The Eleven Symptoms of Alcohol Use Disorder

Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) is defined by a pattern of alcohol use leading to clinically significant impairment or distress. The diagnosis is based on the presence of one or more of the following symptoms within a 12-month period, with severity increasing as more criteria are met.

  1. Alcohol is often taken in larger amounts or over a longer period than was intended.

  2. There is a persistent desire or unsuccessful efforts to cut down or control alcohol use.

  3. A great deal of time is spent in activities necessary to obtain alcohol, use alcohol, or recover from its effects.

  4. Craving, or a strong desire or urge to use alcohol.

  5. Recurrent alcohol use resulting in failure to fulfill major role obligations at work, school, or home.

  6. Continued alcohol use despite persistent or recurrent social or interpersonal problems caused or worsened by alcohol.

  7. Important social, occupational, or recreational activities are given up or reduced because of alcohol use.

  8. Recurrent alcohol use in situations where it is physically hazardous (e.g., driving, operating machinery).

  9. Alcohol use is continued despite knowledge of a persistent or recurrent physical or psychological problem that is likely to have been caused or worsened by alcohol.

  10. Tolerance, defined by either:

  • A need for markedly increased amounts of alcohol to achieve intoxication or the desired effect, or

  • A markedly diminished effect with continued use of the same amount of alcohol.

  1. Withdrawal, manifested by either:

  • The characteristic withdrawal syndrome for alcohol, or

  • Alcohol (or a closely related substance, such as a benzodiazepine) being taken to relieve or avoid withdrawal symptoms.