Alcohol Use Disorder
Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a medical condition defined by an inability to control drinking despite negative consequences. Advanced Health and Education in Eatontown, NJ provides comprehensive alcohol addiction treatment, from medical detox through outpatient care.
Key Facts
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Approximately 27.9 million Americans ages 12 and older had alcohol use disorder in 2024 — roughly 1 in 10 people in that age group. 1
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AUD is the fourth leading preventable cause of death in the United States, contributing to approximately 178,000 deaths per year. 3
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Fewer than 10% of people with AUD receive any form of treatment, making it one of the most undertreated medical conditions in the country. 2
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Only 2.5% of people with AUD received medication-assisted treatment in 2024, despite the availability of three FDA-approved medications. 1
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AUD frequently co-occurs with mental health disorders. Among adults with any mental illness in 2024, roughly 31.5% also met criteria for a substance use disorder. 4
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Alcohol withdrawal can be medically dangerous and, in severe cases, life-threatening — making professional detox critical for people with physical dependence. 5
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Genetic factors account for approximately 50% of a person's vulnerability to developing AUD, though environment and behavior also play significant roles. 6
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Research shows that people who complete a full continuum of treatment — from detox through outpatient care — have significantly better long-term outcomes than those who only receive short-term intervention. 7
Alcohol use disorder — sometimes referred to as alcoholism or alcohol addiction — is one of the most common and most undertreated medical conditions in the United States. According to the 2024 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), approximately 27.9 million Americans ages 12 and older met the diagnostic criteria for AUD in the past year, yet fewer than 10% received any form of treatment.1,2
AUD is not a matter of willpower or moral failure. It is a chronic brain disorder that changes the way the brain processes reward, stress, and self-control. Over time, repeated alcohol use alters neural pathways in ways that make it progressively harder to stop drinking without professional support. The good news is that AUD is treatable at every stage of severity, and recovery is achievable with the right combination of clinical care, evidence-based therapies, and sustained support.
At Advanced Health and Education in Eatontown, New Jersey, we treat alcohol use disorder through an integrated dual diagnosis model that addresses both the addiction itself and any co-occurring mental health conditions — such as depression, anxiety, or trauma-related disorders — that often drive or worsen problematic drinking. Our substance use disorder program offers a full continuum of care, from medically supervised detox through residential treatment, partial hospitalization (PHP), and intensive outpatient programming (IOP), so that each client receives the level of structure and support they need at every stage of recovery.
Signs and Symptoms of Alcohol Use Disorder
AUD is diagnosed using criteria from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5). A person who meets at least two of the following eleven criteria within a 12-month period may be diagnosed with AUD. The severity is classified as mild (2–3 criteria), moderate (4–5 criteria), or severe (6 or more criteria).
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Drinking more or longer than intended
Regularly consuming larger amounts of alcohol or drinking over a longer period than originally planned.
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Unsuccessful efforts to cut down
Persistent desire or repeated unsuccessful attempts to reduce or control alcohol use.
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Excessive time spent on alcohol-related activities
Spending a great deal of time obtaining alcohol, drinking, or recovering from its effects.
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Cravings
Experiencing a strong desire or urge to drink that can be difficult to think past.
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Failure to fulfill major obligations
Recurrent drinking that interferes with responsibilities at work, school, or home.
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Continued use despite social problems
Continuing to drink even when it causes or worsens relationship or interpersonal conflicts.
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Giving up important activities
Reducing or abandoning social, occupational, or recreational activities because of alcohol use.
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Use in hazardous situations
Drinking in situations where it is physically dangerous, such as before driving or operating machinery.
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Continued use despite physical or psychological harm
Persisting in alcohol use despite knowing it is causing or aggravating a physical or mental health problem.
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Tolerance
Needing markedly increased amounts of alcohol to achieve the desired effect, or experiencing a diminished effect with the same amount.
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Withdrawal
Experiencing withdrawal symptoms (such as tremors, sweating, nausea, anxiety, or seizures) when alcohol use is stopped or reduced, or drinking to relieve or avoid these symptoms.
Causes & Risk Factors
No single factor causes alcohol use disorder. Rather, AUD develops through a complex interaction of genetic, environmental, psychological, and social influences. Understanding these risk factors can help identify people who may benefit from early intervention.
Family history and genetics
Research indicates that genetics account for roughly 50% of a person's risk for AUD. Having a parent or close relative with AUD significantly increases vulnerability.
Early onset of drinking
People who begin drinking before age 15 are substantially more likely to develop AUD later in life compared to those who wait until age 21 or older.
Co-occurring mental health disorders
Conditions like depression, anxiety, PTSD, and bipolar disorder frequently co-occur with AUD. People may use alcohol to self-medicate emotional pain, which can accelerate the progression to addiction.
Trauma and adverse childhood experiences
Experiencing physical, emotional, or sexual abuse, neglect, or household dysfunction during childhood is strongly associated with higher rates of alcohol misuse in adulthood.
Social and environmental factors
Peer pressure, cultural norms around drinking, high stress levels, easy access to alcohol, and living in communities with high alcohol availability all contribute to AUD risk.
Patterns of heavy or binge drinking
Regularly consuming alcohol in large quantities — defined as 5+ drinks for men or 4+ drinks for women in a single occasion — significantly increases the likelihood of developing AUD over time.
Chronic stress and lack of coping skills
People who experience ongoing stress without healthy coping mechanisms are more likely to turn to alcohol as a way to manage difficult emotions.
Other substance use
Using other substances, particularly other central nervous system depressants like benzodiazepines, increases the risk of developing AUD and complicates treatment.
How Alcohol Use Disorder Is Diagnosed
AUD is a medical diagnosis made by a qualified healthcare professional. Unlike many conditions, there is no single blood test or imaging scan that confirms AUD — diagnosis is based on a thorough clinical evaluation using established criteria from the DSM-5
- Clinical interview - A physician, psychiatrist, or licensed clinician conducts a detailed interview about drinking patterns, history of use, previous treatment attempts, and the impact of alcohol on daily life.
- DSM-5 criteria assessment - The clinician evaluates whether the individual meets at least two of the eleven DSM-5 criteria for AUD within the past 12 months and determines severity (mild, moderate, or severe).
- Medical evaluation - Blood work and physical examination help identify alcohol-related health effects such as elevated liver enzymes, nutritional deficiencies, or signs of organ damage
- Screening tools - Validated instruments such as the AUDIT (Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test) or CAGE questionnaire may be used to assist with identification and severity assessment.
- Mental health assessment - Because AUD commonly co-occurs with depression, anxiety, PTSD, and other psychiatric conditions, a comprehensive mental health evaluation is typically conducted alongside the substance use assessment.
- Assessment of withdrawal risk - For individuals with a history of heavy or prolonged drinking, clinicians assess the risk and potential severity of withdrawal symptoms to determine whether medically supervised detox is needed.
How We Treat Alcohol Use Disorder
At Advanced Health and Education, we treat alcohol use disorder using an integrated, evidence-based approach that addresses both the addiction and any co-occurring mental health conditions. Our dual diagnosis program in Eatontown, NJ combines medically supervised detoxification, individual and group therapy, psychiatric care, and medication management within a structured treatment environment. We use therapies that have strong clinical evidence behind them, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing, dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and group therapy. Medication-assisted treatment using FDA-approved medications — such as naltrexone, acamprosate, or disulfiram — may be incorporated into a client’s plan when clinically appropriate. Family therapy is also a core component of our program, because AUD affects entire family systems and recovery is strongest when loved ones are involved in the process.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is one of the most extensively researched forms of psychotherapy, helping people identify and change the distorted thinking patterns and unhealthy behaviors that contribute to mental health conditions and substance use disorders. At Advanced Health and Education in Eatontown, NJ, CBT is a core component of both our mental health and dual diagnosis programs.
Learn moreDialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a comprehensive, evidence-based treatment that combines cognitive-behavioral techniques with mindfulness principles to help people who experience intense emotions develop skills in distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness. At Advanced Health and Education in Eatontown, NJ, DBT skills are integrated across our treatment programs.
Learn moreMotivational Interviewing
Motivational interviewing (MI) is a collaborative counseling style that helps you resolve ambivalence and strengthen your own motivation for change—without pressure or judgment. At Advanced Health and Education in Eatontown, NJ, motivational interviewing helps clients build readiness for change across all levels of care.
Learn moreMindfulness-Based Therapy
Mindfulness-based therapy teaches skills for noticing thoughts, emotions, and body sensations without getting pulled into them—supporting stress reduction, emotion regulation, and relapse prevention. At Advanced Health and Education in Eatontown, NJ, mindfulness-based practices are woven into our treatment programs to support lasting recovery.
Learn moreBehavioral Activation
Behavioral activation is a structured therapy that helps you break the cycle of depression by reducing avoidance and increasing meaningful, rewarding activities—even when motivation is low. At Advanced Health and Education in Eatontown, NJ, behavioral activation is used to help clients rebuild structure and motivation during treatment.
Learn moreFamily Therapy
Family therapy is an evidence-based approach that involves family members in the treatment process, recognizing that mental health conditions and substance use disorders affect — and are affected by — the entire family system. By improving communication, resolving conflicts, and strengthening relationships, family therapy supports lasting recovery for everyone involved. At Advanced Health and Education in Eatontown, NJ, family therapy is a key component of our treatment approach.
Learn moreRecommended Levels of Care
Alcohol use disorder ranges in severity, and the right level of care depends on factors like how long and how heavily someone has been drinking, whether there is a risk of medical complications during withdrawal, and whether co-occurring mental health conditions are present. At our Eatontown, NJ facility, we offer a full continuum of care so clients can step through increasingly flexible levels of treatment as they progress in their recovery. Clients from across New Jersey — including Red Bank, Long Branch, Freehold, and Toms River — access our programs for alcohol addiction treatment.
Dual Diagnosis Detox and Stabilization
Our medically supervised detox and inpatient stabilization program provides 24/7 clinical care for people withdrawing from alcohol, opioids, benzodiazepines, and other substances. Located in Eatontown, New Jersey, this is the first step in our dual diagnosis treatment program — designed to safely stabilize you physically and psychiatrically before you transition into active therapeutic programming.
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Dual Diagnosis Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)
A highly structured day treatment program for people recovering from drug or alcohol addiction alongside co-occurring mental health conditions. At our Eatontown, New Jersey facility, PHP combines intensive daily therapy, psychiatric medication management, and relapse prevention — while you live in supervised housing or commute from home.
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Dual Diagnosis Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)
A structured intensive outpatient program for people in recovery from drug or alcohol addiction and co-occurring mental health conditions. Located in Eatontown, New Jersey, our IOP provides consistent therapeutic support while you rebuild daily routines, work and family responsibilities, and long-term recovery skills.
Learn moreFrequently Asked Questions About AUD & Alcoholism
Below are answers to common questions about alcohol use disorder and what treatment looks like.
What is the difference between heavy drinking and alcohol use disorder?
Heavy drinking is defined as consuming five or more drinks for men, or four or more for women, on a single occasion. While heavy drinking is a significant risk factor for AUD, it does not automatically mean someone has a diagnosable disorder. AUD is a clinical diagnosis based on a pattern of drinking that causes significant distress or impairment, as defined by the DSM-5. A person can be a heavy drinker without having AUD, but the more frequently and heavily someone drinks, the greater the risk of developing it.
Is alcohol withdrawal dangerous?
Yes, alcohol withdrawal can be medically serious and, in some cases, life-threatening. Symptoms can range from mild (anxiety, tremors, insomnia) to severe (seizures, hallucinations, and a condition called delirium tremens). People who have been drinking heavily or for extended periods are at higher risk for severe withdrawal. This is why medically supervised detox is recommended — medical professionals can monitor vital signs, manage symptoms, and intervene immediately if complications arise.
How long does alcohol rehab take?
The length of treatment varies depending on the severity of the disorder and each person’s individual needs. Medically supervised detox typically lasts 5–7 days. Residential treatment programs generally range from 14 to 21 days. After residential care, many clients step down to a partial hospitalization program (PHP) or intensive outpatient program (IOP) before transitioning to community-based support. At Advanced Health and Education, treatment plans are individualized, and the clinical team works with each client to determine the appropriate duration at each level of care.
Can medication help with alcohol addiction?
Yes. Three medications are currently approved by the FDA for treating AUD: naltrexone (which reduces cravings and the rewarding effects of alcohol), acamprosate (which helps restore brain chemistry balance after prolonged drinking), and disulfiram (which causes unpleasant effects if alcohol is consumed, serving as a deterrent). Research consistently shows that medication-assisted treatment, when combined with therapy, produces better outcomes than either approach alone.9
Does Advanced Health and Education treat co-occurring mental health conditions alongside AUD?
Absolutely. Our dual diagnosis program is specifically designed to treat substance use disorders and mental health conditions at the same time. Many people with AUD also struggle with conditions like depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, or PTSD. Treating these conditions in isolation often leads to relapse, because the untreated condition continues to drive the addictive behavior. Our integrated approach ensures that every aspect of a client’s mental and behavioral health is addressed within a coordinated treatment plan.
What should I expect on the first day of treatment?
When you arrive at our facility in Eatontown, NJ, you will undergo a comprehensive intake assessment that includes a medical evaluation, psychiatric screening, and substance use history. The clinical team will use this information to develop a personalized treatment plan. If medically supervised detox is needed, you will begin that process under close medical supervision. From there, you will transition into the therapeutic programming appropriate for your needs.
Will my insurance cover alcohol rehab?
Most major insurance plans provide some level of coverage for substance use disorder treatment, including alcohol rehab. Our admissions team can verify your benefits and help you understand what your plan covers. Contact us at (844) 302-8605 or visit our admissions page to start the verification process.
References
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Key substance use and mental health indicators in the United States: results from the 2024 National Survey on Drug Use and Health. HHS Publication No. PEP25-07-007. Rockville, MD: SAMHSA; 2025. Source
- National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. Alcohol treatment in the United States. NIAAA website. Updated 2025. Source
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Deaths from excessive alcohol use in the United States. CDC website. Updated 2024. Source
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. SAMHSA releases annual National Survey on Drug Use and Health. Press release. July 28, 2025. Source
- Mirijello A, D'Angelo C, Ferrulli A, et al. Identification and management of alcohol withdrawal syndrome. Drugs. 2015;75(4):353-365. doi:10.1007/s40265-015-0358-1 Source
- National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. Genetics of alcohol use disorder. NIAAA website. Updated 2024. Source
- National Institute on Drug Abuse. Principles of drug addiction treatment: a research-based guide. 3rd ed. NIH Publication No. 18-4180. Bethesda, MD: NIDA; 2018. Source
- American Psychiatric Association. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. 5th ed., text rev. Washington, DC: American Psychiatric Association; 2022. Source
- Jonas DE, Amick HR, Feltner C, et al. Pharmacotherapy for adults with alcohol use disorders in outpatient settings: a systematic review and meta-analysis. JAMA. 2014;311(18):1889-1900. doi:10.1001/jama.2014.3628 Source
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Learn moreStart Your Recovery From Alcohol Addiction Today
Advanced Health and Education offers a full continuum of alcohol addiction treatment in Eatontown, New Jersey — from medical detox through outpatient care. Our clinical team is available 24/7 to answer your questions and walk you through the admissions process. Call (844) 302-8605.