Basics of AUD

Alcohol and Health

How to Stop Drinking

Medication for Alcoholism

Recovery Coaching

Alicia Schultz

Alicia Schultz

Content Writer

Alicia is a Minnesota-based freelancer who writes for Ria Health and various other brands in the health and wellness space. Beyond addiction and recovery, she also covers topics relating to general well-being, mindfulness, fitness, mental health, and more. When she’s not writing, you can find her relaxing with her three-legged cat, trying new workout routines, and spending time with her loved ones.

Articles by Alicia Schultz

Man holds a breathalyzer in his mouth and blows into it.

Blood Alcohol Content Chart: Blood Alcohol Levels Explained

When it comes to alcohol and safety, blood alcohol content (BAC) is an important metric that helps determine a person’s.

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May 17, 2024
close up green shamrocks

Why St. Patrick’s Day is a Drinking Holiday, and How to Stay Sober

As spring approaches, many of us are looking forward to the bright, green, and festive holiday known as St. Patrick’s.

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March 12, 2024
woman facing sunrise wrapped in plaid blanket

How To Keep a New Year’s Resolution To Quit Alcohol

With January rapidly approaching, it might seem like everyone has a goal to improve their life in the new year..

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January 8, 2024
person in blue sweater receiving a gift

Gifts for Non-Drinkers: 9 Thoughtful Ideas For the Holidays

Struggling to pick out non-alcoholic gifts for a loved one this holiday season? If so, you’re not alone. While liquor.

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December 11, 2023
woman measuring her waist with tape

How Much Weight Will I Lose if I Stop Drinking Alcohol?

Go to the Alcohol Weight-Loss Calculator Have you been trying to lose weight, but struggling to slim down? If you.

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October 4, 2023
bearded male bartender at taps

How to Get Rid of a Beer Belly

If you’re a beer-enthusiast who’s gained a bit of belly weight over the years, you’re not alone. That extra chub.

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June 15, 2023
3 young women in a grainy photo holding drinks

6 Signs You’re Too Old To Drink Like You’re 21

When you were in your early 20s, getting drunk might’ve been your weekend routine. You’d put on your slickest outfit,.

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June 8, 2023
friends raising glasses outdoors

Why Do I Always Want To Drink More When I’m Already Drunk?

If you’ve ever accidentally gotten way too drunk, you probably know that alcohol can play strange tricks on your brain..

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June 6, 2023
array of 100 dollar bills

How Much Does Alcohol Treatment Cost?

When you’re ready to seek help for alcohol addiction, navigating the cost of treatment can be difficult. So difficult, in.

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May 23, 2023
rocks below the water

What Is Rock Bottom, and Do You Need To Reach It To Get Help?

Rock bottom: If you or someone you know has ever struggled with addiction, chances are you’ve heard of it. It’s.

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May 2, 2023
man holding baby's breath flowers behind his back

Sober Dating: The Art of Getting Back Out There Without the Booze

If you’re in recovery, you probably know that the dating scene is challenging to navigate. As hard as it is.

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April 18, 2023
several roads crossing in an orchard

What Is Cross Addiction, and Is It a Real Thing in Recovery?

Cross addiction—also known as addiction interaction disorder or addiction transfer—is a phenomenon you might’ve heard of in recovery. In a.

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April 13, 2023
two pairs of feet beneath the covers, alcohol and sex

Alcohol and Your Sex Life: Does It Help or Hurt?

Booze is a go-to substance for socializing, meaning people use it for everything from casual hangouts to exciting hookups. But.

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March 28, 2023
two men clinking beer glasses at a rooftop bar

Why Do People Drink Alcohol?

Do you ever find yourself wondering, “Why do people drink alcohol?”  Drinking is so common these days that it can.

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March 9, 2023
dark shot of woman drinking tea and feeling unwell

Why Does My Stomach Hurt After Drinking Alcohol?

Have you ever experienced stomach pain after knocking back a few drinks? You’re certainly not alone.  Drinking can take a.

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February 28, 2023
man and woman drinking beer and flirting on rooftop bar

The Truth About Liquid Courage: Finding Confidence Without Alcohol

Have you ever felt like you can’t be yourself without alcohol? Or that you’re only able to beat social anxiety.

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February 21, 2023
upward angle shot of california palm trees

California Sober vs. Sober Curious: Which Is Better For You?

Have you noticed a rise in “drink less” movements? More people than ever are finding ways to cut back on.

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January 12, 2023
hand holding smartphone with tiktok loading screen

Is TikTok Culture Influencing Us To Drink More or Less?

Social media might not be the place you expect to see a ton of alcohol-related content. But thanks to TikTok’s.

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December 13, 2022
friends clinking glasses during daytime indoor table

What Does a “Damp Lifestyle” Mean, and Is It For You?

If you’ve been scrolling through social media lately, chances are you’ve stumbled upon the damp lifestyle movement. This new trend.

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November 29, 2022
person holding hot mug wearing christmas lights

11 Best Nonalcoholic Drinks To Warm You Up This Winter

The chilly winter weather is rolling around, and for many of us that means nothing sounds better than a warm, cozy drink..

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November 8, 2022
bartender hands cutting orange rind

Staying Sober When Your Job Involves Alcohol: Tips From Bartenders

Restaurant and bar worker culture is notoriously booze-fueled. In fact, when it comes to the professions that drink the most,.

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November 3, 2022
two people in ghost costumes holding jack o lanterns in a window

7 Tips For a Fun Sober Halloween

Halloween can be tricky to navigate in recovery—especially when it seems like almost everyone uses the occasion as a reason.

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October 20, 2022
drinking coffee and reading a book in the morning

Your Morning—With and Without Alcohol in Your Life

We’ve all been there. After a few too many drinks with friends, you rise in the morning feeling hungover, achy,.

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October 13, 2022
woman raising nearly empty beer glass at oktoberfest

How To Enjoy Oktoberfest—Without Overdrinking

Every year in Munich, Germany, and throughout the world, millions of people celebrate Oktoberfest. This autumn event is all about.

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September 27, 2022
bartender in suspenders preparing a line of cocktails

How Many Drinks Is the Perfect Number?

If you’ve ever puzzled over the perfect number of drinks for a night out, you’re not alone. After all, there’s.

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September 15, 2022
coworkers pouring champagne at a work event

Should You Drink at a Work Event? A Quick Guide To Alcohol and Networking

If you’ve ever wondered whether or not to grab a drink at a business lunch, you’re not alone. Alcohol can.

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September 8, 2022
football player preparing to throw

5 Athletes Who Got Sober—and Why They Gave Up Alcohol

It might seem like pro athletes are untouched by alcohol and substance use problems. But the truth is, addiction doesn’t.

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September 6, 2022
CBD oil capsules and marijuana leaves on gray background

Should You Mix CBD With Alcohol?

CBD (aka cannabidiol) is a hemp-derived molecule that’s become wildly popular for its calming, therapeutic benefits. And if you’ve already.

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August 2, 2022
hand pouring liquor into glass full of coins

Affordable Ways To Quit Drinking

If you’ve ever sought out help for alcohol addiction, you might know firsthand how cost can keep you from getting the support.

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July 28, 2022
two hands clutching each other

6 Signs Alcohol Is Hurting Your Relationship

Most people know that drinking too much can harm your mental and physical health. But alcohol abuse can also hurt.

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July 14, 2022
two feet in red sneakers on hammock

How to Drink Less on Vacation: Tips for Cutting Back on the Booze

Vacations are a time to unwind, relax, and explore different parts of the world. But if you’re like many of.

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July 7, 2022
adults at colorful outdoor water park

How To Throw a Fun Sober Party—and How To Party Sober

In nearly any party setting, you can find people using alcohol to let loose and socialize. But when you don’t.

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June 28, 2022
men and women drinking beer together outside

How Does Alcohol Affect Men and Women Differently?

Too much alcohol can take a toll on your health, regardless of your sex or gender identity. After all, it.

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June 23, 2022
blurry photo of people dancing in a club

How Drunk Am I? Why You May Not Know, and How To Figure It Out

Have you ever been out with an extremely drunk friend who insisted they were only tipsy or nearly sober? It.

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June 9, 2022
woman jumping ecstatically over landscape

Resilience in Recovery: What It Means, and How To Build It

Resilience and recovery from alcohol addiction go hand in hand. Because in those moments when you feel overwhelmed or triggered,.

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May 31, 2022
hand holding glass of wine overlooking evening view

I Drink Every Night: Am I an Alcoholic?

I drink every night. Am I an alcoholic?  If you have a drink (or several) with dinner every night, chances.

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May 12, 2022
man in black baseball cap practicing mindfulness

5 Best Mindfulness Apps for Alcohol Recovery

Countless people rave about the benefits of mindfulness and meditation for addiction recovery (and rightfully so). But if you’ve ever.

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May 10, 2022
large white turning arrow on black pavement

How To Prevent Relapse—or Bounce Back From It

Whether you’ve been sober for years or are brand new to recovery, relapse is a tricky subject. You’ve likely heard.

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May 5, 2022
hands holding several shots at bar

How To Stop Binge Drinking: 7 Tips To Break the Habit

If you’ve ever wondered how to get binge drinking under control, you’re not alone. According to 2019 numbers, 25.8 percent.

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April 19, 2022
microphone in front of laptop with two people

9 Best Sobriety Podcasts to Boost Your Recovery Journey

If you’re in the process of cutting back or quitting drinking, podcasts about sobriety can be an incredible resource. There.

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April 14, 2022
something better is coming postive affirmation

28 Positive Affirmations for Recovery from Addiction

Have you ever stopped to think about your self-talk during your recovery journey? If so, you might notice that some.

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February 17, 2022
hand calculator and stack of bills

How Much Money Will I Save If I Quit Drinking?

Have you ever wondered how much alcohol costs over the course of a lifetime? According to a recent Gallup poll,.

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February 10, 2022
friends ordering food at restaurant

15 Reasons Not to Drink Alcohol—Even If You’re Not an Alcoholic

If you’re like most people, you enjoy a glass of wine or beer with dinner from time to time. And.

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January 27, 2022
hungover woman working at the computer

How To Deal With a Hangover At Work

Picture this: It’s the morning after a night of heavy drinking, and you look over at the clock to see.

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January 13, 2022
watercolors flowers and painting

29 Things to Do Instead of Drink Alcohol

It can seem like alcohol plays a part in almost everything these days. Hanging out with friends, going to concerts,.

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December 30, 2021
two wine bottles on top of barrel

Are Wine Subscriptions Making You Drink More?

During the pandemic, wine subscription sales skyrocketed. Many of us were stuck at home for what felt like forever, and.

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December 23, 2021
woman reading a book and drinking coffee at a desk

9 Best Quit Lit Books and Sobriety Memoirs to Inspire Your Recovery

Whether you drink often, are newly sober, or anywhere in between, it can be deeply inspiring to hear a story.

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December 21, 2021
man pouring beer into glass at table

Alcohol and Celiac Disease: Which Drinks Are Safe?

Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder impacting an estimated two million people in the U.S. and one percent of people.

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November 30, 2021
pre-rolled joints on a fabric background

Delta-8 THC and Alcohol: The Facts

Delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) products are surging in popularity lately, especially in states where marijuana is not fully legalized. And if you’ve.

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November 2, 2021
woman sitting on couch looking out the window

Dealing With Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) In Sobriety

As the frosty weather rolls in and daylight hours decrease, it’s common to feel a little bit sadder. For some.

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October 26, 2021
Is your spouse lying about alcohol

Is Your Spouse Hiding Alcohol? How to Know When Someone’s Lying About Drinking

Being able to tell if a loved one has an alcohol problem isn’t always easy, even when it’s someone you.

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October 19, 2021
lead singer on a stage with smoke and lights

9 Best Recovery Anthems: Building Your Recovery Playlist

Music is a well-loved way to celebrate, connect with others, and express yourself. No matter what you’re going through, sometimes.

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October 4, 2021
kratom powder and wooden spoon

Kratom and Alcohol: Is the Combination Safe?

Kratom is gaining popularity in the western world, with many users claiming it boosts mood, increases energy levels, and alleviates.

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September 27, 2021
couple going through a breakup

Why Do We Drink After a Breakup?

Drinking after a breakup is a popular coping mechanism—despite the fact that it isn’t exactly healthy. On the one hand,.

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September 20, 2021
pride flag lgbtq and alcoholism

Alcohol Abuse and the LGBTQ Community

Alcohol problems are common in the United States, with 14.5 million people reporting having an alcohol use disorder in 2019..

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September 17, 2021
woman holding hand over her mouth

How To Get Rid of Alcohol Breath

Alcohol breath can be seriously embarrassing, especially if you have somewhere to be or someone to impress. And if you’ve.

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September 9, 2021
two people embracing at a group meeting

Building a Support System in Recovery

During both addiction and recovery, you may have moments where you feel like you’re alone in the world. You might.

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August 30, 2021
sunset picnic

Will I Still Have a Social Life Without Alcohol?

One of the many challenges of going sober is adjusting to your new social life. How can you make friends.

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August 20, 2021
man driving a car at night

How To Be the Designated Driver—and Still Have Fun

When your friend group is planning on a night out, choosing a designated driver is essential. But if you’re the.

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August 17, 2021
beer in glass next to basket of chips

Can I Drink Nonalcoholic Beer in Recovery?

When it comes to drinking nonalcoholic beer in recovery, you’ve probably heard mixed opinions. Some people feel that nonalcoholic beers,.

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August 13, 2021
woman holding her ears while her partner snores

Why Do I Snore When I Drink?

Do you notice yourself snoring more than usual when you drink alcohol? Maybe you’ve had the unpleasant surprise of being.

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August 3, 2021
hand holding glass full of colorful candy with purple background

What Happens If You Drink Alcohol and Take LSD?

When you think of LSD (otherwise known as acid), you might imagine hippies, festivals, and the 1960s. But the truth.

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July 16, 2021
cocktail glass with silver sparkles

Can You Drink Alcohol & Take Molly/Ecstasy (MDMA)?

Whether at a festival, rave, or concert, the party scene often involves people mixing substances to have a good time..

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July 13, 2021
big red "no" sign

Excuses for Not Drinking: 8 Ways to Politely Say “No” To Alcohol

Heading to a party, concert, or another social event can be daunting when you’re skipping out on the alcohol. This.

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May 10, 2021
white narcissus flower, narcissism and alcohol

Alcohol & Narcissistic Personality Disorder: Is There a Connection?

When it comes to alcohol addiction and narcissism, there are some uncanny similarities that can leave loved ones confused, frustrated,.

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May 4, 2021
runner crouching at the starting line

Does Alcohol Affect Your Athletic Performance?

Whether you’re a casual jogger or a pro athlete, the effects of alcohol on athletic performance can seem like a.

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May 3, 2021
hand holding phone at a bar

Why Do People Drunk Text Their Exes?

Drunk texting your ex is a common phenomenon that can leave you filled with regret the next morning. And being.

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April 8, 2021
vegetable salad, recovering alcoholic diet

5 Best Foods to Eat in Recovery from Alcohol

So, you’ve quit drinking—and perhaps you’re already starting to feel the health benefits. But, you may also notice your body.

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March 8, 2021
woman looking in mirror, effects of alcohol on skin

The Effects of Alcohol on Your Skin

It’s common knowledge that alcohol isn’t exactly good for your skin. And if you like to hit happy hour after.

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January 29, 2021
man working out outdoors, alcohol and working out

How Does Drinking Alcohol Affect Your Workout?

If you crave a few drinks on occasion, but love your exercise routine too, you might be wondering: How does.

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January 14, 2021
chess board, sober things to do

8 Fun Sober Things to Do During the Pandemic

Finding sober things to do during a pandemic can be difficult—especially with all the anxiety and restlessness that can come.

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January 7, 2021
woman shouting, should you argue with a drunk person

Should You Argue With a Drunk Person?

Every now and then, you might find yourself in a heated argument with someone who’s had a little too much.

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December 28, 2020
woman holding glass maladaptive behavior

Maladaptive Behavior and Addiction: Breaking the Cycle

When dealing with unpleasant emotions or circumstances, we all sometimes struggle to face things head-on. Avoidance, anger, or other similar.

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November 19, 2020