The terms 'alcoholic' and 'alcoholism' can be stigmatizing as they have negative associations and place blame on the individual. The historical concept of alcoholism may largely overlap with that of alcohol addiction or what is more formally known as an alcohol use disorder (AUD). A person who finds it difficult to control their use of alcohol, even after experiencing significant personal or professional problems, may be struggling with alcohol addiction.¹ It's best to speak honestly with a healthcare professional who can provide a thorough evaluation to diagnose you.

There are several reasons why a person may feel the desire to drink alcohol despite significant personal or professional problems. Similar to other addictive substances, alcohol stimulates the release of the neurotransmitter dopamine, a brain chemical involved in movement, motivation, and reward-seeking. This may reinforce drinking as a result and make the experience of drinking more appealing. ^{2, 3}

You can support a loved one struggling with alcohol in several ways. You can lend an ear to listen to their struggles or engage in activities together that don't involve alcohol. If allowed, you can attend a support group with your loved one, which can help them feel supported. It's important to remember that recovery is a life-long journey and setbacks are common. If this happens, remain patient, open, and understanding.

Someone who abuses alcohol (drinking too much at once, binge drinking, drinking large quantities over a long period of time) is not necessarily suffering from an alcohol use disorder (AUD). To be diagnosed with an AUD, individuals must meet at least 2 of 11 criteria from the DSM-V in a 12-month period, including feeling incapable of cutting back on alcohol consumption and experiencing withdrawal symptoms if the individual cuts back or stops drinking. If you are struggling to control your alcohol use, even after experiencing significant personal or professional problems, you may be suffering from an AUD.

Is alcohol addictive? It can be. Alcoholism, or alcohol use disorder (AUD), refers to a chronic but treatable disease where it is difficult to control your use of alcohol, even after drinking has had a negative impact on 1 or more areas of your life.^1,2 Alcohol dependence can be psychological—you rely on alcohol to manage stressors. It can also be physical, meaning your body becomes accustomed to the presence of alcohol after long periods of heavy use (i.e., tolerance) and relies on alcohol to avoid going through withdrawal.^1,4,7 Drinking alcohol over time can cause changes in how the brain works.^3,8 These changes contribute to the diagnostic characteristics of an AUD.

A person who finds it difficult to control their use of alcohol, even after experiencing significant personal or professional problems, is likely to be considered an alcoholic.^7,10 The best way to find out if you have a problem with alcohol is to speak honestly with a medical or psychiatric professional who can accurately diagnose you.^2,10 There is no specific number of drinks you need to consume daily to be considered an alcoholic, but if you regularly drink more than moderate amounts of alcohol, you may have an issue. If you are worried that your drinking might be problematic, there are some questions you can ask yourself.

If you are struggling with an AUD, there are risks that may occur if you stop drinking. If you have physical dependence, you may experience withdrawal with the cessation of drinking. (Withdrawal symptoms include tremors in your hands, sweating, hallucinations, depression, anxiety, and trouble sleeping.). Withdrawal can be uncomfortable, painful, and potentially dangerous, especially for those who drink excessively on a daily basis.⁹