What Is Alcohol Use Disorder?

AUD is a medical condition characterized by an impaired ability to stop or control alcohol use despite negative consequences. It ranges from mild to severe based on the number of criteria a person meets. It is not a moral failing — it is a chronic brain disorder with effective treatments.

Warning Signs of AUD

• Drinking more or longer than intended
• Unsuccessful attempts to cut down or stop
• Spending a lot of time drinking or recovering from drinking
• Cravings or strong urges to drink
• Drinking interfering with work, school, or family responsibilities
• Continuing to drink despite relationship problems
• Needing more alcohol to get the same effect (tolerance)
• Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when not drinking

Health Risks of Heavy Alcohol Use

Chronic heavy drinking damages virtually every organ system:

• Liver: Fatty liver, hepatitis, cirrhosis
• Heart: Cardiomyopathy, arrhythmias, stroke
• Brain: Cognitive impairment, neuropathy, Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome
• Cancer: Increased risk of mouth, throat, liver, breast, and colon cancers
• Mental health: Depression, anxiety, and increased suicide risk

Treatment Options

AUD is treatable at every severity level:

• Medical detox: Essential for heavy drinkers — alcohol withdrawal can be fatal without medical supervision
• Medications: Naltrexone (Vivitrol), acamprosate, and disulfiram are FDA-approved for AUD
• Behavioral therapies: CBT, motivational interviewing, and 12-step facilitation
• Inpatient or outpatient treatment: Depending on severity
• Support groups: AA, SMART Recovery, and peer support programs