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Alcohol Use Disorder
Alcohol use disorder is when drinking becomes hard to control and harms your health, relationships or daily life. It is a treatable health condition, and support is available without judgement.
Causes & risk factors
- A mix of genetic, psychological and social factors
- Family history of alcohol problems
- Using alcohol to cope with stress or low mood
- Social and cultural drinking patterns
- Depression, anxiety or trauma
Common symptoms
- Difficulty controlling how much you drink
- Cravings for alcohol
- Needing more to get the same effect
- Withdrawal symptoms such as shaking or sweating
- Drinking despite harm to health or relationships
- Nausea, especially in the morning
Tests & diagnosis
- Clinical assessment and drinking questionnaires
- Liver function
- Blood count
Treatment & management
- Support to cut down or stop safely — sudden stopping can be dangerous, so seek advice first
- Talking therapies and counselling
- Support groups and peer support
- Medicines to reduce cravings or support withdrawal
- Treating underlying depression, anxiety or trauma
When to see a doctor urgently
- Severe withdrawal such as shaking, confusion, hallucinations or seizures — call your local emergency number now
- Thoughts of harming yourself — get help immediately: contact a crisis line or call your local emergency number now
- Feeling unable to control your drinking
- Vomiting blood or severe abdominal pain — seek urgent care
Frequently asked questions
Is it safe to stop drinking suddenly?
For heavy, dependent drinkers, stopping abruptly can cause dangerous withdrawal including seizures. It is safest to get medical advice first so withdrawal can be managed safely.
Where can I get help?
Your doctor, local support services and peer groups can all help without judgement. Treatment combines counselling, support and sometimes medicine, and recovery is very possible.
Explore more
Sources & further reading
- World Health Organization (WHO)
- MedlinePlus — U.S. National Library of Medicine
- Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, India
- Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)
Reviewed by Dr. Sanjay Anbu, MBBS. MedDroid is an AI medical assistant and can make mistakes. It provides general health information, not a diagnosis or medical advice — always consult a qualified clinician. In an emergency, contact your local emergency number immediately.