Alcohol - Indiana Center for Recovery

What is Alcohol Use Disorder?

Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) is a medical condition where a person can’t stop or control their drinking, even when it’s causing serious problems in their life — like health issues, relationship struggles, or trouble at work or school.

AUD isn’t diagnosed by how much or often someone drinks, but instead looks at the inability to stop drinking despite negative consequences. Regular heavy drinking can lead to long-term addiction, serious health problems, and life-altering consequences.

Signs of Alcohol Use Disorder

Drinking more than originally planned
Failed attempts to cut back or quit
Spending a lot of time drinking or recovering from hangovers
Problems at work, school, or in relationships caused by drinking
Needing more alcohol to feel the same effects (tolerance)
Feeling anxious, shaky, or irritable when not drinking (withdrawal)
Continuing to drink despite clear negative consequences

Dependence on alcohol changes how your brain works, making it harder to stop even if you want to.

Alcohol Addiction Treatment Options

Effective alcohol treatment doesn’t just target drinking — it also addresses mental health, physical health, and the daily stressors that can lead to relapse. ⓘ

Levels of Care For Alcohol Issues

Medical Detox

Medical professionals closely monitor your vital signs to ensure your safety and provide medications that ease withdrawal symptoms like nausea, anxiety, and discomfort. This controlled environment makes detox safer and gentler than attempting it alone. It also reduces the risk of relapse.
Alcohol Detox Program

Inpatient Rehab

Inpatient alcohol rehab provides a supportive environment with 24-hour care from medical and therapeutic staff. You’ll participate in intensive, personalized therapies to uncover and heal what is hiding behind the surface-level alcohol use. This immersive setting helps you focus completely on healing without external distractions or triggers.
Alcohol Rehab Program

Outpatient Programs

Outpatient programs offer flexible treatment options that fit around your daily life and responsibilities. Outpatient options include individual and group therapy, recovery education, and peer coaching to give you support in real-time.
Outpatient Alcohol Treatment

Medications for Alcohol Use Disorder

There are many medication options that make alcohol recovery easier – whether FDA approved specifically for alcohol issues or used off-label with varying degrees of proven research.

All medications are most effective when used alongside therapy, support groups, or professional counseling.

FDA-Approved

There are three FDA-approved medications for AUD: Naltrexone (Vivitrol), Acamprosate, and less commonly Disulfiram. These medications can help reduce cravings or make drinking less rewarding.

Off-Label

Other medications are sometimes used off-label in alcohol use issues including Topiramate (Topamax) and Gabapentin or even Baclofen (Gablofen, Lioresal), Ondansetron (Zofran), Sertraline (Zoloft), Varenicline (Chantix), and more recently Semaglutide (Ozempic).

Dual Diagnosis

Medications like the antidepressant Bupropion (Wellbutrin) and anti-anxiety BuSpar (buspirone) don’t directly treat AUD, but can be equally crucial in stopping the mental health issues that lead back to alcohol.

Immediate Help for Alcohol

Indiana Center for Recovery

Call (844) 650-0064

24/7 support for alcohol crisis or casual questions.
Easy admissions, often same day.
Full range of services for alcohol addiction in one place (detox, rehab and outpatient programs).
Transportation provided so you don’t have to drive impaired or sick.

SAMHSA National Helpline

1-800-662-HELP (4357)

Free, confidential, 24/7 help for those without insurance.
Visit SAMHSA’s National Helpline for more information.

Read Alcohol Articles

Explore the over 50 in-depth articles about alcohol medically-reviewed by Dr. Kane — one of the most prominent addiction specialist doctors in the Midwest.

Woman hiding her face with her hands and a glass of alcohol. Text: People with AUD need to be medically treated for cravings to stop.

Dr. Michael Kane, MD, CAP October 6, 2026

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