ALCOHOL ADDICTION

Alcohol Use Disorder

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Addiction to alcohol is medically classified as Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD), a chronic brain disease defined by an impaired ability to stop or control drinking despite harmful consequences to health, work, or family.

 

Signs of Alcohol Use Disorder

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• Drinking more often or drinking more than they intended.

• Finding it difficult to stop once they start drinking.

• Need to drink more alcohol to get the same effect.

• Drink alone or secretly because they are worried about what others may think.

• Use alcohol to cope with stress, sadness, anger, loneliness or other difficult emotions.

• Tried to cut down or stop drinking but keep going back to it.

• Miss work, appointments or important family commitments because of drinking.

• Have arguments or problems with their spouse, children, family or friends because of alcohol.

• Continue drinking even after experiencing health, relationship, work or financial problems.

• Experience symptoms such as shaking, sweating, anxiety, irritability or feeling unwell when they stop drinking.