Alcoholism Treatment At The Blanchard Institute
Alcohol use disorder affects millions of individuals and families each year, but recovery is possible with the right support. Alcoholism treatment can help individuals address problematic drinking, understand the root causes of addiction, and begin building a healthier path forward. Recognizing the signs of alcohol misuse is often the first step toward getting help.
If you or someone you love are struggling with alcohol use, seeking support early can make a meaningful difference. Treatment can help address not only alcohol use itself, but also the underlying challenges that may contribute to it.
At The Blanchard Institute, we provide compassionate, comprehensive care for alcohol use disorders in the greater Charlotte and Lake Norman area. We offer outpatient detox, ongoing treatment, and support for co-occurring mental health conditions including anxiety, depression, and trauma. Our holistic, evidence-based approach treats the whole person and their loved ones, not just addiction symptoms.
What Is Alcohol Use Disorder?
Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a medical condition that affects brain function, behavior, and a person’s ability to control their drinking, even when it causes harm. It can range from mild to severe and often impacts many areas of life. Signs and symptoms of alcohol use disorder may include:
- Drinking in ways that interferes with responsibilities at work, school, or home, such as declining performance, missed obligations, or neglecting family responsibilities
- Using alcohol in situations where it is physically dangerous, such as driving or operating machinery while impaired
- Continuing to drink despite alcohol-related legal issues, such as DUIs or other consequences related to intoxication
- Ongoing alcohol use despite repeated problems in relationships, including conflict with loved ones or strain caused by drinking behaviors
- Continuing to drink despite recognizing that alcohol is contributing to physical or mental health concerns, such as worsening anxiety, depression, or medical issues
- Finding it difficult to cut down or stop drinking, even when wanting to
- Experiencing cravings, increased tolerance, or withdrawal symptoms when not drinking
Alcohol use disorder can look different from person to person, and experiencing these signs may indicate it’s time to seek support. With the right treatment and care, recovery is possible.
What Causes Alcohol Use Disorder?
Alcohol use disorder is a complex condition that can develop gradually. People don’t often realize just how much alcohol is affecting their life. Left untreated, it can have serious impacts on physical health, mental wellbeing, relationships, and daily functioning. Understanding some of the potential causes and risk factors behind alcoholism can help people recognize when it may be time to seek support.
There is rarely a single cause of alcohol use disorder. Instead, it often develops through a combination of biological, psychological, and environmental factors. While alcohol may sometimes be used to cope with stress or emotional pain, ongoing problematic drinking is usually rooted in more than one influence. Common risk factors may include:
Genetics
Family history can play a role in a person’s risk for developing alcohol use disorder. Having a parent or close family member with alcohol misuse history may increase vulnerability. However, it does not mean someone is destined to develop alcoholism.
Genetics can influence risk, but they do not determine the outcome.
Environment
Stress
Chronic stress—whether related to work, relationships, finances, or other life pressures—can lead some people to use alcohol as a way to cope. While drinking may seem to provide temporary relief, it can often create additional challenges over time.
Trauma
Past trauma, including abuse, neglect, loss, or other difficult life experiences, can increase the risk of developing alcohol use disorder. Some individuals may turn to alcohol to numb emotional pain or manage unresolved trauma, particularly when underlying wounds have not been addressed.
Mental Health Conditions
Anxiety, depression, PTSD, and other mental health concerns can also contribute to problematic drinking, especially when alcohol is used as a form of self-medication.
It’s important to remember that risk factors do not guarantee someone will develop alcohol use disorder—they simply may increase the likelihood. Alcoholism is treatable, and with the right support, healing and recovery are possible.
Alcoholism Treatment Options
Now that we have discussed the causes of alcohol use disorder and how it can develop, let’s take a look at what you can do if you think that you or someone close to you may have an alcohol use disorder.
Behavioral Therapies
Behavioral therapies are designed to help you change your behavior, including your drinking habits. In general, behavioral therapy for alcoholism is based on the principle that alcoholics have a problem with the way they drink, rather than the amount of alcohol they consume. This means that treatment doesn’t focus on abstaining from alcohol completely but instead helps people drink more responsibly by reducing their consumption or getting them to stop altogether if necessary.
Some behavioral therapies also address underlying mental health issues like depression and anxiety, which can be contributing factors in alcohol abuse and addiction. These treatments can also help people who are trying to overcome other addictions at the same time as their alcoholism.
Some examples of behavioral therapies include behavioral contracting and motivational interviewing.
Behavioral Contracting
Behavioral contracting involves creating a structured agreement between the individual and therapist (or treatment supports) that outlines specific recovery goals, expected behaviors, and agreed-upon consequences or rewards to help increase accountability and follow-through.
Motivational Interviewing (MI)
Motivational interviewing helps individuals explore the underlying reasons behind their drinking and develop healthier ways to cope with stress and difficult emotions. A therapist may ask reflective questions such as, “What do you think contributes to your drinking?” or “How might you respond differently in situations where you typically drink?”
This helps individuals gain a better understanding of their patterns and learn practical strategies to make meaningful changes in behavior.
Support Groups
Support groups are another form of therapy that can help people with alcohol use disorder. In these groups, people share their experiences and learn from each other how to cope with life without alcohol. Support groups may also include family members and loved ones who have the same condition. These sessions can help patients feel less alone in their struggles and provide a sense of community.
Medications
Medications can play an important role in treating alcohol use disorder, especially when combined with therapy, peer support, and other recovery services. For some individuals, medication may help manage withdrawal symptoms, reduce cravings, support long-term recovery, and lower the risk of relapse. Common medications used in treatment include:
Disulfiram (Antabuse): This medication works by causing unpleasant physical effects—such as nausea, flushing, or discomfort—if alcohol is consumed while taking it. It can serve as a deterrent for people committed to maintaining abstinence.
Naltrexone: Naltrexone helps reduce alcohol cravings and may lessen the rewarding effects of drinking. This can make it easier to avoid alcohol in triggering situations, such as stress, boredom, or social settings where drinking is common.
Medication-assisted treatment is not one-size-fits-all, and the right approach depends on each person’s needs, history, and recovery goals. A qualified treatment provider can help determine whether medication may be an appropriate part of a comprehensive treatment plan.
Get Professional Help From The Blanchard Institute
At The Blanchard Institute, we provide personalized treatment for individuals living with alcohol use disorder, offering compassionate support, evidence-based care, and practical tools for lasting recovery. In a safe and welcoming environment, clients can work through underlying challenges, build healthier coping skills, and move toward a more stable, fulfilling life.
We’ve had the privilege of walking alongside many individuals as they begin their recovery journey, including through our outpatient detox program. If you or someone you love is struggling with alcohol or substance use, we encourage you to contact us today to learn how we can help, or call 704-288-1097 to schedule a same-day assessment.
Alcoholism Treatment FAQ’s
Treatment costs and insurance coverage vary. The Blanchard Institute is in-network with many major insurance providers such as Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, Cigna, Tricare, Magellan, Carelon, and more. Verify your insurance benefits or give us a call to confirm benefits at 704-288-1097.
Binge drinking is a pattern of alcohol use that raises blood alcohol concentration to 0.08% or higher. This level is typically reached quickly through heavy drinking in a short time period (usually within about 2 hours). For men, it usually means five or more drinks on one occasion. For women, it usually means four or more drinks on one occasion.
Excessive drinking both in the form of heavy drinking or binge drinking, is associated with numerous health problems, including
chronic diseases such as alcohol use disorders, liver cirrhosis, pancreatitis, various cancers, high blood pressure, and psychological disorders. Unintentional injuries, such as motor-vehicle traffic crashes, falls, drowning, burns, and firearm injuries can also occur due to heavy or binge drinking. Excessive drinking can also cause an increase in risk for violent behaviors, homicide, and/or suicide.
For women, drinking during pregnancy can harm a developing fetus and may contribute to serious risks, including fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs) and increased risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
Drinking is a problem if it causes trouble with relationships, school, social activities, or how you think and feel. If you or someone in your family might have a drinking problem, consult with a professional to identify treatment options.