Alcohol Use Disorder Treatment

Compassionate, guideline-driven recovery from alcohol dependence. Your psychiatrist provides medically supervised detoxification and long-term relapse prevention grounded in NICE CG115 and APA best practices.

283MPeople affected by AUD globallyWHO, 2022

3MDeaths per year attributed to alcoholWHO Global Status Report

92%Detection rate using WHO AUDIT screeningSaunders et al., WHO

60%Relapse reduction with pharmacotherapyNICE CG115

Understanding Alcohol Use Disorder

Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) is a medical condition characterized by an impaired ability to stop or control alcohol use despite adverse social, occupational, or health consequences. It ranges from mild to severe and is diagnosed using DSM-5 criteria when two or more of eleven specified symptoms are present within a twelve-month period.

NICE Clinical Guideline CG115 recommends structured assessment using validated tools such as the WHO AUDIT questionnaire, followed by brief interventions for hazardous drinking and specialist referral for moderate-to-severe dependence. NICE CG115 — Alcohol-use disorders: diagnosis and management

AUD is a treatable condition. With the right combination of medical, psychological, and social support, sustained recovery is achievable. Early identification and intervention significantly improve outcomes.

Signs and Symptoms

Drinking more or longer than intended

Persistent desire or unsuccessful efforts to cut down

Spending excessive time obtaining, using, or recovering from alcohol

Strong cravings or urges to drink

Failure to fulfill major obligations at work, school, or home

Continued use despite social or interpersonal problems

Tolerance: needing more alcohol to achieve the same effect

Withdrawal symptoms: tremors, sweating, anxiety, or seizures

Our Treatment Approach

The APA and NICE CG115 recommend a stepped-care model: brief intervention for hazardous use, structured psychological therapy for harmful use, and medically assisted withdrawal plus pharmacotherapy for dependence. APA Practice Guidelines & NICE CG115

Assessment & Screening

Comprehensive evaluation using the WHO AUDIT tool, physical health review, liver function tests, and psychiatric comorbidity screening to determine severity and plan care.

Supervised Detoxification

Medically managed withdrawal using short-term medication-based regimens (per NICE CG115) with careful monitoring for complications such as seizures or delirium tremens.

Pharmacotherapy

Anti-craving medication to reduce cravings and opioid-antagonist medication to block the reinforcing effects of alcohol, prescribed as first-line relapse-prevention medications per NICE and APA guidelines.

Psychological Therapies

Motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), and relapse prevention counselling to address underlying patterns, build coping skills, and sustain recovery.

Peer Support & Aftercare

Integration with peer support groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), family therapy, and ongoing monitoring to maintain long-term sobriety and prevent relapse.

Frequently Asked Questions

AUD is diagnosed using DSM-5 criteria when a person meets at least two of eleven symptoms within a twelve-month period. The WHO AUDIT questionnaire is commonly used as a validated screening tool to identify hazardous and harmful drinking patterns.

Not always. Mild dependence may be managed with outpatient support. However, moderate-to-severe dependence requires medically supervised detoxification because abrupt cessation can cause life-threatening withdrawal complications, including seizures and delirium tremens.

NICE CG115 recommends anti-craving medication as first-line pharmacotherapy to reduce cravings, and opioid-antagonist medication to reduce the reinforcing effects of alcohol. A medication that makes drinking unpleasant may be considered for those who prefer an abstinence-based approach. All medications are used alongside psychological support.

Recovery is a long-term process. Acute detoxification typically lasts 7-10 days, but psychological treatment and relapse prevention continue for months or years. NICE recommends at least 12 months of structured aftercare for sustained recovery.

Many people continue working during outpatient treatment. The initial detox phase may require a brief period away from work, but ongoing therapy sessions and medication management can be scheduled around professional commitments.

Begin Your Recovery Journey

Alcohol use disorder is a medical condition, not a moral failing. Evidence-based treatment can help you regain control and rebuild your life.

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Sukoon Psychiatry Centre
Lane No 6, Road No. 12, NBT Nagar, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad — 500034

Mon–Sat: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM · Sunday: Closed

Phone: +91 701 990 4668

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