Alcohol Use Disorder Treatment in Portland, OR
Drinking patterns exist on a spectrum, and a lot of people who are struggling do not fit the picture they have in their head of what alcohol use disorder is supposed to look like. You do not need to have lost a job or a relationship for your drinking to be a clinical concern worth addressing. At Aspirant Wellness Solution our PMHNP provides honest evaluation and evidence-based medication management for alcohol use disorder, alongside treatment for any co-occurring mental health conditions, in Portland and across Oregon through telehealth.
What We Address
What Alcohol Use Disorder Actually Looks Like
Alcohol use disorder is diagnosed on a spectrum from mild to severe based on a specific set of criteria, not on a single dramatic event. Drinking more than intended, wanting to cut back but being unable to, cravings, tolerance, and continuing to drink despite knowing it is causing problems are all part of the diagnostic picture. Many people with a clinical alcohol use disorder are still functioning at work and in relationships, which makes it easy to dismiss the severity of what is happening.
Withdrawal from alcohol can be medically serious, unlike withdrawal from many other substances. If someone has been drinking heavily and regularly, stopping abruptly without medical guidance can be dangerous. Part of our evaluation includes assessing withdrawal risk and coordinating medical support when needed before any outpatient treatment plan begins.
Depression and anxiety are extremely common alongside alcohol use disorder, both as a cause and a consequence of drinking patterns. Our evaluation looks at the full picture, not just the drinking itself, and the treatment plan addresses both.
Severity Spectrum
- Drinking more than intended, some difficulty cutting back, occasional cravings. Often addressed effectively with outpatient support and, in some cases, medication.
- More established pattern with noticeable tolerance and some interference with daily responsibilities. Medication-assisted treatment is often beneficial at this stage.
- Significant tolerance, withdrawal symptoms, and substantial interference with daily life. May require medical detox before outpatient treatment and benefits strongly from medication-assisted treatment.
Evaluation and Medication Management for Alcohol Use Disorder
Treatment starts with an honest evaluation of drinking patterns and severity, including withdrawal risk. From there we build a plan that may include medication, co-occurring condition treatment, and coordination with counseling.
Step 1: Honest Evaluation
We assess drinking patterns, frequency, quantity, prior attempts to cut back, withdrawal history, and any co-occurring mental health conditions. No judgment, just an honest clinical picture.
Step 2: Withdrawal Risk Assessment
If there is a history of heavy regular drinking, we assess withdrawal risk carefully. Severe cases may need medical detox before outpatient treatment begins, and we coordinate that referral.
Step 3: Medication-Assisted Treatment
Naltrexone, acamprosate, and disulfiram are all options depending on the clinical picture and patient preference. We discuss what fits your situation.
Step 4: Co-Occurring Condition Treatment and Follow-Up
We treat any co-occurring depression, anxiety, or other conditions alongside the alcohol use disorder and schedule regular follow-up to monitor progress and adjust medication.
Medications Reference Card
Reduces the rewarding effects of alcohol, which reduces cravings and heavy drinking days. Available as a daily pill or monthly injection (Vivitrol). One of the most commonly prescribed options.
Helps restore chemical balance disrupted by chronic alcohol use and reduces cravings during early sobriety. Taken three times daily, typically started after someone has stopped drinking.
Causes an unpleasant physical reaction if alcohol is consumed, functioning as a deterrent. Requires strong patient commitment and is not the right fit for everyone.
Used off-label for alcohol use disorder with good evidence for reducing heavy drinking days. An option when first-line medications are not well tolerated.
Alcohol Use Disorder Treatment by Telehealth Across Oregon
We offer telehealth appointments for alcohol use disorder evaluation and medication management to patients anywhere in Oregon. Telehealth is appropriate for outpatient treatment when there is no acute withdrawal risk requiring medical supervision.
📍 Locations Served
In-Person Offices
Multnomah Village, OR (Primary)
Portland, OR (Secondary)
Regional Areas
SW Portland, Lake Oswego, Beaverton
Gresham, Milwaukie, Clackamas
How do I know if I have alcohol use disorder?
Alcohol use disorder is diagnosed using specific clinical criteria including drinking more than intended, difficulty cutting back, cravings, tolerance, and continuing to drink despite negative consequences. You do not need to have experienced a major life disruption for it to be clinically significant. A psychiatric evaluation can help determine where you fall on the spectrum.
Is it dangerous to stop drinking on my own?
It can be, particularly if you have been drinking heavily and regularly. Alcohol withdrawal can include serious symptoms including seizures in severe cases. Our evaluation assesses your withdrawal risk and we will refer you for medical detox if that is the safer route before starting outpatient treatment.
What medications help with alcohol use disorder?
Naltrexone and acamprosate are the most commonly used first-line medications. Naltrexone reduces the rewarding effects of alcohol and cravings. Acamprosate helps restore chemical balance and reduce cravings during early sobriety. Disulfiram and topiramate are additional options depending on your situation.
Can alcohol use disorder treatment be done through telehealth in Oregon?
Yes, for outpatient evaluation and medication management when there is no acute medical withdrawal risk. We see patients anywhere in Oregon through telehealth.
Does insurance cover alcohol use disorder treatment in Oregon?
Most major Oregon insurance plans cover psychiatric evaluation and medication management for alcohol use disorder, including Oregon Health Plan. We verify your coverage before your first appointment.
Accepting New Patients for Alcohol Use Disorder Treatment in Portland
If your drinking has become a concern, whether it feels mild or significant, an honest evaluation is the right place to start. We approach this without judgment and focus on what will actually help. Book a time and we will work through it together.
Crisis note below buttons: If you are in crisis, call or text 988. Cascadia Crisis Line: (503) 988-4888.