Lotus Addiction and Recovery Center
- 814 Elm St Suite #204, Manchester, NH 03101
WHAT IS ALCOHOL USE DISORDER
It Is Not About How Much You Drink. It Is About What Happens When You Try to Stop.
You do not have to have lost everything to deserve help. Confidential, compassionate telehealth treatment for alcohol use disorder is available to you right now – anywhere in New Hampshire.
Most people picture alcohol use disorder as something that only happens to other people – people who have lost jobs, relationships, or their health. The reality is much more complicated than that.
Alcohol use disorder exists on a spectrum. It can look like someone who drinks every evening to unwind and cannot imagine not doing so. It can look like weekend drinking that always goes further than planned. It can look like someone who functions well at work but is white-knuckling through every day until they can have a drink.
What all of these have in common is that alcohol has started to run the show. The brain adapts to regular alcohol use in ways that make stopping feel physically and emotionally impossible – not because of a lack of willpower, but because of genuine changes in brain chemistry.
Alcohol use disorder is a medical condition. It is treatable. And you do not need to wait until things get worse to deserve help.
SIGNS YOU MAY HAVE ALCOHOL USE DISORDER
Alcohol use disorder does not always look the way people expect. It exists on a spectrum from mild to moderate to severe, and many people who need support would not describe themselves as having a problem at all.
If any of the following resonates, that is worth paying attention to.
Physical signs:
- Needing to drink more to feel the same effect
- Experiencing shaking, sweating, nausea, or anxiety when you have not had a drink
- Difficulty sleeping without alcohol
- Strong physical cravings that are hard to ignore
Behavioral signs:
- Drinking more than you intended or for longer than planned
- Trying to cut back and finding that you cannot
- Spending a lot of time thinking about drinking, or recovering from it
- Continuing to drink despite knowing it is affecting your health, relationships, or work
- Pulling back from things you used to enjoy
- Feeling irritable, anxious, or low when you are not drinking
You do not need to check every box. If this is landing somewhere, that is enough of a reason to reach out.
AN IMPORTANT NOTE ABOUT ALCOHOL WITHDRAWAL
This is something I want to be direct about because it matters.
Unlike opioid withdrawal – which is intensely uncomfortable but rarely life-threatening – alcohol withdrawal can cause serious medical complications including seizures and a condition called delirium tremens. This risk is higher for people who have been drinking heavily or for a long period of time.
If you are dependent on alcohol, stopping suddenly without medical supervision is not safe.
This is not meant to frighten you. It is meant to make sure you get the support you need to stop safely. Before reducing or stopping your alcohol use, please reach out so we can assess your situation and create a plan that protects your health.
Getting help is the right decision. Doing it with medical guidance makes it a safe one too.
HOW SHIVANI TREATS ALCOHOL USE DISORDER
At Lotus, treatment for alcohol use disorder begins with listening. I want to understand your relationship with alcohol, what you have already tried, and what your life looks like right now. From there I build a treatment plan that is specific to you – not a generic protocol.
Medications I prescribe for alcohol use disorder:
1. Vivitrol (Naltrexone injection)
A once-monthly injection that works by blocking the brain’s opioid receptors – the same receptors that make alcohol feel rewarding. When those receptors are blocked, the reinforcing effect of drinking is significantly reduced. Vivitrol also treats opioid use disorder, making it a strong option for patients dealing with both.
2. Oral Naltrexone
The same active ingredient as Vivitrol in a daily tablet form. A good option for patients who prefer oral medication over injection and who are confident in their ability to take it consistently.
Both medications are non-addictive and do not produce a high. They are clinical tools designed to reduce cravings and help you build a life where alcohol no longer holds the same pull.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this only help people with severe alcoholism?
No. Alcohol use disorder exists on a spectrum and treatment is appropriate at any point along it. You do not need to have lost your job, your relationships, or your health to deserve support. If alcohol is causing problems in your life and you want help managing it, that is enough.
Can I drink while taking Vivitrol or naltrexone?
Vivitrol and naltrexone work by reducing the rewarding effect of alcohol, so drinking while on them will feel significantly less satisfying. They are not a physical barrier to drinking, but they are a powerful tool for reducing cravings and breaking the cycle. We will talk through what to expect in detail before you start.
Is it safe to stop drinking on my own before my appointment?
If you are drinking heavily or have been drinking for a long time, stopping suddenly without medical supervision can be dangerous. Please reach out before making any significant changes to your alcohol use so we can assess your situation and make sure you stop safely.
Will anyone find out I am in treatment?
No. Your care is protected under federal confidentiality law. What you share in our appointments stays there, full stop. You can be completely honest with me about everything.
What if I have tried to quit before and it did not work?
Then something about that attempt was not the right fit – the timing, the support, the approach, or all three. A previous attempt that did not stick is not a verdict on whether you can recover. It is a starting point for understanding what might work better this time.
Is this covered by insurance?
Coverage varies by plan. I recommend contacting your insurance provider to ask about telehealth MAT coverage for alcohol use disorder. I am happy to provide documentation to support any prior authorization requests.
Do you treat both alcohol and opioid use disorder?
Yes. Vivitrol in particular is effective for both, making it a strong option for patients dealing with more than one substance. If that is your situation please be upfront about it in your first appointment so we can build a plan that addresses everything.
You Have Been Managing This Long Enough. Let's Try Something Different.
Most people who struggle with alcohol use disorder spend years trying to handle it on their own before asking for help. If that is you, there is no judgment here – only an open door.
Treatment works. The research on that is clear. And the version of treatment I offer is built around your life, your schedule, and your goals – not a one-size-fits-all programme designed for someone else.
You just have to make one appointment. Everything else we figure out together.