Basics of AUD

Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) is an inability to control or stop drinking despite experiencing negative consequences. It may or may not line up with what we traditionally call ”alcoholism.”

What Is AUD?
Drinking Levels Defined
Alcohol and Other Substances
Do I Have AUD? (survey)

Alcohol and Health

Excessive drinking has numerous impacts on your body and mind, ranging from mild to severe. Learn which signs to look out for, and how to care for your well-being.

Diseases Caused by Alcohol
Alcohol & Mental Health
Alcohol & Wellness FAQs

How to Stop Drinking

Quitting alcohol completely can be a challenge, but there are more ways to do it than ever before. Here is our guide to giving up (or cutting back) on alcohol.

Withdrawal and Safety
Types of Alcohol Rehab
Sticking With Recovery
Tips to Quit Drinking

Medication for Alcoholism

Ria Health offers several FDA-approved medications for alcohol use disorder. When combined with counseling, this approach is proven highly effective.

Naltrexone
Gabapentin
Disulfiram/Antabuse
Acamprosate
Baclofen
Topiramate

Recovery Coaching

At Ria, we offer weekly meetings with certified counselors to help members stay on track and build skills for long-term change. Learn more about our team’s approach.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Motivational Interviewing

alex lee

Alex Lee, DSW, LCSW

VP of Care Innovation & Director of Coaching

Alex Lee, DSW, LCSW

Dr. Alex Lee is a licensed clinical social worker, with experience in military, academic, government, non-profit, and community settings. He has a Doctorate in Social Work from the University of Southern California and is currently the leader of the Ria Health coaching team.

Dr. Lee began his career as an AIDS prevention coordinator, working with at-risk men and conducting community volunteer training. He then moved on to the Semel Institute at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). There, he managed multiple long-term studies on adolescent homelessness and intervention strategies, earning his first academic publications.

After completing his master’s degree in social work, Dr. Lee spent several years working with veterans and military families on managing PTSD, grief, and substance abuse. During this time, he conducted research and led programs through both UCLA and the Department of Veterans affairs. From there, he continued on to management roles at several recovery centers and clinics, establishing himself as a team leader and an expert in addiction, mental health, and trauma.

Ria Health is far from Dr. Lee’s first experience using telemedicine to treat behavioral health issues. During his time at UCLA working with military families, he investigated the use of smartphone apps to provide remote support. Later, at Alavida, he oversaw the implementation of a telemedicine-based treatment program across 6 Canadian provinces and the state of California. Ria is proud to have Dr. Lee on board as the leader of our coaching team.

In addition to his work at Ria, Dr. Lee is currently an adjunct professor at the University of Denver.