National Addiction Treatment CentersThe Short Answer
Alcohol use disorder is a medical condition that involves compulsive drinking and a loss of control over alcohol, and the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism describes it as a spectrum that can range from mild to severe. Treatment is available and includes behavioral therapies, medications and mutual-support groups, and NIAAA advises people to talk with a doctor or other licensed clinician about which options fit their situation. In an emergency call 911, and in a mental health crisis call or text 988.
Your Safety Comes First
This guide is general information from official sources, not medical advice. Talk to a doctor or other licensed clinician before you start, stop or change any medication, and do not try to manage withdrawal on your own. If you or someone else is in danger or has overdosed, call 911 now.
For a mental health or substance use crisis, call or text 988 (the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline), any time.
Key Points
- NIAAA describes alcohol use disorder as a treatable condition marked by drinking that is hard to control, despite problems it causes.
- Treatment options summarised by NIAAA and SAMHSA include behavioral therapies, medications and mutual-support groups.
- The NIAAA Alcohol Treatment Navigator and FindTreatment.gov are official tools for locating care.
- SAMHSA notes that crisis support through 988 is available by phone or text for people in distress.
- Talk with a doctor or other licensed clinician about any medication, pregnancy or withdrawal decision.
What Alcohol Use Disorder Means
The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism describes alcohol use disorder as a medical condition in which a person keeps drinking despite problems it causes and finds it difficult to control their drinking. NIAAA presents it on a spectrum, so the number and pattern of symptoms differ from person to person. It is described as treatable, and NIAAA notes that many people who seek help go on to reduce or stop drinking and improve other areas of their lives.
Anyone with concerns about their own drinking is advised to talk with a doctor or other licensed clinician.
Signs That May Point to Alcohol Use Disorder
NIAAA groups the signs of alcohol use disorder into patterns that include drinking more or longer than intended, wanting to cut down without managing to, spending a lot of time drinking or recovering, craving alcohol, and continuing to drink even when it harms relationships, work or health. Other signs include giving up activities in favour of drinking, drinking in risky situations, and developing tolerance or withdrawal symptoms. NIAAA also notes that some people experience blackouts or mood changes linked to drinking.
These signs are summarised by NIAAA as an aid to awareness, not a diagnosis, and a qualified clinician makes any assessment.
Treatment Options Described by Official Sources
NIAAA explains that treatment for alcohol problems can include behavioral therapies delivered by licensed clinicians, medications approved for treating alcohol use disorder, and mutual-support groups. SAMHSA describes treatment for substance use disorders more broadly as including outpatient, residential and medication-assisted approaches, with care matched to a person's needs. NIAAA notes that no single approach works for everyone and that people may try more than one route before finding what helps.
Decisions about medications, and about care during pregnancy or any withdrawal situation, belong with a doctor or other licensed clinician.
Finding Care with the NIAAA Navigator
The NIAAA Alcohol Treatment Navigator is an official tool that helps people search for treatment providers and learn what questions to ask when contacting them. NIAAA describes the navigator as a way to find care that is backed by evidence and suited to a person's circumstances. FindTreatment.gov, run by SAMHSA, offers a national directory of substance use and mental health treatment services.
Both tools are intended to support the conversation a person has with a doctor or other licensed clinician rather than to replace it.
Support During a Crisis
SAMHSA operates the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, which people can call or text when they are in emotional distress or worried about someone else. In a medical emergency, such as severe intoxication or a serious injury, call 911. NIAAA notes that it is common to feel uncertain about seeking help, and that reaching out is described as an important step.
For ongoing concerns, a doctor or other licensed clinician can help sort through next steps.
Where Treatment Centres Fit In
SAMHSA's treatment options guidance explains that addiction treatment programs vary in setting and intensity, from outpatient appointments to residential care, and that people can ask providers what services they offer. NIAAA advises asking about a provider's approach, licensing and experience when choosing care. Directories such as FindTreatment.gov and the NIAAA navigator help people compare options in their area.
Anyone weighing treatment for alcohol use disorder is encouraged to talk with a doctor or other licensed clinician about what is appropriate.
Find Care Near You
Sources
This guide summarises these official sources. Check them for the latest guidance.
- Understanding Alcohol Use Disorder (National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism): https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/brochures-and-fact-sheets/understanding-alcohol-use-disorder
- Treatment for Alcohol Problems: Finding and Getting Help (National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism): https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/brochures-and-fact-sheets/treatment-alcohol-problems-finding-and-getting-help
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (samhsa): https://www.samhsa.gov/mental-health/988
- NIAAA Alcohol Treatment Navigator (National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism): https://alcoholtreatment.niaaa.nih.gov/
- FindTreatment.gov (samhsa): https://findtreatment.gov/
- Treatment Options for Substance Use Disorders (samhsa): https://www.samhsa.gov/substance-use/treatment/options
Frequently Asked Questions
What is alcohol use disorder?
NIAAA describes alcohol use disorder as a medical condition in which a person has trouble controlling their drinking and keeps drinking despite problems it causes. It is presented on a spectrum from mild to severe, and it is described as treatable. A doctor or other licensed clinician can assess symptoms and discuss options.
What are the signs of alcohol use disorder?
NIAAA lists signs such as drinking more or longer than intended, wanting to cut down without succeeding, craving alcohol, and continuing to drink despite harm to health, work or relationships. Other signs include tolerance, withdrawal symptoms and giving up activities in favour of drinking. NIAAA presents these as awareness points rather than a diagnosis. A doctor or other licensed clinician can help interpret what they mean in a person's situation.