Overview
Alcohol use disorder is a medical condition in which a person has difficulty controlling their alcohol intake despite negative effects on health, relationships, and daily life. It ranges from mild to severe, and the severe end is what most people call alcoholism. It is a recognised brain disorder, not a character flaw.
How common is it?
Alcohol use disorder can affect people from any background. It ranges in severity and can cause significant physical, psychological and social harm.
Causes and risk factors
Repeated heavy drinking can change the brain's reward and stress systems and lead to dependence. Genetic, psychological and social factors all contribute; not everyone who drinks heavily develops the same pattern of problems.
Common risk factors
- Family history of alcohol problems
- Starting drinking at a young age
- Mental health conditions such as depression or anxiety
- High-stress environment or trauma
- Social and cultural factors normalising heavy drinking
- Easy access to alcohol
Symptoms
- Drinking more or for longer than intended
- Unsuccessful attempts to cut down
- Spending a lot of time drinking or recovering
- Strong cravings for alcohol
- Failing to fulfil work, family, or social duties
- Continuing to drink despite relationship or health problems
- Withdrawal symptoms (shaking, sweating, nausea) when not drinking
When to see a doctor
Seek help if drinking causes harm, you cannot cut down as intended, or you get withdrawal symptoms. Do not stop suddenly if dependent; seek a supervised plan. Seizures, hallucinations, severe confusion or marked agitation during withdrawal need emergency help: call your local emergency number.
Diagnosis
Doctors use standardised questionnaires (such as AUDIT or CAGE) and clinical assessment to identify the pattern and severity. Blood tests can check for liver damage.
Treatments
Medically assisted withdrawal
Hospital or supervised withdrawal using medication (usually benzodiazepines) to prevent dangerous complications like seizures during detoxification.
Medications to prevent relapse
Acamprosate reduces cravings, naltrexone blocks the pleasurable effects of alcohol, and disulfiram causes unpleasant reactions if alcohol is consumed.
Talking therapies
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and motivational interviewing address the psychological drivers of drinking and build coping skills.
Self-care and lifestyle
- Attend a peer support group such as Alcoholics Anonymous or SMART Recovery
- If dependence is possible, agree a safe withdrawal plan with a clinician before removing alcohol or suddenly reducing intake
- Identify personal triggers and develop alternative responses
- Rebuild sleep, nutrition, and exercise habits progressively
Prevention
UK low-risk guidance advises adults not to regularly exceed 14 units a week, spread over several days; this is not a risk-free target, and guidance differs internationally. Avoid alcohol during pregnancy. If dependence or withdrawal symptoms are possible, including during pregnancy, seek prompt clinical advice before cutting down or stopping.
Sources for targeted updates
Updated: 24 October 2026. Targeted corrections to frequency, causes, self-care, urgent-care guidance, prevention, key facts. This update covers the named sections; a full review of the remaining guide is pending.