There are several disorders related to alcohol use, including alcohol intoxication, alcohol withdrawal syndrome, and alcohol-induced mental disorders. However, the most common among them is alcohol use disorder (AUD) itself, which is also the most prevalent condition in the category of substance use disorders. This is a chronic condition that requires serious attention and comprehensive support.

What is Alcohol Use Disorder?

Alcohol use disorder is diagnosed when specific symptoms are present, such as increased tolerance to alcohol, loss of control over drinking, spending a significant amount of time obtaining, using, or recovering from alcohol, and being unable to stop drinking despite multiple attempts.

For instance, a person may begin drinking in larger amounts or for a longer period than originally intended. Over time, there may be a strong desire to cut down or control alcohol use, but efforts to do so often fail. The person may start spending a lot of time seeking alcohol or finding opportunities to drink, consuming it, or recovering afterward. They experience a strong craving and may begin neglecting responsibilities at work or home due to regular alcohol use.

Alcohol use often leads to deteriorating relationships with others, yet the person continues drinking despite these problems. Social life, work, and hobbies may be pushed aside in favor of drinking. Sometimes alcohol is consumed in situations where it is physically dangerous to do so, but the person does not stop. Even when physical or mental health issues arise as a direct result of alcohol use, the drinking continues.

Over time, the body becomes accustomed to alcohol, requiring larger quantities to achieve the same effect. If the person tries to stop drinking, they may experience withdrawal symptoms, which can be severe - tremors, anxiety, irritability, or even seizures. To avoid these symptoms, some continue drinking or turn to other substances.

Alcohol use disorder is widespread in many countries and is a major contributor to both illness and death. According to the World Health Organization, approximately 3 million deaths per year are attributed to alcohol use, and about 5.1% of the global burden of disease and injury is linked to alcohol. The prevalence of alcohol dependence varies depending on country and culture, but overall trends show that men are more likely to experience this disorder than women. The causes of alcohol dependence are a combination of genetic, psychological, social, and environmental factors. While heredity plays a significant role, environmental influences - such as family traditions, social environments, and stress—are also important.

Impact on Life

Alcohol use disorder may develop in stages and can present with varying degrees of severity. Depending on the phase and intensity, it may impact a person’s life in different ways.

In the early stages, it may not interfere with work and may go unnoticed by others, yet it can have a destructive effect on mental health, self-esteem, and the ability to experience satisfaction in life.

In later stages, issues arise in family relationships and work, as well as legal and financial difficulties.

People with alcohol use disorder often feel shame and guilt about their inability to control their behavior, which can deepen the problem. Family members and loved ones frequently suffer from the emotional and physical stress of alcoholism, which may lead to the breakdown of family bonds and deteriorate the quality of life for everyone involved.

Treatment

Treatment for alcohol dependence includes a combination of medication, psychotherapy, and social interventions. Medication can help reduce cravings and ease withdrawal symptoms, while psychotherapy - particularly Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing, and other therapeutic approaches and programs - can help change the thoughts and behaviors related to drinking. Support groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous also play an important role in supporting individuals on their recovery journey.

It’s important to remember that treatment for alcohol use disorder is a long-term process, and many people experience relapses along the way.

As with other addictions, in the case of alcohol use disorder, professionals do not speak of a “cure.” Even after decades of sobriety, the condition is referred to as sustained remission rather than recovery.

Nevertheless, with proper support and treatment, stable remission is achievable, and people can significantly improve their quality of life.