Alcohol Use Disorder Treatment: Options and Support

Quick summary

Alcohol use disorder affected an estimated 28.9 million people aged 12 or older in 2023, according to SAMHSA, and it is treatable. The FDA has approved four medications, and counseling helps many people cut back or stop drinking. Withdrawal after heavy drinking can be dangerous, so talk with a clinician before you stop.

Alcohol use disorder is a medical condition, not a moral failing, and it is treatable. A combination of counseling and FDA-approved medication helps many people cut back or stop drinking. If you have been drinking heavily, talk with a clinician before you stop, because withdrawal can be dangerous.

How common is alcohol use disorder?

SAMHSA's 2023 National Survey on Drug Use and Health estimated that 48.5 million people in the United States had a substance use disorder in the past year, including 28.9 million with an alcohol use disorder. The same survey found that 134.7 million people drank alcohol in the past month, and 61.4 million of them reported binge drinking.

Despite how common it is, treatment is underused. Among people who needed substance use treatment, only about 1 in 4 received it in the past year.

What does alcohol use disorder look like?

Alcohol use disorder is diagnosed when a person meets two or more criteria in the DSM-5, such as drinking more than intended, craving alcohol, continuing to drink despite problems, or experiencing withdrawal. It ranges from mild to severe. Because alcohol affects sleep, mood, and physical health, the condition often overlaps with anxiety, depression, and other medical issues.

Medications approved for alcohol use disorder

The FDA has approved four medications for treating alcohol use disorder, and SAMHSA notes that they are effective, have no abuse potential, and can be prescribed by any qualified healthcare professional:

Acamprosate supports people who have already stopped drinking and want to maintain abstinence.
Disulfiram is used in selected patients who want to remain abstinent; it produces an unpleasant reaction if alcohol is consumed and carries a boxed warning.
Oral naltrexone blocks opioid receptors that play a role in the rewarding effects of drinking, reducing cravings.
Extended-release injectable naltrexone is given about once a month and may help people who struggle with daily pills.

Medication is most effective alongside counseling and monitoring. A clinician can help match the choice to your health history, including liver and kidney function.

Will withdrawal be difficult?

It can be. SAMHSA advises that alcohol consumption should not stop abruptly in people who have consumed alcohol regularly over a prolonged period. Withdrawal can range from anxiety and tremors to seizures and delirium tremens, which are medical emergencies. Medically supervised withdrawal keeps people safe and comfortable.

Do not attempt to manage severe withdrawal alone. Call 911 if someone has a seizure, becomes confused, or shows signs of a medical emergency. For a mental health crisis, call or text 988.

Levels of care and how to find help

Treatment is matched to the person. Options include:

Medically supervised withdrawal (detox)
Outpatient counseling, such as cognitive behavioral therapy
Intensive outpatient programs
Residential treatment
Ongoing recovery support, including mutual-help groups

Use SAMHSA's FindTreatment.gov locator to search by ZIP code or service type, or call the SAMHSA National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357), which is free, confidential, and open 24/7. In West Virginia, see our city guides for alcohol rehab and medical detox in Charleston, alcohol rehab and detox in Morgantown, and alcohol rehab and detox in Parkersburg.

To talk through options with someone who can help, call or text (800) 653-9376 or use the form below.

Reaching out is a reasonable first step, and you do not have to have a plan before you call.

Last updated: Thu Oct 01 2026 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Frequently asked questions

What medications are approved to treat alcohol use disorder?

The FDA has approved four medications: acamprosate, disulfiram, oral naltrexone, and extended-release injectable naltrexone. Each works differently, and a clinician can help match you with the right one.

Is it dangerous to quit drinking suddenly?

Yes, it can be. If you have been drinking heavily for a long time, stopping abruptly can trigger seizures or delirium tremens, which are medical emergencies. Withdrawal should be managed with medical supervision.

Can alcohol use disorder be treated without medication?

Behavioral therapies such as cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational enhancement therapy, and mutual-help groups can help on their own. Many people do best with a combination of counseling and medication.

How common is alcohol use disorder?

SAMHSA's 2023 National Survey on Drug Use and Health estimated that 28.9 million people aged 12 or older had an alcohol use disorder in the past year.

What should I do in an emergency?

Call 911 for any medical emergency, including severe withdrawal. For a mental health or substance use crisis, call or text 988.

Alcohol Use Disorder Treatment: Options and Support

How common is alcohol use disorder?

What does alcohol use disorder look like?

Medications approved for alcohol use disorder

Will withdrawal be difficult?

Levels of care and how to find help

Frequently asked questions

Related topics & treatment resources

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