Understanding Alcohol Use Disorder, Do I Have a Problem?

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a medical condition. It is not a matter of lack of willpower or moral failing. It develops when drinking begins to affect the brain's reward, stress, and self-control circuits, making it difficult to cut back even when alcohol is causing problems in your life, relationships, or health. AUD exists on a spectrum from mild to severe and many people who meet criteria for it don't fit the typical stereotype of "rock bottom" drinking.

You may be dealing with problem drinking if you notice:

- Drinking more, or for longer, than you intended

- Wanting to cut down but being unable to

- Spending a lot of time drinking or recovering from its effects

- Cravings or a strong urge to drink

- Letting drinking interfere with work, home, or relationships

- Continuing to drink despite it causing problems with people you care about

- Needing more alcohol to get the same effect (tolerance)

- Feeling shaky, anxious, sweaty, or unwell when you stop (withdrawal)

If you any of those ring true with you, it suggests that a closer look is needed.

Why It Matters

Beyond the emotional and relationship consequences, ongoing heavy alcohol use drives inflammation and oxidative stress throughout the body, disrupts sleep architecture, depletes key nutrients (thiamine, magnesium, B vitamins), and can worsen or mimic anxiety and depression. Left unaddressed, these changes tend to compound over time, which is part of why earlier evaluation and treatment generally leads to better outcomes than waiting.

 A Whole-Person Approach to Care

At Spruce Creek Integrative, evaluation and treatment for alcohol use go beyond simply prescribing a medication. Care may include:

- A thorough psychiatric and medical evaluation to understand your drinking in context

- Medication options (when appropriate) to reduce cravings or support abstinence

- Nutritional repletion to address deficiencies common in heavy drinking

- Attention to sleep, stress physiology, and co-occurring anxiety or mood symptoms

- Coordination with therapy or support groups as part of a broader plan

 Self-Screening: Is It Time to Talk to Someone?

The questions below are adapted from widely used, validated screening tools. They're a starting point for reflection not a diagnosis and are meant to help you decide whether a professional evaluation would be worthwhile.

AUDIT-C (frequency and quantity)

1. How often do you have a drink containing alcohol?

(Never / Monthly or less / 2–4 times a month / 2–3 times a week / 4+ times a week)

2. How many standard drinks do you have on a typical day when you are drinking?

(1–2 / 3–4 / 5–6 / 7–9 / 10 or more)

3. How often do you have six or more drinks on one occasion?

(Never / Less than monthly / Monthly / Weekly / Daily or almost daily)

CAGE (impact and awareness)

1. Have you ever felt you should Cut down on your drinking?

2. Have people Annoyed you by criticizing your drinking?

3. Have you ever felt Guilty about your drinking?

4. Have you ever had a drink first thing in the morning to steady your nerves or get rid of a hangover (Eye-opener)?

 To interpret your answers:  

Answering "yes" to two or more CAGE questions

or scoring higher than a 4+ for men or 3+ for women on the AUDIT-C suggests that a conversation with a clinician is worth having.

Next Steps

If any of this resonates, you don't need to have it all figured out before reaching out. A confidential evaluation can help clarify what's going on and what options make sense for you.

This material is for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional evaluation. If you are experiencing alcohol withdrawal symptoms (shaking, sweating, confusion, seizures), seek medical attention promptly, withdrawal can be medically dangerous.