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Alcohol Use Disorder

Help is Here For You

Wondering how to break free from drinking when alcohol is seemingly always around?

You’re not alone in asking this question. We provide you with caring, effective treatment options for alcohol use disorders that can help you reclaim your life.

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Freedom from Alcohol Addiction

There’s no need to do it alone. We can help guide you.

It’s true: alcohol is everywhere in our culture.

You see it in TV commercials, on social media, and at social events. Whether it’s an office party, a backyard barbecue, or a dinner with friends, alcohol is often part of the scene.

But there’s a serious issue hidden in all this drinking: problem drinking.

For years, we used terms like “alcoholic” and “alcoholism” to describe people with drinking problems. However, those words don’t have real medical or clinical meanings. If you see a therapist, psychiatrist, or counselor today, they won’t diagnose you as an alcoholic or say you have alcoholism. They also won’t use terms like alcohol abuse or alcohol dependence. Instead, they use a more accurate term: Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD).

Understanding AUD helps us provide better treatment and support. At Pinnacle Treatment Centers, we’re here to guide you or your loved one on the path to freedom from alcohol.

Freedom from Alcohol Addiction

There’s no need to do it alone. We can help guide you.

It’s true: alcohol is everywhere in our culture.

You see it in TV commercials, on social media, and at social events. Whether it’s an office party, a backyard barbecue, or a dinner with friends, alcohol is often part of the scene.

But there’s a serious issue hidden in all this drinking: problem drinking.

For years, we used terms like “alcoholic” and “alcoholism” to describe people with drinking problems. However, those words don’t have real medical or clinical meanings. If you see a therapist, psychiatrist, or counselor today, they won’t diagnose you as an alcoholic or say you have alcoholism. They also won’t use terms like alcohol abuse or alcohol dependence. Instead, they use a more accurate term: Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD).

Understanding AUD helps us provide better treatment and support. At Pinnacle Treatment Centers, we’re here to guide you or your loved one on the path to freedom from alcohol.

Call Us Today

What is Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD)?

Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) is a term you might hear when discussing problem drinking. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAA), AUD is:

“…a chronic relapsing brain disease characterized by an impaired ability to stop or control alcohol use despite adverse social, occupational, or health consequences. AUD can range from mild to severe, and recovery is possible regardless of severity.”

What is Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD)?

Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) is a term you might hear when discussing problem drinking. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAA), AUD is:

“…a chronic relapsing brain disease characterized by an impaired ability to stop or control alcohol use despite adverse social, occupational, or health consequences. AUD can range from mild to severe, and recovery is possible regardless of severity.”

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Facts & Figures

The NIAA provides some eye-opening statistics about alcohol and AUD.

These numbers show that millions of people with unhealthy drinking habits don’t get the help they need. Without treatment, chronic, heavy alcohol use can lead to severe health problems, including:

  • Liver damage
  • Heart damage
  • Stroke
  • High blood pressure
  • Kidney damage
  • Pancreas damage
  • Various forms of cancer

29.5m

people in the
U.S. have an AUD

6.7%

of adults receive professional treatment

1m

adolescents
(ages 12-17) have
an AUD

28.6m

adults 18+
have an AUD

5.2%

of adolescents
receive professional
treatment

At Pinnacle, we understand that recovery is about treating the whole person – mind, body, and spirit.

How We Can Help

Our individualized treatment programs are designed to help you rediscover life without alcohol.

If you recognize that you have a problem with alcohol, don’t wait for it to get worse. Reach out to us today, and let’s take the first step toward a healthier, happier you.

Call Us Today

How We Can Help

Our individualized treatment programs are designed to help you rediscover life without alcohol.

If you recognize that you have a problem with alcohol, don’t wait for it to get worse. Reach out to us today, and let’s take the first step toward a healthier, happier you.
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You Can Heal, Grow, and Change With Us

If you think you might have a drinking problem, it's important to understand that help is available and recovery is possible. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Health Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-V), provides clear criteria for diagnosing Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD). AUD is categorized into three levels: mild, moderate, and severe. To find out where you stand, you can start by answering the following questions from a self-screen endorsed by the NIAA:

The NIAA Symptom Checklist

  1. Experience unintended excessive drinking?
  2. Unable to cut down on drinking?
  3. Spent a lot of time drinking or dealing with the side effects?
  4. Had intense alcohol cravings?
  5. Had problems with family, work/school, or home life because of drinking?
  6. Kept drinking even though you answered yes to any part of question (5)?
  7. Sacrificed activities you enjoy for drinking?
  8. Engaged in risky behavior under the influence?
  9. Had memory blackouts or emotional impact from drinking?
  10. Built a tolerance, needing more alcohol?
  11. Experience withdrawal symptoms when you stop drinking?

What Your Answers Mean

The more questions you answer “yes” to, the more likely you are to have an AUD. A professional assessment can provide you with a more accurate diagnosis and help you understand the severity of your condition.
Here’s how the test is typically scored:

  • Zero “yes” answers mean you do not meet criteria for AUD
  • 2-3 “yes” answers mean you meet criteria for Mild AUD
  • 4-5 “yes” answers mean you meet criteria for Moderate AUD
  • 6 or more “yes” answers mean you meet criteria for Severe AUD

Only a licensed medical practitioner can give you a legitimate medical diagnosis. The questionnaire above is for your information only. It doesn’t replace an assessment administered by a mental health professional.

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How We Treat Alcohol Use Disorders

At Pinnacle, we understand that addressing alcohol use disorders requires a comprehensive approach. Our mission is to heal the whole person – mind, body, and spirit. 

Here’s how we do it:
We begin with a thorough medical, substance use, and psychiatric assessment to determine the best level of care for you. We work with you to create a personalized plan tailored to your unique needs. Based on your evaluation, personal needs, family input, and clinician recommendations, you can choose from various levels of care:

Detox

Our medically monitored detox program ensures a safe and comfortable withdrawal process, providing the necessary support to manage symptoms and stabilize your health.

Outpatient

Our outpatient program offers flexibility for those who need treatment but also want to maintain their daily responsibilities, providing regular therapy sessions and support.

Intensive Outpatient

This program offers a more structured approach than standard outpatient care, with several therapy sessions per week, allowing you to receive intensive treatment while living at home.

Partial Hospitalization

Our partial hospitalization program provides comprehensive treatment during the day, including medical supervision, therapy, and educational sessions, while allowing you to return home in the evenings.

Residential Inpatient

In our residential inpatient program, you stay at our facility and receive 24/7 care and support, participating in a full schedule of therapy, counseling, and activities designed to promote recovery.
Where you start and how long you stay depends on your individual circumstances. Our experienced and compassionate intake staff will recommend a program during the admission process, but the final decision is yours. If the plan doesn’t fit your needs, we’ll adjust it until it does. At every level of care, we provide you with practical tools and strategies to help you embark on a journey to sustainable, lifelong recovery.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

We’re here to support you every step of the way. Our compassionate team understands the challenges of alcohol use disorder and offers comprehensive treatment plans tailored to your needs. Whether you’re at a mild, moderate, or severe level, we provide the care and tools necessary for you to heal, grow, and change.

Call Us Today

Ready to Take the Next Step?

We're here to support you every step of the way. Our compassionate team understands the challenges of alcohol use disorder and offers comprehensive treatment plans tailored to your needs. Whether you're at a mild, moderate, or severe level, we provide the care and tools necessary for you to heal, grow, and change.
Call Us Today