Alcoholics

Alcoholics is a term historically used to describe people with excessive and problematic alcohol consumption. In current clinical language, the condition is referred to as alcohol use disorder (AUD). AUD is diagnosed when a pattern of alcohol use leads to clinically significant impairment or distress, with symptoms such as cravings, inability to cut down, withdrawal, tolerance, neglect of activities, and continued use despite problems. The DSM-5 defines 11 criteria; severity is mild, moderate, or severe based on how many criteria are met.

Risk factors include genetic predisposition, family history, early onset of drinking, psychiatric comorbidity, and environmental factors such as stress or peer influences. AUD often co-occurs with other mental health or substance use disorders.

Health effects: Short-term effects include impaired judgment and accidents; long-term heavy use can cause liver disease, pancreatitis, various cancers, cardiovascular disease, and neurological problems. AUD can lead to social, legal, and occupational consequences and increases risk for withdrawal complications.

Treatment: management is multidisciplinary and may involve medical detoxification if withdrawal is unsafe, pharmacotherapy (naltrexone, acamprosate, disulfiram in some cases), and behavioral therapies such as motivational interviewing and cognitive-behavioral therapy. Mutual-help groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous, as well as other peer-support programs, can assist recovery. Treatments address co-occurring disorders and aim to reduce relapse risk and improve overall functioning.

Social context: Stigma surrounding AUD can impede help-seeking. Screening for AUD is recommended in many healthcare settings, and improving access to evidence-based treatment and support services is a public health objective.