Alcohol rehab in Miami

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a medical condition, not a lack of willpower. It ranges from mild to severe, and every level responds to treatment. The right first step depends on how much and how often you drink.

Signs of an alcohol problem

Clinicians use 11 criteria to diagnose alcohol use disorder. In the past year, have you:

• Ended up drinking more, or for longer, than you meant to?
• Wanted to cut down or stop, or tried, but couldn’t?
• Spent a lot of time drinking, or being sick from drinking?
• Had strong cravings for alcohol?
• Fallen behind at work, school or home because of drinking?
• Kept drinking even though it caused trouble with family or friends?
• Given up activities you used to enjoy so you could drink?
• Drunk in risky situations, like driving or swimming?
• Kept drinking even though it made you depressed, anxious or sick?
• Needed more alcohol to feel the same effect?
• Had withdrawal symptoms, like shakiness, sweating or trouble sleeping, when it wore off?

Two or three of these suggest a mild disorder. Four or five is moderate, and six or more is severe. If you recognize yourself here, that’s worth a conversation, not a label.

What alcohol withdrawal is like

When someone who drinks heavily stops suddenly, the brain is left overexcited. Symptoms usually follow a predictable pattern:

1. 6–12 hoursEarly withdrawal

   Shakiness, sweating, anxiety, nausea, headache and trouble sleeping.

2. 12–48 hoursSeizure risk

   Some people see or hear things that aren’t there. Seizures are most likely in this window.

3. 48–72 hoursDelirium tremens risk

   In severe cases: confusion, fever, racing heart. This is a medical emergency.

4. 5–7 daysEasing off

   Most physical symptoms fade. Sleep and mood take longer to settle.

How alcohol addiction is treated

Treatment usually starts with getting through withdrawal safely, then building the skills and support to stay well. Most people move through a few levels of care:

Proven therapies include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which helps you spot and handle triggers; motivational interviewing, which helps you find your own reasons to change; and family therapy. Peer support from groups like Alcoholics Anonymous or SMART Recovery helps many people stay connected after formal treatment ends.

Medications for alcohol use disorder

Three medications are FDA-approved for alcohol use disorder, yet only about 1 in 40 people with AUD received one in 2024. They’re safe, they aren’t addictive, and they work best alongside counseling.

A doctor will help you choose based on your health, your goals and other medications you take. Learn more about medication-assisted treatment.

If you’re worried about someone’s drinking

You can’t make someone stop, but you can make it easier for them to say yes to help. Pick a calm moment when they’re sober. Talk about specific things you’ve seen and how they made you feel, rather than labels like “alcoholic.” Have options ready before you talk, so a “yes” can turn into a plan the same day.

Our family guide covers what to say, what to avoid and what to do if they say no.