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Alcohol Use & Alcohol Use Disorder at PCI Centers

Home Alcohol Use & Alcohol Use Disorder at PCI Centers

Understanding Alcohol Use vs. Alcohol Use Disorder

At PCI Centers, we recognize that alcohol use falls on a spectrum—from occasional or social drinking to problematic patterns that interfere with health, work, or relationships. When drinking becomes difficult to control, continues despite negative consequences, or leads to significant distress, it may indicate Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD).

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Prevalence & Impact of Alcohol Use Disorder

  • Nearly 29 million people in the U.S. aged 12 and older meet criteria for AUD each year (National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism [NIAAA], 2025).
  • Excessive alcohol use contributes to chronic health problems, emotional struggles, and family or workplace difficulties.
  • Many individuals remain untreated, often because they don’t realize their drinking has crossed into disorder.

Signs of Alcohol Use Disorder

While experiences vary, common indicators of AUD include:

  • Difficulty cutting down or controlling alcohol use
  • Drinking more or longer than intended
  • Cravings or strong urges to drink
  • Continuing to drink despite relationship, work, or health problems
  • Needing more alcohol to achieve the same effect (tolerance)
  • Withdrawal symptoms when alcohol use is reduced

When two or more of these symptoms are present within a year, clinicians may diagnose AUD and assess whether it is mild, moderate, or severe (APA, 2013).

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Our Treatment Approach for Alcohol at PCI Centers

At PCI Centers, we provide personalized, evidence-based care for alcohol use concerns:

  • Comprehensive Assessment - Careful evaluation to understand drinking patterns and related challenges.
  • Therapy - We use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Motivational Interviewing (MI) to help clients recognize patterns, strengthen motivation, and build healthier coping strategies.
  • Medication Support - When appropriate, we coordinate with medical providers to include medications that reduce cravings or support abstinence.
  • Holistic Recovery - Mindfulness, emotional regulation skills, and structured lifestyle changes help clients maintain long-term stability.
  • Flexible Levels of Care - Outpatient therapy, Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP), and telehealth ensure accessible, supportive treatment.

Why Choose PCI Centers

  • Individualized treatment plans built around each client’s goals
  • Evidence-based therapies guided by licensed clinicians
  • Integrated, whole-person care that addresses both mind and body
  • A supportive, nonjudgmental environment where healing begins
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Taking the Next Step

If you live in Thousand Oaks or Westlake Village and alcohol use is affecting your life or the life of someone you love, you don’t have to face it alone. At PCI Centers, we provide compassionate, research-informed care to help individuals regain control, rebuild relationships, and move forward in recovery. Contact us today.

 How to Spot & Treat Alcohol Use Disorder 

 Here’s 10 facts about alcohol addiction | PCI Centers 

 The Link Between Alcohol Abuse and Common Diseases: Everything You Need to Know 

 The Dangers of Alcohol Abuse and How to Recognize It 

References

1. American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). Arlington, VA: American Psychiatric Publishing.

2. National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. (2025). Alcohol Use Disorder: From Risk to Diagnosis to Recovery.

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