Lifestyle Changes to Manage Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD)

by Cynthia M. Johnson, MA

En Español (Spanish Version)

Lifestyle changes will need to be made to manage AUD. Some examples are:

Developing coping methods to avoid drinking when difficult situations happen
Learning stress reduction or relaxation techniques
Exercising regularly
Asking friends and family members for support
Finding ways to stay social without alcohol
Not going to places where alcohol is served
Keeping alcohol out of your home and office
Making new friends who do not drink alcohol

REFERENCES:

Alcohol use disorder. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/alcohol-use-disorder. Accessed September 3, 2020.

Alcohol withdrawal syndrome. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/alcohol-withdrawal-syndrome. Accessed September 3, 2020.

Day E, Copello A, Hull M. Assessment and management of alcohol use disorders. BMJ. 2015 Feb 19;350:h715.

Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). American Psychiatric Association; 2013.

Drink alcohol only in moderation. Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion website. Available at: https://healthfinder.gov/HealthTopics/Category/health-conditions-and-diseases/heart-health/drink-alcohol-only-in-moderation#take-action. Accessed September 3, 2020.

Self-help strategies for quitting drinking. Rethinking Drinking website. Available at: https://www.rethinkingdrinking.niaaa.nih.gov/Thinking-about-a-change/Support-for-quitting/Self-Help-Strategies-For-Quitting.aspx. Accessed September 3, 2020.

Treatment for alcohol problems: Finding and getting help. National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism website. Available at: https://pubs.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/Treatment/treatment.htm. Accessed September 3, 2020.

Last reviewed March 2020 by EBSCO Medical Review Board Adrian Preda, MD
Last Updated: 2/19/2021

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