Before we begin: An alcohol use disorder (AUD) is drinking that causes distress and harm.
This tutorial walks you through everything you need to know about alcohol use disorder (aud). We explain it in plain language, step by step, so whether you are a student, a patient, or simply curious, you will come away with a solid understanding.
We cover what it is, why it matters, how it is diagnosed, and what you can do about it. Key facts are called out along the way.
What is alcohol use disorder (AUD)? For most adults, moderate alcohol use is probably not harmful. Your risk of developing an alcohol use disorder (AUD) depends on how much, how often, and how quickly you drink alcohol. Alcohol misuse means that drinking causes distress and harm. Over time alcohol misuse can increase your risk of AUD.
AUD can range from mild to severe, depending on the symptoms. Severe AUD is sometimes called alcoholism or alcohol dependence.
AUD is a disease that causes:
Craving - a strong need to drink
Loss of control - not being able to stop drinking once you’ve started
Negative emotional state - feeling anxious and irritable when you are not drinking
What is binge drinking? Binge drinking is a type of alcohol misuse. It means drinking so much at once that your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) level is 0.08% or more. For a man, this usually happens after having 5 or more drinks within a few hours. For a woman, it is after about 4 or more drinks within a few hours. Not everyone who binge drinks has an AUD, but they are at higher risk for getting one.
What are the dangers of too much alcohol? Too much alcohol is dangerous. Heavy drinking can increase the risk of certain cancers. It may lead to liver diseases, such as fatty liver disease and cirrhosis. It can also cause damage to the brain and other organs. Drinking during pregnancy can harm your fetus. Alcohol also increases the risk of death from car crashes, injuries, homicide, and suicide.
How do I know if I have an alcohol use disorder (AUD)? You may have an AUD if you can answer yes to two or more of these questions:
In the past year, have you:
Ended up drinking more or for a longer time than you had planned to?
Wanted to cut down or stop drinking, or tried to, but couldn’t?
Spent a lot of your time drinking or recovering from drinking?
Felt a strong need to drink?
Found that drinking - or being sick from drinking - often interfered with your family life, job, or school?
Kept drinking even though it was causing trouble with your family or friends?
Given up or cut back on activities that you enjoyed just so you could drink?
Gotten into dangerous situations while drinking or after drinking? Some examples are driving drunk and having unsafe sex.
Kept drinking even though it was making you feel depressed or anxious? Or when it was adding to another health problem?
Had to drink more and more to feel the effects of the alcohol?
Had withdrawal symptoms when the alcohol was wearing off? They include trouble sleeping, shakiness, irritability, anxiety, depression, restlessness, nausea, and sweating. In severe cases, you could have a fever, seizures, or hallucinations.
If you have any of these symptoms, your drinking may already be a cause for concern. The more symptoms you have, the more serious the problem is.
What should I do if I think that I might have an alcohol use disorder (AUD)? If you think you might have an AUD, see your health care provider for an evaluation. Your provider can help make a treatment plan, prescribe medicines, and if needed, give you treatment referrals.
NIH: National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism
Also known as: Alcohol abuse, Alcohol dependence, Alcoholism.
Related topics: Alcohol Abuse, Alcohol Dependence, Alcohol Withdrawal, Alcoholism, Binge Drinking, Drinking, Substance Use.
Categories: Substance Use and Disorders.
Source: National Institutes of Health — National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism.
Key Takeaways
Understanding alcohol use disorder (aud) is an important part of taking charge of your health. Here is what to remember:
- Know the signs — Recognizing early symptoms can lead to earlier diagnosis and better outcomes.
- Talk to your provider — If you have concerns or a family history of this condition, bring it up at your next checkup.
- Stay informed — Medical knowledge evolves. Keep learning and asking questions.
- You are not alone — Many people deal with this condition. Support groups and educational resources can help.