Medical Management of Alcohol Addiction in Columbus, OH

Alcohol addiction, medically referred to as Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD), is a progressive condition that affects both the body and mind. It is defined by an inability to control or stop drinking despite harmful effects on health, relationships, or daily responsibilities. Over time, alcohol changes the brain’s reward and stress systems, creating physical dependence and intense cravings that make quitting difficult without professional support. Individuals may experience withdrawal symptoms—such as anxiety, tremors, or nausea—when attempting to stop, signaling a deeper level of dependence that requires structured treatment.

At Addiction Therapy Services in Columbus, OH, we recognize that alcohol addiction is a medical condition—not a lack of willpower. Our compassionate team provides individualized, evidence-based treatment designed to help patients safely detox, manage cravings, and rebuild a balanced life. The severity of alcohol addiction varies from person to person, often developing gradually as drinking becomes more frequent. Warning signs include tolerance (needing more alcohol to feel the same effect), repeated failed attempts to cut back, neglecting work or relationships, and experiencing withdrawal when not drinking.

Without proper intervention, alcohol addiction can lead to serious health risks such as liver and heart disease, depression, anxiety, and social isolation. However, recovery is entirely achievable with the right care.

With early intervention and professional guidance, individuals can break free from alcohol dependency and regain control of their lives. Addiction Therapy Services is committed to walking beside each patient on their journey to lasting recovery and improved well-being.

Alcohol addiction tends to develop gradually, which can make its early indicators difficult to spot. At Addiction Therapy Services in Columbus, OH, we emphasize the importance of identifying these early behavioral and physical changes before they escalate into full dependency. Recognizing warning signs early enables individuals to seek help sooner, improving the likelihood of successful, long-term recovery and restoring balance to both health and daily life.

One of the most common early signs of alcohol addiction is increased tolerance—needing more alcohol to feel the same effects. Other red flags include drinking more frequently or in larger amounts, and struggling to cut back even with the intention to do so. You may begin prioritizing alcohol over responsibilities, losing interest in hobbies, or withdrawing from social events that don’t involve drinking.

Behavioral and emotional changes often appear early as well. These can include irritability, defensiveness about drinking habits, or secrecy surrounding alcohol use. Physical symptoms like frequent hangovers, sleep disruption, or tremors when not drinking can also signal the onset of dependence. Some individuals take increasing risks, such as drinking and driving, or mixing alcohol with medications—behaviors that indicate impaired control.

At Addiction Therapy Services, we encourage individuals and families to take these early signs seriously. Our compassionate team offers confidential evaluations and customized treatment plans that address both the physical and emotional components of alcohol addiction. With timely professional support, it’s possible to prevent addiction from deepening and to begin building a healthier, more stable future.

At Addiction Therapy Services, we recognize that alcohol addiction—medically termed alcohol use disorder—is a complex condition impacting both the brain and body. Prolonged and excessive alcohol use disrupts the brain’s chemistry, particularly the balance of neurotransmitters like dopamine and GABA, which play vital roles in mood regulation, impulse control, and decision-making. These changes can lead to physical dependence, intense cravings, and impaired cognitive functions such as memory, attention, and problem-solving, making recovery challenging without professional help.

Physically, chronic alcohol use can damage nearly every organ system, with the liver being especially vulnerable to conditions such as fatty liver, hepatitis, and cirrhosis. Alcohol addiction also affects the gastrointestinal tract, weakens the immune system, increases cardiovascular risks, and raises the likelihood of developing certain cancers.

Beyond these physical effects, alcohol addiction often worsens or triggers mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and sleep disorders. The interplay between these neurological, physical, and psychological factors means that alcohol use disorder demands a holistic and individualized treatment approach.

At Addiction Therapy Services, our team provides comprehensive, evidence-based care designed to address the full spectrum of alcohol addiction’s effects. Our programs integrate medical management, therapies, and mental health support, ensuring every aspect of your well-being is considered. If you or a loved one is struggling with alcohol addiction, we are here to support you on your journey to recovery with compassionate, expert care.

At Addiction Therapy Services, we understand that recovery from alcohol addiction is a deeply personal journey—no two paths are exactly alike. There is no universal timeline for recovery; instead, each individual’s experience is shaped by factors such as the severity and duration of their addiction, co-occurring mental or physical health conditions, their personal and social support systems, and the treatment approaches they engage in.

Medically Supervised Detoxification
The first step for many of our clients is medically supervised detoxification. This initial phase, which typically lasts from several days to about a week, is conducted under the care of our experienced medical staff. We closely monitor withdrawal symptoms—which can range from mild anxiety and insomnia to more serious issues like seizures or delirium tremens—to ensure your safety and comfort.

Comprehensive, Ongoing Care
Detox is just the beginning. At Addiction Therapy Services, we believe that sustained recovery is built on a strong foundation of ongoing care. Our individualized treatment plans often include counseling, medication-assisted treatment, and support in building healthy lifestyle routines. The first three to six months after detox are a critical period, and our team provides intensive support to help you navigate challenges and reduce the risk of relapse.

Long-Term Support for Lifelong Recovery
Addiction recovery is a long-term commitment. Many of our clients find that they continue to benefit from ongoing therapy and community resources for years after their initial treatment. Our goal at Addiction Therapy Services is to provide the flexibility and support you need—whether you are working toward stabilization in your first year of sobriety or maintaining long-term recovery.

Personalized Treatment for Lasting Change
Your journey is unique, and so is your treatment plan. Our dedicated clinicians work with you to develop a recovery strategy that meets your specific needs and goals. We encourage you to be patient with yourself and to lean on the support systems we offer, including relapse prevention planning and aftercare services.

At Addiction Therapy Services in Columbus, OH, therapy plays an essential role in treating alcohol addiction alongside medication-assisted treatment (MAT). While MAT helps reduce cravings and stabilize brain chemistry, counseling addresses the emotional and behavioral patterns that contribute to alcohol use. This dual approach ensures that both the physical dependence and psychological triggers are treated simultaneously, giving patients a stronger foundation for lasting recovery.

Our licensed therapists work one-on-one and in group settings to help patients uncover the root causes of their drinking—such as stress, trauma, or mental health challenges—and replace destructive habits with healthier coping strategies. Therapy sessions focus on identifying triggers, managing emotions, and building positive routines that promote stability and confidence in recovery.

By integrating MAT with evidence-based counseling, Addiction Therapy Services provides a comprehensive treatment model that supports both the mind and body. This combination enhances accountability, reduces relapse risk, and empowers patients to take control of their recovery journey with long-term success.

At Addiction Therapy Services in Columbus, OH, individuals struggling with alcohol dependence can find safe, effective, and compassionate medical management under the care of Dr. William Rothe, MD. Our evidence-based treatment approach combines medical supervision and counseling to address both the physical and psychological components of addiction. Through carefully monitored detoxification and medication-assisted treatment (MAT) when appropriate, patients can reduce cravings, manage withdrawal symptoms, and regain stability in a supportive, structured environment.

Compassionate Care Guided by Dr. William Rothe, M.D.

With over 25 years of experience and dual board certification in Emergency Medicine and Addiction Medicine, Dr. Rothe brings exceptional expertise and empathy to every patient’s recovery journey. His approach focuses on restoring health, building coping skills, and preventing relapse through individualized care plans. At Addiction Therapy Services, Dr. Rothe and his dedicated team provide a confidential and nonjudgmental space where patients can rebuild their lives, strengthen their resilience, and begin a healthier, alcohol-free future. For more information, contact us or schedule an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 4760 Sawmill Road, Suite B Columbus, OH 43235. We serve patients from Columbus OH, Dublin OH, Upper Arlington OH, Hilliard OH, Worthington OH, and surrounding areas.