Alcohol Use Disorder Is a Medical Condition. It's Treatable.
Outpatient treatment for adults with alcohol use disorder — FDA-approved medications, counseling, and ongoing support. Evidence-based care across East Tennessee and Southwest Virginia. Same-day appointments. No judgment.
MAT Available
FDA-approved medications
Outpatient Care
Live your life while you recover
No Judgment
Same-day appointments
Telehealth Available
Across TN & VA
⚠️ Critical: Don't Quit Alcohol Cold Turkey If You Drink Heavily
Unlike most substances, alcohol withdrawal can be life-threatening. Severe alcohol withdrawal can cause seizures, delirium tremens (DTs), and cardiac complications. If you've been drinking heavily for an extended period — especially daily, multiple drinks per day — you should not stop drinking abruptly without medical supervision.
If you're worried about withdrawal: Call us at 423-202-3008. We'll help you figure out whether you need medical detox first (we coordinate referrals to trusted detox facilities) or whether you can start outpatient treatment with us directly. If you're experiencing seizures, severe shaking, hallucinations, or confusion: Call 911 or go to the ER immediately.
You Might Not Recognize Yourself Anymore. We've Helped Thousands Find Their Way Back.
Alcohol use disorder is one of the most common — and most misunderstood — medical conditions in America. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, approximately 28.6 million American adults have alcohol use disorder. If you're here, you're not alone. You're also not weak, broken, or beyond help.
Maybe drinking started as social, stress relief, or a way to cope with something painful. Maybe it became a daily necessity. Maybe you've watched it slowly take over — your health, your relationships, your career, your sense of who you are. Maybe you've tried to cut back, control it, or quit on your own — and it keeps pulling you back. Maybe you're scared of withdrawal. Maybe you're scared of life without it.
At Emmaus, we won't lecture you. We won't make you go to AA if you don't want to. We'll meet you where you are. Alcohol use disorder is treatable — FDA-approved medications exist for it, counseling works, and we've helped thousands of patients build sustainable recovery. Most patients are surprised by how much better life feels even within the first few weeks.
Signs of Alcohol Use Disorder
Alcohol use disorder can develop gradually and quietly. Here are the patterns to watch for in yourself or someone you love.
- Drinking more or for longer than intended
- Unsuccessful attempts to cut back or quit
- Spending significant time drinking or recovering from drinking
- Strong cravings or urges to drink
- Drinking despite negative consequences (health, work, relationships)
- Needing more alcohol to get the same effect (tolerance)
- Withdrawal symptoms (shaking, sweating, anxiety) when not drinking
- Hiding or lying about how much you drink
- Drinking in risky situations (driving, work)
- Health problems related to drinking
- Co-occurring depression, anxiety, or insomnia
- Family members expressing concern
What Alcohol Withdrawal Feels Like
Alcohol withdrawal is one of the few substance withdrawals that can be genuinely life-threatening. This is why medical supervision matters — and why we sometimes refer patients to detox before starting outpatient care.
Acute alcohol withdrawal typically begins 6-12 hours after the last drink, peaks at 24-72 hours, and the worst symptoms subside over 5-7 days. Severe withdrawal can cause seizures, hallucinations, and delirium tremens (DTs) — which can be fatal without medical care. Post-acute symptoms (sleep issues, mood changes, cravings) can persist for weeks or months. If you've been drinking heavily, supervised medical detox isn't optional — it's a safety measure.
😰 Anxiety & Tremors
Intense anxiety, shaking hands, sweating, rapid heartbeat. These are often the first signs of withdrawal, beginning 6-12 hours after the last drink.
🤢 Stomach Issues
Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite. Dehydration is a serious risk and one reason medical supervision matters during alcohol withdrawal.
⚠️ Seizures (Severe)
Grand mal seizures can occur in severe withdrawal, typically 12-48 hours after the last drink. This is a medical emergency.
🌀 Delirium Tremens (DTs)
Severe confusion, hallucinations, dangerous changes in heart rate and blood pressure. DTs typically begin 48-96 hours after the last drink and can be fatal without treatment.
😴 Sleep Disruption
Insomnia, vivid disturbing dreams, restless sleep. Can persist for weeks even after acute withdrawal resolves.
😔 Depression & Mood Changes
Profound depression, anxiety, irritability. Alcohol affects brain chemistry significantly; withdrawal often involves emotional turbulence that gradually improves.
How We Treat Alcohol Use Disorder
Our approach combines FDA-approved medications with counseling and ongoing support — all in an outpatient setting so you can rebuild your life while you recover.
Comprehensive Assessment
We evaluate your use history, current dose, health, and goals to determine the right starting point — including whether you need supervised detox first or can start with us directly.
Medication-Assisted Treatment
FDA-approved medications dramatically reduce cravings and eliminate most withdrawal symptoms. This is the most effective evidence-based treatment for opioid use disorder.
Counseling & Behavioral Therapy
Medication alone isn't enough. Individual and group counseling help you address the why, build coping skills, repair relationships, and create a sustainable recovery.
Long-Term Support
Opioid recovery isn't a 30-day fix. We stay with you for as long as you need — months, years, however long supports your stability.
💊 Yes — FDA-Approved Medications Exist for Alcohol Use Disorder
Many people don't know this: the FDA has approved several medications specifically for alcohol use disorder. These medications work in different ways — some reduce cravings, some manage withdrawal, some make drinking unpleasant — and they significantly improve outcomes when combined with counseling.
According to SAMHSA, medications for alcohol use disorder are underutilized — most patients aren't offered them despite strong evidence they help. At Emmaus, we routinely offer these medications as part of comprehensive treatment. Read more about our MAT program →
🏥 If You Need Medical Detox First, That's Critical for Safety
Alcohol detox isn't like other detoxes — it can be life-threatening. Severe withdrawal can cause seizures and delirium tremens. If you've been drinking heavily (multiple drinks daily for weeks or more), supervised medical detox isn't optional. Emmaus is an outpatient clinic — we don't provide medical detox ourselves, but we work with trusted detox partners who provide the monitoring and care you need during the most dangerous phase.
If you're unsure whether you need detox first, just call us. We'll help you assess your situation honestly and figure out the safest path forward — whether that's starting outpatient treatment with us directly or starting with a detox referral, then continuing recovery here.
Who We Help
Alcohol use disorder affects every demographic. Here are the most common patient situations we see.
🍷 Daily Drinkers
You've crossed from "drinking too much" to "needing to drink." Your body has adapted, and stopping isn't simple anymore. We can help safely.
😔 Self-Medicating Depression/Anxiety
Drinking has become your way to cope with depression, anxiety, trauma, or insomnia. We treat both — because addressing alcohol alone rarely works.
🔄 Multiple Recovery Attempts
You've tried AA. You've tried quitting cold turkey. You've tried moderation. We approach treatment differently — and with FDA-approved medications, outcomes improve.
👨👩👧 Family Members Calling for Loved Ones
Many of our first calls come from a worried spouse, parent, or adult child. We'll help you figure out the next step, even if your loved one isn't ready yet.
Why Choose Emmaus for Alcohol Recovery?
Our outpatient approach combines proven medical care with the kind of relationship that helps people actually stick with recovery.
⚡ Same-Day Appointments
The window of "I'm ready" can be short. We don't make you wait. Most patients can start within 24 hours of reaching out.
🏠 Outpatient Means Real Life
Keep your job, your home, your family, your privacy. No 30-day residential stay. Rebuild your life while you recover.
🤝 No Judgment, Ever
You won't be lectured or shamed. We've treated thousands of patients — there's nothing you can tell us that we haven't heard before.
🧠 Co-Occurring Mental Health
Most alcohol patients have underlying depression, anxiety, or trauma. We treat both at once — because that's how recovery actually sticks.
💳 Affordable Care
Medicare, Medicaid, TennCare, and most major insurance accepted. Free benefits verification available.
💻 Telehealth Available
Don't live near our clinics? Virtual visits across TN and VA — same care, no driving.
What Our Patients Say
Real stories from real patients walking the road of recovery with Emmaus.
By far the best place I've been to in 10 years. Emmaus has been a positive change for me. I'm treated like I matter — everyone here is nice and caring. I love that it's a non-judgmental place.
My husband had tried two other programs. What's different about Emmaus is that they didn't give up when he relapsed. They just adjusted the plan. He's been stable for over a year now.
This place is a true life saver. Their professional advice has even saved me from myself. The staff will do anything they can for you, and the doctor and entire team sincerely cares about making your quality of life the best.
Alcohol Treatment Across the Tri-Cities Region
Our alcohol use disorder treatment is available at all three Emmaus clinic locations and via virtual telehealth — covering communities across East Tennessee and Southwest Virginia.
📍 Johnson City, TN
Alcohol use disorder treatment available at our Johnson City clinic on Old Gray Station Road.
📍 Kingsport, TN
Most Kingsport patients access alcohol treatment at our Weber City clinic across the state line.
📍 Bristol, TN/VA
Bristol residents have two convenient options for alcohol treatment based on travel preference.
📍 Elizabethton, TN
Carter County residents access alcohol treatment through our Johnson City clinic.
📍 Greeneville, TN
Greene County residents use our Bulls Gap clinic on Highway 11E for alcohol care.
📍 Morristown, TN
Our Bulls Gap location serves many Hamblen County residents seeking alcohol recovery.
📍 Erwin, TN
Unicoi County residents access alcohol treatment through our Johnson City clinic.
📍 Gray, TN
Gray is one of our closest service areas — just minutes from our Johnson City clinic.
📍 Jonesborough, TN
Tennessee's oldest town is just minutes from our Johnson City alcohol treatment services.
📍 Rogersville, TN
Hawkins County residents in Rogersville find our Bulls Gap clinic conveniently located.
📍 Mosheim, TN
Mosheim residents have one of the shortest commutes to alcohol treatment in our area.
📍 Bloomingdale, TN
Sullivan County's Bloomingdale community is well-served by our Weber City clinic.
📍 Mt. Carmel, TN
Mt. Carmel patients have convenient access to our Weber City clinic for alcohol care.
📍 Weber City, VA
The heart of our Southwest Virginia alcohol treatment services — centrally located.
📍 Gate City, VA
Scott County residents in Gate City are minutes from our Weber City alcohol clinic.
📍 Big Stone Gap, VA
Wise County patients often combine in-person visits with telehealth for ongoing alcohol care.
Frequently Asked Questions About Alcohol Treatment
If you don't see your question here, just contact us — we're happy to talk through anything.
What is alcohol use disorder?
Is there medication that treats alcohol addiction?
Is alcohol withdrawal dangerous?
How long does alcohol withdrawal last?
Do you offer medical detox for alcohol?
Can I keep drinking moderately, or do I have to quit completely?
What if I'm also using other substances?
What about co-occurring depression or anxiety?
Do I have to go to AA?
Will my insurance cover alcohol treatment?
How much does treatment cost without insurance?
How quickly can I start?
Authoritative Resources on Alcohol Use Disorder
For deeper research from federal agencies and professional medical organizations, these are the trusted sources we reference in our clinical practice.
Alcohol Research
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism — leading federal alcohol research authority.
Medications for AUD
Federal substance abuse authority on FDA-approved medications for alcohol use disorder.
Alcohol & Public Health
Centers for Disease Control data on alcohol use, health impacts, and treatment access.
Rethinking Drinking
NIAAA self-assessment tool to evaluate your drinking patterns and risks.
Addiction Medicine
American Society of Addiction Medicine — clinical guidelines our practice follows.
Crisis Support
If you're in crisis, call or text 988 anytime. Free, confidential, 24/7.
Take the First Step Toward Recovery
Whether you're seeking help for yourself or someone you love, we'll listen. No pressure, no judgment, no obligation.
You're Still Here. That Matters.
If you've made it to this page, something in you is fighting for a different future. That's enough. You don't need to figure it all out — just reach out. We'll take it from there, one step at a time.
Confidential • Evidence-Based • Outpatient • Since 2006
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Our Locations
Bulls Gap, TN
Tel
423-393-4146
Address
273 Hwy. 11E Suite E
Bulls Gap, TN 37711
Fax
423-393-4377
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Johnson City, TN
Tel
423-202-3008
Address
1730 Old Gray Station Rd
Johnson City, TN 37615
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