Healthy Conversations: Alcohol

Learn about alcohol use disorder

What is alcohol use disorder?
Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a medical condition characterized by an impaired ability to stop or control alcohol use despite adverse social, occupational, or health consequences. It encompasses the conditions that some people refer to as alcohol abuse, alcohol dependence, alcohol addiction, and the colloquial term, alcoholism. Considered a brain disorder, AUD can be mild, moderate, or severe.

By the numbers:
According to a national survey, over 27 million adults aged 12 and older had alcohol use disorder in 2024.

But guess what?
The good news is that no matter how severe the problem may seem, evidence-based treatment with behavioral therapies, mutual-support groups, and/or medications can help people with AUD achieve and maintain recovery.

Source: https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/alcohols-effects-health/alcohol-topics/alcohol-facts-and-statistics/alcohol-use-disorder-aud-united-states-age-groups-and-demographic-characteristics

Risk factors for developing a drinking problem include:

• Some of us carry genes that put us at increased risk for alcohol use disorder.
• Environmental factors such as home life and social pressures also can contribute.

The effects of alcohol abuse can:

• Ruin relationships and careers.
• Increase risk for traffic accidents.
• Cause serious health issues including liver and brain damage as well as cancer of the liver, throat or esophagus.

Signs of dependence include:

• Craving - a strong need or compulsion to drink.
• Loss of control - inability to limit drinking.
• Physical dependence - withdrawal symptoms.
• Tolerance - needing to drink more and more to get intoxicated.