Alcohol use disorder treatment Georgia is now accessible from home through our confidential, evidence-based telemedicine program. We provide compassionate care for individuals seeking help with alcohol dependence—all from the privacy of your home. We proudly serve patients across Georgia seeking alcohol use disorder treatment through telemedicine.
What Is Alcohol Use Disorder?
Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD)
Alcohol use disorder is characterized by changes in mood, behavior, and physical functioning. People may develop strong cravings, drink more than intended, or continue drinking even when relationships or responsibilities suffer. Many spend significant time obtaining, using, or recovering from alcohol. Withdrawal—such as anxiety, sweating, tremors, irritability, or insomnia—can occur when they stop drinking. Tolerance also develops, meaning larger amounts are needed to feel the same effect.
What Is Alcohol Use Disorder?
How Much Is Too Much?
Heavy drinking typically means:
- Men: 5+ drinks in a day or 15+ drinks per week
- Women: 4+ drinks in a day or 8+ drinks per week
These limits are based on standard drink measures and reflect when the risk of harm increases.
Why Alcohol Use Disorder Develops
While no single cause explains AUD, several factors raise risk:
- Genetics and family history
- Underlying conditions like depression, PTSD, or ADHD
- Environmental and social influences
Possible Complications
Chronic heavy drinking can damage many organs and systems, leading to:
- Liver diseases (hepatitis, cirrhosis)
- Cardiomyopathy
- Increased cancer risk (e.g., esophageal)
- Brain and nerve injury
- Alcohol poisoning
- Delirium tremens (DT), a medical emergency with hallucinations, seizures, and confusion
Treatment Options
Treatment varies by each person’s needs and may include:
1. Behavioral Therapies
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy
- Motivational interviewing
- Counseling for coping and relapse prevention
2. Medications
- Naltrexone and acamprosate (FDA-approved)
- Gabapentin or topiramate to reduce cravings in some cases
3. Support and Recovery Programs
- 12-step groups
- Peer support
- Recovery coaching
Severe cases may require inpatient detox or residential treatment.
Self-Care Tips During Recovery
- Exercise regularly to reduce stress
- Identify triggers that increase cravings
- Stay connected with supportive people and programs
- Reach out to your provider when emotional stress increases
When to Seek Immediate Help
Go to the emergency room if stopping alcohol leads to severe withdrawal—especially hallucinations, seizures, confusion, or signs of delirium tremens.
Questions to Ask Your Provider
- Do I meet criteria for alcohol use disorder?
- How severe is my condition?
- Which treatments do you recommend for me?
- What can I expect during recovery?
Through telemedicine, we make high-quality addiction care accessible, private, and convenient—allowing you to receive support without visiting a clinic in person. At Cornerstone HealthMD, we provide accessible and confidential alcohol use disorder treatment in Georgia. Our clinicians work with people who want help reducing or stopping alcohol use without putting their life on hold. We offer alcohol treatment online through virtual appointments, making it easy to access support from home.
Treatment may include medications such as naltrexone (or Vivitrol), which can reduce cravings and help maintain sobriety, along with counseling
and behavioral therapy. Our experienced team provides individualized care through outpatient alcohol treatment and virtual alcohol rehab, supporting each patient through detox, recovery, and long-term sobriety.
If you or someone you know is ready to get sober, Cornerstone HealthMD offers online evidence-based support to help you take the first step toward a healthier, alcohol-free life.
Resources from SAMHSA:
Parents and Caregivers
- Talk. They Hear You.®
- What Parents are Saying
- Consequences of Underage Drinking
- What You Can Do to Prevent Your Child from Drinking Alcohol or Using Other Drugs (PDF | 609 KB)
- Why You Should Talk With Your Child About Alcohol and Other Drugs (PDF | 889 KB)
- Why Small Conversations Make a Big Impression
- Talking with Teens about Alcohol and Other Drugs: 5 Conversation Goals (PDF | 9.8 MB)
- Talking with Your Child about Alcohol: Keeping Your Kids Safe (PDF | 1.2 MB)
- Talking with Your Teen about Alcohol: Keeping Your Kids Safe (PDF | 1.1 MB)
- Age-Appropriate Conversations about Alcohol and Other Drugs (PDF | 508 KB)
- Impaired Driving: Talk With Your Kids (PDF | 722 KB)
- Be Prepared to Have the Difficult Conversation
- Getting Ahead of a Problem
- After High School: Talking With Your Young Adult About Underage Drinking
- Talking With Your College-Bound Young Adult About Alcohol: Parent Guide
- Helping Girls and Young Women Stay Healthy by Avoiding Alcohol
How Telemedicine Treatment Works
- Private video visits with an addiction-trained provider
- Personalized treatment plan based on your goals
- FDA-approved medications when clinically appropriate
- Behavioral support and recovery strategies
- Ongoing follow-ups to help maintain progress
Evidence-Based Medications We Use
When appropriate, we prescribe medication to reduce cravings and support recovery, including:
- Naltrexone (oral or injectable) — reduces cravings and blocks alcohol effects
- Acamprosate — helps normalize brain chemistry during recovery
- Disulfiram (selected cases) — discourages alcohol use with supervised support
- Gabapentin — Reduces alcohol craving and withdrawal symptoms
Benefits of Telemedicine for Alcohol Treatment
- Confidential & stigma-free — no in-person visits
- Affordable — avoids travel, time off work, or rehab costs
- Flexible scheduling — evenings & weekends available
- Evidence-based care right from home
