Medically reviewed by Elaine Fields, MSN, APRN, FNP-C, CARN-AP — Director of Addiction Services, Fresh Start Health Centers · Last reviewed: October 15, 2026
If drinking has started to run your days instead of the other way around, you are not weak and you are not alone. Alcohol use disorder is a treatable medical condition — not a failure of willpower — and effective help is available right here in Eastern Kentucky. At Fresh Start Health, we treat alcohol dependence with the same evidence-based, judgment-free approach we use for opioid recovery, including FDA-approved medications and telehealth across the state.
What Is Alcohol Use Disorder?
Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a medical diagnosis that describes drinking you can no longer fully control, even when it is causing harm. It ranges from mild to severe, and it is more common than most people realize. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, tens of millions of American adults meet the criteria for AUD in a given year, yet only a small fraction ever receive treatment.
The key point: AUD is a chronic health condition, like diabetes or high blood pressure. It responds to treatment, and seeking care early gives you the best chance of a full recovery.
Signs You May Have a Problem With Alcohol
You do not have to hit “rock bottom” to benefit from treatment. Warning signs, drawn from the criteria doctors use to diagnose AUD, include:
- Drinking more or longer than you intended
- Wanting to cut down but not being able to
- Spending a lot of time drinking or recovering from it
- Strong cravings or urges to drink
- Drinking despite problems with family, work, or health
- Needing more alcohol to feel the same effect (tolerance)
- Feeling shaky, anxious, sweaty, or sick when you stop (withdrawal)
If two or more of these sound familiar, a confidential evaluation is worth your time.
Alcohol Withdrawal Can Be Dangerous
Unlike many substances, alcohol withdrawal can be medically serious — and in severe cases, life-threatening. Symptoms often begin within hours of the last drink and can include tremors, sweating, anxiety, nausea, and trouble sleeping. In heavier or long-term drinkers, withdrawal can progress to seizures or a dangerous state called delirium tremens. Because of this, you should never try to detox from heavy drinking alone.
If you have mild alcohol use and no history of serious alcohol withdrawal complications, such as seizures or delirium tremens (DTs), our medical providers will assess your individual risk. If your provider determines that you require in-person, medically supervised detoxification, our team can help you locate an appropriate alcohol detox program. Once the acute risks of alcohol withdrawal have passed, our providers may offer medications to help prevent relapse and support long-term recovery.
How Fresh Start Treats Alcohol Use Disorder
There are three medications approved by the FDA for the treatment of alcohol use disorder, and they work well — especially when paired with counseling. At Fresh Start Health, your care may include:
- Naltrexone (oral or the long-acting Vivitrol monthly injection), which reduces cravings and the “reward” from drinking
- Acamprosate helps stabilize brain signals that cause symptoms like restlessness and trouble sleeping that can contribute to cravings
- Disulfiram, used only in select cases, works by making you feel very sick if you drink alcohol while taking it
- Counseling and behavioral support to build lasting change
- Coordination with our broader addiction care team — including Suboxone-based opioid treatment — if opioids or other substances are also involved
Treatment is individualized, and outcomes vary from person to person — there is no one-size-fits-all plan. Your treatment records are protected under federal privacy laws including 42 CFR Part 2, which provides stronger confidentiality protections than standard HIPAA rules.
Getting Care in Eastern Kentucky
You do not need to travel out of state or wait weeks to be seen. Fresh Start Health treats alcohol use disorder at our four Eastern Kentucky clinics — Ashland, Grayson, Morehead, and Vanceburg — and by telehealth across Kentucky. We accept Kentucky Medicaid and many commercial insurance plans, and as a 340B covered entity we work to keep care affordable. Coverage varies, so contact your plan for specifics — or call us and our team can help you check before your first visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is alcohol use disorder treatable with medication?
Yes. Three medications are approved by the FDA to treat alcohol use disorder: naltrexone (including the monthly Vivitrol injection), acamprosate, and disulfiram. These reduce cravings and support recovery, especially when combined with counseling. A Fresh Start provider reviews your health and history to decide which option is right for you.
Is it safe to stop drinking on my own?
Not always. For heavy or long-term drinkers, alcohol withdrawal can cause seizures and a possibly life-threatening condition called delirium tremens. You should never detox from heavy drinking alone. A medical provider can assess your risk and help you stop safely, so it is important to seek care before quitting.
Does Fresh Start treat alcohol problems, or only opioid addiction?
We treat both. Fresh Start Health provides medication and counseling for alcohol use disorder alongside our opioid treatment services, at all four Eastern Kentucky clinics and by telehealth. If you are struggling with both alcohol and opioids, our team can coordinate care for both in one place.
Will my insurance cover alcohol treatment?
Fresh Start Health accepts Kentucky Medicaid and many commercial insurance plans, and as a 340B covered entity we work to keep care affordable. Coverage varies by plan, so contact your insurer for specifics, or call us at (606) 225-8200 and our team can help you check before your first visit.
Ready to Get Started?
Cutting back or stopping does not have to be something you face alone. Fresh Start Health offers confidential, judgment-free treatment for alcohol use disorder across Eastern Kentucky, in person and by telehealth. Call us at (606) 225-8200 or use the chat function on this page to schedule an evaluation and talk through your options. A healthier start is closer than you think.
This content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Treatment is individualized and outcomes vary.