person who drinks or to those around them—over time increases the risk of AUD. Alcohol misuse includes binge drinking and heavy alcohol use.

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When to Seek Treatment for Alcohol Misuse or Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD)

If alcohol is affecting your health, relationships, or daily responsibilities, it may be time to seek help. Warning signs include drinking more than intended, struggling to cut back, experiencing withdrawal symptoms, or continuing to drink despite negative consequences.

If you’re worried about a loved one, look for changes in their behavior, mood, or responsibilities. Early intervention can make all the difference. If you or someone you care about needs support, Gateway Foundation is here to help. Call us today.

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