Alcohol Addiction and Resources

What starts as casual drinking can turn into a serious problem. Alcohol addiction can include dependence, health issues, and trouble controlling how much or how often you drink.

In Indiana, roughly 1 in 10 people aged 12 and older were estimated to have Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) in 2021 ⓘ

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)

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.

A bottle of Nyquil next to a glass of alcohol.

Is it Safe to Mix NyQuil and Alcohol?

Dr. Michael Kane, MD, CAP December 10, 2025

Mixing alcohol and NyQuil may lead to worsened side effects. Get professional treatment from the Indiana Center for Recovery for alcohol addiction.

man mixing Prozac with alcohol

What Happens When You Mix Alcohol and Prozac?

Dr. Michael Kane, MD, CAP November 21, 2025

Prozac on its own is linked to a long list of possible side effects. Adding alcohol increases the chances of experiencing the serious side effects like respiratory distress and suicidal thoughts.

Zoloft and Alcohol

What Happens When You Mix Zoloft and Alcohol?

Dr. Michael Kane, MD, CAP November 21, 2025

Not only does the risk for typical Zoloft side effects increase when you mix with alcohol (like extreme sedation and headaches), but the interaction can also affect your mental health including suicidal thoughts.

Pills on table next to alcohol.

Risks of Mixing Alcohol and Xanax

Dr. Michael Kane, MD, CAP November 17, 2025

Mixing Xanax with alcohol can cause severe issues with your health. Contact Indiana Center for Recovery to overcome your addiction problem.

Overcome Addiction at Indiana Center for Recovery!

Indiana Center for Recovery provides integrated care tailored to your recovery needs. Our comprehensive services include detox, residential programs, outpatient support, and family programs.

We also have dual diagnosis treatment for individuals with co-occurring mental health disorders.

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