Understanding Alcohol Addiction: Signs, Effects, and Treatment in Charlotte, NC
Alcohol addiction, also known as alcoholism or alcohol use disorder (AUD), remains one of the most prevalent and destructive substance use disorders affecting individuals and families across Charlotte, Mecklenburg County, and throughout North Carolina. Despite alcohol’s legal status and social acceptance, its addictive potential and devastating health consequences make it one of the most dangerous substances.
At Nova Transformations, our Charlotte-based addiction treatment center has helped countless individuals break free from alcohol’s grip and rebuild their lives through evidence-based, compassionate care. Whether you’re concerned about your own drinking, worried about a loved one, or simply seeking to understand alcohol addiction, this comprehensive guide provides the knowledge and resources you need.
From recognizing the warning signs of problem drinking to understanding the severe health consequences and exploring effective treatment options available right here in Charlotte, NC—this article offers a complete overview of alcohol addiction and the path to recovery.
Americans aged 12 or older had Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) in 2023 (NIAAA/SAMHSA)
Understanding Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD)
Alcohol Use Disorder is a medical condition characterized by an impaired ability to stop or control alcohol use despite adverse social, occupational, or health consequences. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), AUD is defined by meeting specific criteria outlined in the DSM-5.
The Spectrum of Alcohol Use Disorder
AUD exists on a spectrum from mild to moderate to severe, based on the number of diagnostic criteria present:
- Mild AUD: 2-3 criteria
- Moderate AUD: 4-5 criteria
- Severe AUD: 6 or more criteria
DSM-5 Criteria for Alcohol Use Disorder
In the past year, have you:
- Had times when you drank more or longer than you intended?
- More than once wanted to cut down or stop drinking, or tried to, but couldn’t?
- Spent a lot of time drinking or being sick or getting over alcohol’s aftereffects?
- Experienced craving—a strong need, or urge, to drink?
- Found that drinking—or being sick from drinking—often interfered with taking care of your home or family, or caused job troubles, or school problems?
- Continued to drink even though it was causing trouble with your family or friends?
- Given up or cut back on activities that were important or interesting to you, or gave you pleasure, in order to drink?
- More than once gotten into situations while or after drinking that increased your chances of getting hurt (such as driving, swimming, using machinery, walking in a dangerous area, or having unsafe sex)?
- Continued to drink even though it was making you feel depressed or anxious or adding to another health problem? Or after having had a memory blackout?
- Had to drink much more than you once did to get the effect you want? Or found that your usual number of drinks had much less effect than before?
- Found that when the effects of alcohol were wearing off, you had withdrawal symptoms, such as trouble sleeping, shakiness, restlessness, nausea, sweating, a racing heart, or a seizure? Or sensed things that were not there?
If you answered “yes” to two or more of these questions, you may have AUD. The more criteria you meet, the more severe your AUD.
💡 Changing Terminology
Medical professionals no longer use terms like “alcoholic” or “alcohol abuse” vs. “alcohol dependence.” The modern understanding recognizes that alcohol addiction exists on a spectrum—Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD)—which better captures the range of problematic drinking patterns. Whether mild, moderate, or severe, AUD is a treatable medical condition, not a moral failing.
How Alcohol Affects the Brain
Understanding why alcohol is so addictive requires understanding its effects on brain chemistry:
- GABA enhancement: Alcohol increases the effects of GABA, an inhibitory neurotransmitter, creating relaxation and lowering inhibitions
- Glutamate suppression: Alcohol suppresses glutamate, an excitatory neurotransmitter, further slowing brain activity
- Dopamine release: Alcohol triggers dopamine release in the brain’s reward center, creating pleasurable feelings
- Endorphin release: Alcohol stimulates endorphin production, enhancing pleasure and numbing pain
- Brain adaptation: Over time, the brain adapts to alcohol’s presence, requiring it to function normally (physical dependence)
This neurochemical hijacking explains why quitting alcohol is so difficult once addiction develops—the brain has literally changed its functioning to accommodate alcohol.
Signs and Symptoms of Alcohol Addiction
Recognizing alcohol addiction in yourself or a loved one in Charlotte can be life-saving. The disease is progressive, meaning it generally worsens over time without intervention.
Behavioral and Psychological Signs
- Preoccupation with alcohol: Thinking about drinking, planning when you can drink next
- Loss of control: Drinking more than intended, unable to stop once you start
- Failed attempts to quit: Repeatedly trying to cut down or stop without success
- Cravings: Strong urges to drink
- Neglecting responsibilities: Missing work, declining performance, ignoring family obligations
- Continuing despite problems: Drinking even when causing relationship issues, legal troubles, or health problems
- Giving up activities: Abandoning hobbies, social activities, or interests to drink
- Risky behavior: Drinking and driving, dangerous situations while intoxicated
- Social isolation: Withdrawing from friends and family, hiding drinking
- Defensiveness: Becoming angry or defensive when questioned about drinking
- Drinking alone: Often drinking in private or secret
Physical Signs and Symptoms
Short-Term Physical Signs:
- Bloodshot or glassy eyes
- Flushed face
- Smell of alcohol on breath or skin
- Slurred speech
- Impaired coordination and balance
- Poor hygiene and grooming
- Unexplained injuries or bruises (from falls while intoxicated)
Long-Term Physical Signs:
- Weight changes (gain or loss)
- Puffy or bloated face
- Broken capillaries on face (spider veins)
- Jaundice (yellowing of skin and eyes from liver damage)
- Trembling hands
- Frequent illnesses (weakened immune system)
- Digestive problems
- Sleep disturbances
Tolerance and Withdrawal
Tolerance:
Needing to drink more alcohol to achieve the same effect, or finding that the same amount produces less effect. This is a hallmark of physical dependence.
Withdrawal Symptoms:
Experiencing physical symptoms when not drinking or when blood alcohol level drops:
- Mild withdrawal (6-12 hours after last drink): Anxiety, tremors, sweating, nausea, insomnia, headache
- Moderate withdrawal (12-24 hours): Increased blood pressure and heart rate, confusion, mood swings, irritability
- Severe withdrawal (24-72 hours): Hallucinations, seizures, delirium tremens (DTs)
🚨 Alcohol Withdrawal Can Be Fatal
Never attempt to detox from alcohol alone if you’re a heavy or daily drinker. Alcohol withdrawal is one of the few substance withdrawals that can cause death. Complications include:
- Seizures: Can occur suddenly and be life-threatening
- Delirium tremens (DTs): Severe confusion, hallucinations, fever, racing heart—medical emergency
- Cardiac complications: Dangerous blood pressure and heart rate changes
- Aspiration: Vomiting and choking while unconscious
If you need to detox from alcohol, seek medical supervision. Contact Nova Transformations at (704) 961-9322 for guidance on safe detox options in Charlotte.
Patterns of Alcohol Misuse
Binge Drinking:
According to the CDC, binge drinking is defined as:
- 4 or more drinks for women within about 2 hours
- 5 or more drinks for men within about 2 hours
Binge drinking is extremely dangerous and can lead to alcohol poisoning, injuries, violence, and long-term health consequences.
Heavy Drinking:
- 8 or more drinks per week for women
- 15 or more drinks per week for men
High-Functioning Alcoholism:
Some people with AUD maintain careers and relationships despite heavy drinking. This “high-functioning” pattern can be deceptive—the addiction is still damaging health, relationships, and quality of life, even if consequences aren’t immediately obvious.
Health Consequences of Alcohol Addiction
Long-term heavy drinking causes serious, sometimes irreversible, damage to virtually every organ system in the body.
Liver Disease
The liver bears the brunt of alcohol’s damage:
- Fatty liver: Fat accumulation in liver cells (reversible with abstinence)
- Alcoholic hepatitis: Liver inflammation and damage
- Cirrhosis: Permanent scarring that impairs liver function
- Liver failure: Complete loss of liver function, often fatal without transplant
- Liver cancer: Increased risk with cirrhosis
Cardiovascular Disease
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- Cardiomyopathy (weakened heart muscle)
- Arrhythmias (irregular heartbeat)
- Increased risk of heart attack and stroke
- Increased triglycerides
Cancer
Alcohol is a known carcinogen. Heavy drinking increases risk of:
- Mouth, throat, and esophageal cancer
- Liver cancer
- Breast cancer
- Colorectal cancer
Brain and Neurological Damage
- Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome: Thiamine deficiency causing permanent memory loss and brain damage
- Cognitive impairment: Problems with memory, attention, decision-making
- Peripheral neuropathy: Nerve damage causing numbness, tingling, pain in extremities
- Brain shrinkage: Loss of brain tissue
- Increased dementia risk
Gastrointestinal Problems
- Pancreatitis (inflammation of pancreas)
- Gastritis (stomach inflammation)
- Ulcers
- Malnutrition and vitamin deficiencies
- Increased risk of GI cancers
Other Health Consequences
- Weakened immune system: Increased susceptibility to infections
- Sexual dysfunction and infertility
- Osteoporosis: Decreased bone density
- Diabetes complications
- Skin problems
- Mental health disorders: Depression, anxiety, increased suicide risk
Pregnancy and Alcohol
Drinking during pregnancy can cause:
- Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASDs)
- Miscarriage and stillbirth
- Premature birth
- Low birth weight
- Birth defects
No amount of alcohol is safe during pregnancy.
Annual deaths in the United States attributed to excessive alcohol use (CDC, 2020-2021 data)
The Social and Emotional Impact of Alcoholism
Beyond physical health, alcohol addiction devastates relationships, careers, finances, and mental wellbeing.
Relationship Damage
- Marital problems and divorce: Alcohol addiction is a leading cause of relationship breakdown
- Child neglect and family dysfunction: Children of alcoholic parents suffer trauma and increased risk of developing addiction themselves
- Social isolation: Losing friendships and support networks
- Domestic violence: Alcohol is involved in a high percentage of domestic abuse cases
- Broken trust: Lying, broken promises, and unreliability damage relationships
Career and Financial Consequences
- Poor work performance and absenteeism
- Job loss
- Financial problems from spending on alcohol
- Legal fees (DUIs, other alcohol-related charges)
- Loss of professional licenses
- Difficulty maintaining employment
Legal Problems
- DUI/DWI charges: In North Carolina, DUI carries serious penalties including fines, license suspension, and potential jail time
- Public intoxication
- Domestic violence charges
- Child custody issues
- Accidents causing injury or property damage
Mental Health Deterioration
- Depression and anxiety (often both a cause and consequence of drinking)
- Increased suicide risk
- Shame and guilt
- Low self-esteem
- Hopelessness and despair
📍 Alcohol’s Impact on Charlotte, NC
Charlotte and Mecklenburg County face significant alcohol-related challenges:
- DUI arrests: Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police conduct thousands of DUI arrests annually
- Emergency room visits: Atrium Health and Novant hospitals treat numerous alcohol-related emergencies
- Domestic violence: Alcohol is a factor in many domestic incidents reported to CMPD
- Economic impact: Lost productivity, healthcare costs, and legal expenses cost North Carolina billions annually
- Treatment demand: Charlotte-area facilities like Nova Transformations see consistent demand for alcohol treatment services
Despite these challenges, effective treatment is available throughout the Charlotte metro area. Recovery is possible.
Evidence-Based Alcohol Addiction Treatment at Nova Transformations
Recovery from alcohol addiction is absolutely possible with professional treatment and ongoing support. At Nova Transformations in Charlotte, NC, we provide comprehensive, evidence-based alcohol addiction treatment tailored to each individual’s needs.
The Continuum of Care for Alcohol Addiction
1. Medical Detoxification
For those with physical dependence, safe alcohol detox is the critical first step:
- Medical supervision: 24/7 monitoring of vital signs
- Medication management: Benzodiazepines to prevent seizures and reduce withdrawal symptoms
- Hydration and nutrition: IV fluids and nutritional support
- Thiamine supplementation: Preventing Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome
- Comfort measures: Managing symptoms to ensure safety and comfort
Nova Transformations coordinates with trusted medical detox facilities in Charlotte to ensure clients receive safe detoxification before beginning our outpatient programs.
2. Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)
Our Partial Hospitalization Program in Charlotte provides intensive treatment:
- 20-30 hours of treatment per week
- Daily therapeutic programming (5-6 days per week)
- Medical and psychiatric oversight
- Individual and group therapy
- Family therapy and education
- Life skills and wellness activities
- Return home each evening
3. Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)
Our Intensive Outpatient Program in Charlotte offers structured recovery support while allowing clients to maintain daily responsibilities:
- 9-12 hours of treatment weekly (typically 3-4 days)
- Individual therapy: One-on-one sessions with licensed therapists
- Group therapy: Process groups, education groups, skills training
- Evidence-based interventions: CBT, DBT, motivational enhancement
- Relapse prevention: Identifying triggers and building coping skills
- 12-Step facilitation: Introduction to AA and recovery fellowship
- Family programming: Healing relationships and building support
4. Dual Diagnosis Treatment
Many people drink to self-medicate underlying mental health conditions. Our dual diagnosis treatment in North Carolina addresses both simultaneously:
- Depression and alcohol use disorder
- Anxiety disorders and alcohol dependence
- PTSD and alcoholism
- Bipolar disorder and alcohol addiction
- Personality disorders
Treating both conditions together dramatically improves outcomes and reduces relapse rates.
✨ Why Choose Nova Transformations for Alcohol Treatment?
- Comprehensive care: From detox coordination through aftercare
- Evidence-based treatment: Using approaches proven effective by research
- Experienced team: Licensed therapists, counselors, and medical professionals
- Individualized treatment plans: No two people are alike; neither are our programs
- Dual diagnosis expertise: Addressing co-occurring mental health conditions
- Family focus: Involving and supporting loved ones in recovery
- Flexible scheduling: Outpatient programs that work with your life
- Continuing care: Ongoing support after primary treatment
- Charlotte location: Convenient access from throughout Mecklenburg County
- Insurance accepted: We work with most major providers
Therapeutic Approaches for Alcohol Addiction
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT helps clients identify and change thinking patterns and behaviors that contribute to drinking. It’s highly effective for alcohol addiction.
Motivational Enhancement Therapy (MET)
MET helps resolve ambivalence about quitting and builds internal motivation for change.
12-Step Facilitation
We introduce clients to Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and other recovery fellowships, helping them engage with this powerful source of ongoing support.
Family Therapy
Alcoholism affects entire families. We provide education, improve communication, heal relationships, and help families support recovery.
Contingency Management
Positive reinforcement for maintaining sobriety and achieving treatment goals.
Relapse Prevention
Comprehensive training in identifying triggers, managing cravings, and responding effectively to high-risk situations.
Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)
FDA-approved medications can support alcohol addiction recovery:
- Naltrexone: Reduces cravings and blocks the pleasurable effects of alcohol
- Acamprosate (Campral): Helps restore brain chemistry balance and reduce cravings
- Disulfiram (Antabuse): Creates unpleasant reactions if alcohol is consumed
Our medical team evaluates whether MAT is appropriate as part of your comprehensive treatment plan.
Begin Your Recovery from Alcohol Addiction in Charlotte Today
You don’t have to struggle with alcohol addiction alone. The compassionate, expert team at Nova Transformations in Charlotte is ready to help you break free from alcohol and build a life of lasting recovery.
We accept most major insurance plans. Unfortunately, we do not accept Medicare or Medicaid at this time.
Confidential assessment available 24/7. Take the first step toward freedom from alcohol today.
Getting Help for Alcohol Addiction in Charlotte
If you or someone you love is struggling with alcohol addiction in Charlotte, taking action today could save a life.
🔑 Steps to Recovery from Alcohol Addiction
- Acknowledge the problem: Recognizing alcohol use has become unmanageable is the first step
- Seek medical evaluation: Determine if medically-supervised detox is needed (NEVER detox alone if drinking heavily)
- Contact Nova Transformations: Call (704) 961-9322 for confidential assessment
- Complete detox if needed: We coordinate with trusted medical detox facilities
- Begin treatment: Start PHP or IOP based on your needs
- Engage fully: Commit to the process—recovery requires dedication
- Build support network: Connect with AA, SMART Recovery, or other groups in Charlotte
- Address co-occurring conditions: Treat underlying mental health issues
- Practice self-care: Exercise, nutrition, sleep, stress management
- Continue aftercare: Recovery is a journey, not a destination
What to Expect When You Call
Reaching out for help takes courage. Our admissions team makes the process comfortable:
- Confidential conversation: Discuss your situation without judgment
- Initial screening: Questions about drinking patterns, health, and needs
- Detox assessment: Determine if medical detox is necessary
- Treatment recommendations: Which program level is most appropriate
- Insurance verification: We check coverage while you’re on the phone
- Schedule assessment: Set up comprehensive in-person evaluation
- Answer questions: Address all concerns
- Begin treatment: Start as soon as you’re ready
Supporting a Loved One with Alcoholism
If someone you care about in Charlotte is struggling with alcohol:
- Educate yourself: Understanding addiction helps you provide better support
- Express concern without judgment: “I’m worried about you” not “You’re an alcoholic”
- Avoid enabling: Don’t make excuses, provide money for alcohol, or protect from consequences
- Set boundaries: Protect yourself while offering support
- Encourage professional help: Offer to help contact Nova Transformations
- Consider intervention: Professional interventionists can facilitate treatment entry
- Take care of yourself: Al-Anon, therapy, and self-care are essential
- Be patient: Recovery is a process; relapse doesn’t mean failure
Frequently Asked Questions About Alcohol Addiction
Signs of alcohol addiction (Alcohol Use Disorder) include behavioral signs like drinking more or more frequently than intended, unsuccessful attempts to cut down or quit, spending significant time drinking or recovering from hangovers, experiencing cravings for alcohol, neglecting responsibilities at work, school, or home, continuing to drink despite relationship problems or legal issues, giving up important activities to drink, and drinking in dangerous situations like driving. Physical signs include developing tolerance (needing more alcohol to get the same effect), experiencing withdrawal symptoms like shaking, sweating, anxiety, or nausea when not drinking, bloodshot eyes, flushed skin, unexplained injuries from falls while intoxicated, weight changes, poor hygiene, and trembling hands. The DSM-5 criteria for AUD include 11 symptoms; meeting 2-3 indicates mild AUD, 4-5 moderate, and 6+ severe. If you recognize these signs in yourself or a loved one in Charlotte, professional evaluation at Nova Transformations can help determine the severity and appropriate treatment.
According to the CDC and NIAAA, moderate drinking is defined as up to 1 drink per day for women and up to 2 drinks per day for men (one drink = 12 oz beer, 5 oz wine, or 1.5 oz liquor). Heavy drinking is 8 or more drinks per week for women or 15 or more drinks per week for men. Binge drinking is 4+ drinks for women or 5+ drinks for men within about 2 hours. However, any amount of alcohol can be problematic depending on individual factors including family history of alcoholism, medical conditions, medications being taken, pregnancy, driving or operating machinery, age (under 21 or over 65), or personal history of addiction. If drinking is causing problems in your life—regardless of the amount—it’s too much. The key question isn’t “how much” but rather “is alcohol negatively impacting your health, relationships, work, or wellbeing?” If yes, professional evaluation is recommended.
Yes, alcohol withdrawal can be life-threatening and is one of the only substance withdrawals that can cause death. Severe alcohol withdrawal syndrome includes delirium tremens (DTs), a medical emergency characterized by severe confusion, hallucinations, agitation, high fever, seizures, and dangerous elevations in blood pressure and heart rate that can be fatal without medical treatment. Withdrawal seizures typically occur 12-48 hours after the last drink, while DTs usually develop 48-96 hours after cessation in those with severe dependence. Risk factors for dangerous withdrawal include history of heavy, prolonged drinking (years of daily heavy use), previous withdrawal episodes, concurrent medical problems, older age, and history of seizures or DTs. This is why medically-supervised detoxification is critical for anyone with significant alcohol dependence. Never attempt to detox from alcohol alone if you’ve been drinking heavily or daily. Seek professional medical help at facilities that can provide monitored withdrawal management with appropriate medications. Contact Nova Transformations in Charlotte at (704) 961-9322 for guidance on safe detox options.
Yes, Nova Transformations provides comprehensive, evidence-based alcohol addiction treatment in Charlotte, North Carolina. Our programs specifically designed for Alcohol Use Disorder include coordination with medical detox facilities for safe withdrawal management, Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) with 20-30 hours of weekly treatment, Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) with 9-12 hours of weekly treatment, individual therapy using proven approaches like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Motivational Enhancement, group therapy and peer support, dual diagnosis treatment for co-occurring mental health disorders like depression and anxiety, family therapy and education, 12-step facilitation and connection to AA meetings throughout Charlotte, consideration of medication-assisted treatment (naltrexone, acamprosate), relapse prevention training, and comprehensive aftercare planning. We serve clients throughout Charlotte, Mecklenburg County, Concord, Gastonia, Matthews, and across North Carolina. Call (704) 961-9322 for a confidential assessment.
The terms “alcohol abuse” and “alcoholism” (or “alcohol dependence”) are outdated clinical terms that have been replaced in modern psychiatry by the single diagnosis of Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) in the DSM-5. Previously, alcohol abuse referred to problematic drinking patterns that caused life problems but without physical dependence, while alcoholism or alcohol dependence indicated physical dependence with tolerance and withdrawal symptoms. Modern understanding recognizes that alcohol addiction exists on a spectrum. AUD is now classified as mild (2-3 symptoms), moderate (4-5 symptoms), or severe (6+ symptoms) based on 11 diagnostic criteria. This spectrum approach better captures the range of problematic drinking patterns and removes stigmatizing labels. Whether someone meets criteria for mild, moderate, or severe AUD, professional treatment at facilities like Nova Transformations in Charlotte can help, with treatment intensity matched to severity.
Yes, most private insurance plans cover alcohol addiction treatment in North Carolina. Under federal laws including the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA), insurance companies are required to cover substance use disorder treatment, including alcohol treatment, at levels comparable to coverage for other medical conditions. Coverage typically includes medical detox, inpatient/residential treatment, outpatient programs like our IOP and PHP, individual and group therapy, medication-assisted treatment, and aftercare. Nova Transformations works with many major insurance providers including Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, Cigna, United Healthcare, Humana, and others to make alcohol treatment accessible and affordable. While we don’t currently accept Medicare or Medicaid, our admissions team provides free, confidential insurance verification and can explain your specific coverage including deductibles, copays, coinsurance, and out-of-pocket maximums. Many people are surprised to find their alcohol treatment is largely covered. Call (704) 961-9322 to verify your benefits today.
The length of alcohol addiction treatment varies based on individual needs, severity of addiction, presence of co-occurring disorders, and response to treatment. General timelines include medical detox lasting 3-7 days for safe withdrawal, Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) typically lasting 2-6 weeks, Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) generally lasting 6-12 weeks, and continuing care/aftercare lasting months to years. However, recovery is a lifelong process. Research shows that longer treatment engagement is associated with better outcomes—the NIAAA recommends at least 90 days of treatment for optimal results. At Nova Transformations in Charlotte, we create individualized treatment plans and adjust length based on your progress, goals, and needs. Many clients transition from PHP to IOP to less intensive outpatient therapy over several months. Ongoing participation in support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous, continuing therapy, and lifestyle changes support long-term recovery. The goal isn’t just to stop drinking, but to build a fulfilling life in recovery—and that takes time.
References and Resources
- National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA). (2024). Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD). Retrieved from https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/alcohols-effects-health/alcohol-use-disorder
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). (2023). National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH). Retrieved from https://www.samhsa.gov/data/data-we-collect/nsduh-national-survey-drug-use-and-health
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2024). Alcohol and Public Health. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/alcohol/
- American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). Fifth Edition. Arlington, VA: American Psychiatric Publishing.
- Koob, G. F., & Volkow, N. D. (2016). Neurobiology of addiction: a neurocircuitry analysis. The Lancet Psychiatry, 3(8), 760-773.
- Anton, R. F., O’Malley, S. S., Ciraulo, D. A., et al. (2006). Combined pharmacotherapies and behavioral interventions for alcohol dependence. JAMA, 295(17), 2003-2017.
- Miller, W. R., & Rollnick, S. (2012). Motivational Interviewing: Helping People Change. Third Edition. New York: Guilford Press.
- Project MATCH Research Group. (1997). Matching alcoholism treatments to client heterogeneity. Journal of Studies on Alcohol, 58(1), 7-29.
- Kelly, J. F., Humphreys, K., & Ferri, M. (2020). Alcoholics Anonymous and other 12-step programs for alcohol use disorder. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 3(3), CD012880.
- North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services. (2024). Alcohol and Substance Use Data. Retrieved from https://www.ncdhhs.gov/
Additional Charlotte-Area Resources:
- Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) Charlotte: https://charlotteaa.org/
- Al-Anon Charlotte (for families): https://al-anon.org/
- SMART Recovery Charlotte: Science-based alternative to 12-step
- Mecklenburg County Public Health: https://www.mecknc.gov/HealthDepartment/
- Crisis Line (24/7): Call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline)
- SAMHSA National Helpline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
- Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Non-Emergency: (704) 336-7600
Medical Disclaimer: This article is for informational and educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Alcohol withdrawal can be life-threatening and requires medical supervision. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 immediately. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making decisions about alcohol use disorder treatment.
Last Updated: October 30, 2025 | Author: Nova Transformations Clinical Team | Location: Charlotte, North Carolina
