Alcohol Use Disorder - what used to be called alcoholism - is a condition related to the misuse or abuse of alcohol. When problematic drinking becomes severe, and a person's drinking pattern causes significant distress, they are given a medical diagnosis of Alcohol Use Disorder or AUD. To be diagnosed with AUD, a person must meet the criteria outlined below. The severity of AUD—mild, moderate, or severe—is based on the number of symptoms the person is experiencing. Any of these symptoms are a cause for concern; even a mild disorder can lead to health issues or problems at home, work, or school. 

 

A person with AUD may behave in the following ways:
 

• Drinking more or for a longer period of time than intended

• Difficulty stopping or cutting down drinking despite effort

• Spending a lot of time getting, using, or recovering from the effects of alcohol

• Having cravings or a strong urge to drink

• Difficulty meeting obligations at home, work, or school due to drinking or the aftereffects

• Continued drinking despite the trouble it causes with family or friends

• Giving up or cutting back on important or interesting activities in order to drink

• Recurrent driving, swimming, use of machinery, or engaging in other unsafe activities while or after drinking

• Continued drinking even when it has led to physical or psychological problems

• Drinking more to feel the desired effect of alcohol (building up a tolerance) 

• Withdrawal symptoms - such as trouble sleeping, shakiness, irritability, anxiety, depression, restlessness, nausea, or sweating - when the effects of alcohol wear off