Alcohol Use Disorder
Medically supervised detox and structured treatment for alcohol dependence.
Overview
What it is.
Medically reviewed by Peter Scheid, MD
Medical Director, SILC Health
Clinically reviewed by Alexandra Truman, LMFT
Clinical Director, Substance Use Services — SILC Health
Last reviewed: June 16, 2026
Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a medical condition characterized by an impaired ability to stop or control alcohol use despite negative consequences. It exists on a spectrum — from mild to severe — and affects an estimated 29.5 million Americans aged 12 and older, according to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. Most people who struggle don't recognize themselves in the word "alcoholic," which is part of why getting help can feel so hard.
Whether the pattern shows up as daily drinking, binge weekends, or quiet morning shakes, the underlying neurobiology is the same: alcohol changes how the brain regulates reward, stress, and self-control. The good news is that AUD is treatable. With the right level of care — starting with safe detox when needed — long-term recovery is achievable.
Signs
What it looks like.
Recognizing the pattern is often the hardest part. None of these alone confirms a diagnosis — but a cluster of them is worth taking seriously.
- Drinking more, or for longer, than intended
- Persistent cravings or urges to drink
- Trying to cut back without success
- Withdrawal symptoms (shakes, sweats, anxiety) when not drinking
- Drinking despite problems at work, home, or in relationships
- Giving up activities you used to enjoy
- Tolerance — needing more to feel the same effect
- Hiding drinking or feeling defensive when others raise it
Our Approach
How SILC treats it.
SILC Health treats alcohol use disorder across a full continuum of care. For anyone who has been drinking heavily, treatment begins with medically supervised detox — alcohol withdrawal can be medically dangerous, and trying to stop without clinical support is not recommended. Our detox program manages withdrawal symptoms 24/7 with physician oversight and medication support when appropriate.
After detox, most clients step down into residential or partial hospitalization care, where the work shifts from physical stabilization to the deeper drivers of the addiction — trauma, anxiety, family patterns, and rebuilding daily structure. Evidence-based therapies (CBT, motivational interviewing, family therapy) are paired with peer community, recovery skills, and aftercare planning.
If SILC Health isn't the right fit for your situation — geographically, clinically, or financially — our admissions team will help you find a trusted partner facility that is. No one calls SILC and leaves empty-handed.
Therapies & Modalities
FAQ
Common questions.
Is alcohol detox dangerous?
Alcohol withdrawal can be one of the more medically dangerous detoxes — in severe cases it can cause seizures or delirium tremens. That's why we always recommend medically supervised detox rather than quitting cold-turkey at home. Our detox program is staffed 24/7 by clinical professionals.
How long is treatment for alcohol use disorder?
Detox typically takes 3–7 days, depending on drinking history. Residential or PHP care after detox commonly runs 30–90 days, with outpatient continuing care extending beyond that. Length of stay is clinically driven and personalized to each client.
Will I need medication?
Some clients benefit from FDA-approved medications for alcohol use disorder (such as naltrexone or acamprosate) as part of long-term recovery. Our medical team evaluates each person individually — medication is a tool, not a requirement.
Does insurance cover alcohol treatment?
Most major insurance plans cover medically necessary substance use treatment under the Affordable Care Act and Mental Health Parity Act. Our admissions team will verify your benefits and explain what's covered before you commit to anything.
What if I've tried treatment before and it didn't work?
Recovery rarely happens on the first attempt — that's a feature of the disease, not a personal failure. Many people who reach lasting sobriety did so after multiple treatment episodes. The right level of care, at the right time, can change the trajectory.
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Benzodiazepine Use Disorder
Medically supervised taper and structured treatment for benzodiazepine dependence — Xanax, Klonopin, Ativan, Valium.
Co-Occurring Disorders (Dual Diagnosis)
Integrated treatment for substance use and mental health conditions — treated together, not one at a time.
Talk to admissions
One conversation can change the trajectory.
Whether SILC is the right fit or not, we'll listen and help you find a path forward.