What Causes Alcohol Use Disorder?

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a real medical condition. Doctors define it as trouble stopping or controlling drinking, even when it causes problems at home, work, or with health. 

Many people call this alcoholism, but AUD is the correct medical term. It is known as a brain disorder which can appear on a spectrum, as mild, moderate, or severe.

What Raises the Risk of AUD?

Doctors have found several factors that raise a person's risk for AUD.

• How much and how often someone drinks: Binge drinking and heavy drinking over time raise the risk the most.

• Starting to drink young: People who start drinking before age 15 are more likely to develop AUD in adult life than people who wait until they are 21. This risk is even higher for persons of the female sex.

• Genetics and family history: Genes play a large role. Studies show that genetics account for about 60% of AUD risk; still, genes work together with a person's environment. A parent's drinking habits can also affect a child's risk.

• Mental health and trauma: Conditions like depression, PTSD, and ADHD often occur alongside AUD. People who went through trauma as children also face a higher risk.

How Do Doctors Know If Someone Has AUD?

Doctors use a list of questions from the DSM-5, the manual used to diagnose mental health conditions. They ask about the past year. Questions include things like:

• Have you drunk more, or longer, than you meant to?

• Have you tried to cut back but couldn't?

• Have you needed more alcohol to feel the same effect?

• Have you had withdrawal symptoms, like shaking or trouble sleeping, when you stopped?

The number of "yes" answers decides how severe the AUD is. Two to three symptoms indicate mildness. Four to five indicate moderate. Six or more means severe.

How Common Is AUD?

AUD is more common than many people realize. According to national survey data from NIAAA, an estimated 28.9 million Americans age 12 or older—or about 1 in 10 people in that age group—suffered from Alcohol Use Disorder in the past year. 

It is the most prevalent non-tobacco substance use disorder in the country, and over half of U.S. adults say someone in their own family has struggled with it. This shows how widespread AUD really is, and why it should be treated as a health issue, not a personal failing. 

Can AUD Be Treated?

Yes. There is no single treatment that works for everyone, but there are several options that may be recommended by a licensed physician.

• Medications: Three drugs are approved by the FDA for AUD: naltrexone, acamprosate, and disulfiram. These can be used alone or with other treatments.

• Behavioral treatment: This is talk therapy with a licensed therapist. It helps people build coping skills and change drinking habits.

• Mutual-support groups: These are peer groups—like Alcoholics Annonymous—that offer ongoing support. Many are now available online and most are free.

People with severe AUD should talk to a doctor before stopping drinking. Withdrawal can be dangerous without medical support.

Recovery Is Possible

Many people with AUD do recover, though setbacks are common along the way. Getting help early makes a real difference. Treatment can also help during high-risk times, like after a divorce or the loss of a loved one.

You Don't Have to Face This Alone

If this sounds like you or someone you love, reaching out for help is a strong first step. Recovery looks different for each person, but no one has to go through it without support.

Visit Your Sober Self to explore resources and take that first step toward a healthier life.