Lifting a huge weight: Talking about AUD as a health condition

Talking about alcohol use disorder and new treatment options can be a challenge. But it can also be life changing.

Nienke, who suffered from AUD, is compelled to spread the word and a message of hope — that alcohol use disorder is a fully treatable health condition.

After all, it was a chance conversation that changed her life. As a result of someone taking the time to share information with her in a nonjudgemental, compassionate way, she sought treatment, and has fully recovered from her cravings.

“I’m not a slave to my addiction anymore,” she says. “That’s why I want to shout it out: You don’t need to suffer. People don’t need to suffer.”

Nienke’s husband agrees that he hosts conversations about AUD because he knows he can have such an impact. “It’s not about trying to save the world, it’s about eliminating needless suffering one person at a time.”

At one time, Ed preferred to keep his struggles with alcohol and his decision to quit drinking private. But acquiring new knowledge about alcohol use disorder has been key to this new comfort level and has changed Ed’s approach.

“When I compare how I felt about my AUD a year ago, to where I am now, it’s like a huge weight has been lifted,” he says. “Because we know so much more about AUD now, it’s a lot easier to talk about it with other people.”

The more this couple speaks about alcohol use disorder to others, the more comfortable they become: “The idea is to spread the word in a way that is meaningful, respectful, compassionate, and knowledgeable.”

Ed adds that they don’t always need to dive deeply into their own personal story, but with new knowledge about AUD, they are equally able to share facts.

“We have the language. We have the understanding. We can answer the questions a lot easier. If I’d ever had to answer questions about AUD a year and a half ago, I’d say I don’t know. Now, I feel well enough informed that I can talk about it in a little bit less of a personal way, and a more objective way.”

Learn more about alcohol use disorder and how to talk about it