Alcohol Use Disorder

About Alcohol Use Disorder

Alcohol use disorder is a problematic pattern of alcohol use leading to significant impairment or distress. Features include drinking more or for longer than intended, unsuccessful efforts to cut down, craving, spending a lot of time obtaining or recovering from alcohol, failing to meet obligations, continued use despite social, physical or psychological problems, and tolerance and withdrawal. DSM-5 combined the earlier categories of alcohol abuse and alcohol dependence into a single disorder rated as mild, moderate or severe. It is one of the most common substance use disorders worldwide and contributes to liver disease, heart disease, several cancers, injuries and mental health problems. Withdrawal after prolonged heavy use can be medically serious, which is why medically supervised withdrawal is part of treatment for some people. Effective treatments include motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioral therapy, mutual support groups, and approved medications such as naltrexone, acamprosate and disulfiram, and many people recover.