Massachusetts Center for Addiction
Alcoholism (Alcohol Use Disorder)
Alcohol Use Disorder, or AUD, is a chronic relapsing brain disorder characterized by an impaired ability to stop or control alcohol use despite adverse social, occupational, or health consequences. It is a medical condition that ranges from mild to severe based on the number of symptoms a person experiences.
According to the 2023 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 28.9 million adults in the United States had AUD. Most never receive treatment, which is the statistic this page exists to change. Massachusetts Center for Addiction treats alcohol use disorder at every stage from our center in Quincy: call 844-486-0671.
Understanding the Complexity of Alcoholism
AUD is far more complex than dependence on alcohol. It involves biological, genetic, and environmental factors, and its impact extends beyond the individual to families, relationships, workplaces, and communities.
Alcohol acts as a depressant and enhances the effects of certain neurotransmitters, producing relaxation and euphoria. Over time, the brain adjusts to the constant presence of alcohol. Tolerance rises, so it takes more alcohol to get the same effect, and with prolonged heavy drinking the body becomes physically dependent, reacting with withdrawal symptoms when drinking stops. This progression follows a recognizable arc, which we map stage by stage on our page covering the stages of alcoholism.
Signs and Symptoms of Alcoholism
Alcohol Use Disorder shows up in a person’s physical health, behavior, and mental state. Here is a closer look at these signs:
Physical Signs of Alcoholism
- Overall health starts to decline.
- Experiencing blackouts, where you can’t remember events.
- Slurred speech, making it hard to understand what you’re saying.
- Not taking care of personal hygiene as well as before.
- Noticeable changes in weight, either losing or gaining a lot.
Behavioral Signs of Alcoholism
- Ignoring responsibilities, like at home or work.
- Pulling away from friends and family.
- Showing violence or aggression.
- Running into legal problems related to drinking.
- Spending a lot of time getting alcohol, drinking, or getting over the effects of alcohol.
Psychological Signs of Alcoholism
- Constantly thinking about alcohol.
- Finding it hard to stop drinking once you start.
- Feeling a strong need or urge to drink.
For the complete pattern, see our page on the warning signs of alcoholism. And because many people hold jobs and families together while meeting the criteria above, we also cover high-functioning alcoholism in depth.
Causes and Risk Factors of Alcohol Use Disorder
Many factors, including genetics and your environment, influence the development of AUD. Research suggests about half the risk comes from genetics, meaning people with family members who have struggled with alcohol are more likely to develop AUD themselves. Environmental factors, like being around alcohol from a young age, experiencing a lot of stress, or feeling pressure from friends, also play a big role.
Co-occurring Mental Health Disorders
Co-occurring mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder are also associated with a higher risk of AUD. Many people drink to manage the symptoms of these conditions, which is why our treatment addresses both together through dual diagnosis care.
For more information, visit our page on the risk factors for alcoholism.
Effects of Alcoholism on the Body
Long-term heavy drinking harms nearly every organ system. The liver takes the most direct damage, from alcoholic hepatitis through fibrosis to cirrhosis. Cardiovascular effects include high blood pressure, weakened heart muscle, and elevated stroke risk. Alcohol damages the brain, producing memory and mood problems that range from mild forgetfulness to severe cognitive decline, and it interferes with nutrient absorption, which can lead to thiamine deficiency and Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome. The digestive system suffers too: ulcers, acid reflux, and increased cancer risk in the stomach and colon.
Our post on the physical effects of alcoholism covers each of these in detail, and the encouraging part: some damage, particularly early liver changes, can improve substantially once drinking stops.
Getting Help for Alcoholism
Recognizing the Need for Help
Recognizing the need for help is the first step. Many people with AUD hesitate to seek treatment because they do not see the problem clearly from inside it. An intervention from loved ones can help someone recognize and accept that they need professional support.
When an intervention fails, and a loved one continues drinking despite serious medical, legal, or safety consequences, Massachusetts families have an additional option that most states don’t offer: involuntary commitment under Section 35. This state law allows a spouse, blood relative, guardian, police officer, or physician to petition the court to order up to 90 days of addiction treatment for someone unwilling or unable to seek help voluntarily.
Detox: The Medical First Step
For anyone drinking heavily every day, treatment starts with the medical question: can you stop safely? Alcohol withdrawal can be dangerous, and quitting abruptly without supervision is not recommended for people with significant dependence. Our team coordinates medically supervised alcohol detox across Massachusetts, verifies your insurance, and arranges the admission, often the same day. Our page on alcohol withdrawal explains what those first days look like and who needs medical supervision.
Treatment at Massachusetts Center for Addiction
After detox, or directly for those who do not need it, our alcohol addiction treatment program in Quincy offers a full continuum of outpatient care. Partial hospitalization (PHP) provides structured, full clinical days. Our intensive outpatient program (IOP) runs day and evening tracks that fit around work and family. Standard outpatient care supports the transition back to daily life, and medication-assisted treatment adds anti-craving medications where they help. For people who need more structure at home, our sober living homes pair housing with accountability. When residential care is the right fit, our admissions team helps arrange it and coordinates the return to our programs afterward.
Support Groups and 12-Step Programs
Mutual support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) can be invaluable in recovery. These groups provide a place to share experiences, get support from people who understand the struggle firsthand, and work through the 12 steps together.
Living Beyond Alcohol Use Disorder
At the Massachusetts Center for Addiction, we’re dedicated to helping you overcome alcoholism and providing support every step of the way. Our expert team is ready to assist you with treatment tailored to your needs.
Recovery can start today. You’re not alone, and it’s never too late to seek help. Call us now at 844-486-0671 and take the first step toward a healthier, sober life. We’re here for you.
Clinically reviewed by Corey Gamberg, LADC II, Executive Director. This page is for educational purposes and is not a substitute for medical advice. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911. For mental health crisis support, call or text 988.
