Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) is a progressive and complex condition marked by a pattern of problematic alcohol use. It affects a person’s ability to stop drinking despite clear negative impacts on their health, relationships, and responsibilities.
Defined by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), this disorder, also called alcoholism, involves a range of symptoms from cravings and withdrawal symptoms to loss of control and persistent use in risky situations.
For many, drinking alcohol begins socially or casually—but can gradually evolve into excessive alcohol use, binge drinking, and ultimately alcohol dependence. Find out more about AUD, who’s most at risk, what effective treatment looks like, and how addiction counseling can support lasting recovery.
The Rising Prevalence of Alcohol Use Disorder
Recent research suggests a troubling rise in AUD cases across the U.S. Government health data indicates that over 28 million Americans aged 12 and older met criteria for alcohol use disorder in the past year. This includes a sharp increase among adults aged 25 to 44, who have seen some of the highest jumps in alcohol-related mortality in recent years. Excessive drinking is a significant factor contributing to this rise, leading to severe consequences and increasing the risk of developing AUD.
Several factors are driving this rise:
- Cultural normalization of drinking: Alcohol is deeply embedded in social rituals, celebrations, and media, often minimizing its risks.
- Stress and isolation from the pandemic: The COVID-19 era intensified stress and loneliness, leading many to turn to alcohol as a coping tool.
- Underlying mental health challenges: Individuals struggling with depression, anxiety, ADHD, or trauma often report higher levels of alcohol consumption as a form of self-medication.
Who Is at Higher Risk of Developing Alcohol Use Disorder?
While anyone can develop AUD, certain populations are more vulnerable due to biological, psychological, and social factors:
- Young adults (18–25) often engage in binge drinking—defined as five or more drinks for men, or four or more for women in a two-hour window—making them more susceptible to developing alcohol use disorder (AUD) over time.
- Women in Gen Z are now surpassing men in binge drinking rates, particularly those also using stimulants like Adderall, increasing their risk of both physical health problems and substance dependence.
- People with a family history of alcohol problems have a significantly higher likelihood of developing alcohol use disorder themselves, due to both genetics and learned behavior.
- Those with co-occurring mental health conditions, such as PTSD or ADHD, are particularly at risk as alcohol is often used to numb symptoms or self-regulate.
- Professionals in high-pressure careers may develop unhealthy alcohol use patterns due to chronic stress, burnout, and the normalization of drinking behavior in social or work settings.
Symptoms and Diagnosis of Alcohol Use Disorder
Symptoms of AUD can vary from person to person but often include drinking more or longer than intended, needing to drink more to achieve the desired effect, and experiencing withdrawal symptoms when trying to stop or reduce drinking.
The DSM-5 criteria for diagnosing AUD include a range of symptoms, such as craving alcohol, neglecting responsibilities due to drinking, and continuing to drink despite physical or mental health problems. A healthcare provider can assess these symptoms and determine the severity of AUD, which can range from mild to severe.
Early diagnosis and treatment are critical for preventing long-term health consequences, such as alcoholic hepatitis, and for reducing the risk of relapse. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) provides resources for finding treatment and support for individuals struggling with AUD.
Is There a Safe Level of Drinking Alcohol?
There’s growing scientific consensus that any amount of alcohol carries some level of risk. Even moderate alcohol use has been linked to increased risks of cancer, heart disease, liver disease, and mental health problems.
Consuming too much alcohol, including at-risk and binge drinking, is particularly associated with serious health conditions such as cancer, liver disease, and heart disease. Public health agencies now caution against assuming there’s a “safe” amount of alcohol consumption, especially for those with additional risk factors.
While some individuals may drink occasionally without harm, patterns of heavy drinking or frequent casual use can increase vulnerability to AUD. Key red flags include:
- Drinking more or longer than intended
- Unsuccessful attempts to stop drinking
- Craving alcohol or prioritizing it over responsibilities
- Needing to drink to relax, sleep, or cope
Can Alcohol Use Disorder Be Treated?
Yes—AUD is treatable. Successful recovery typically involves a combination of medical support, behavioral therapy, lifestyle changes, and long-term accountability.
Common treatment components include:
- Behavioral Treatments: Techniques such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Enhancement Therapy, and counseling help individuals understand and modify the behaviors contributing to their alcohol consumption. These treatments aim to reframe thinking, manage triggers, and build healthier coping strategies.
- Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT): FDA-approved medications like naltrexone and acamprosate can help decrease cravings and treat withdrawal symptoms.
- Support Groups: Community-based programs such as Alcoholics Anonymous offer peer support and structured recovery frameworks.
- Integrated Treatment for Co-occurring Conditions: Addressing both AUD and any underlying mental health disorders improves outcomes significantly.
- Structured Withdrawal Management: For individuals with severe alcohol dependence, medically supervised detox is essential to safely manage alcohol withdrawal and prevent complications.
How Joseph Ege, LCSW, Helps Clients With AUD
As a psychotherapist and addiction specialist, I provide a comprehensive and compassionate approach to treating Alcohol Use Disorder. My practice is grounded in the belief that therapy should be inclusive, client-centered, and tailored to each person’s needs—especially when navigating something as nuanced as substance abuse.
What Sets My Approach Apart
- Experience with Addiction and Complex Cases – My experience working with individuals facing addiction, particularly those dealing with stimulant misuse, alcohol problems, or co-occurring conditions like ADHD and trauma. My practice is uniquely suited for high-functioning professionals and students balancing intense life demands with underlying emotional and behavioral challenges.
- Personalized, Integrative Therapy – Using a mix of psychoanalytic therapy, CBT, and integrative psychotherapy, I craft individualized treatment plans that address both surface behaviors and deeper psychological patterns. This includes working through attachment issues, unresolved trauma, and self-sabotaging cycles that often drive unhealthy alcohol use.
- Inclusive and Affirming Care – My offices in the Flatiron District and Greenwich Village provide a safe, supportive environment for clients of all backgrounds. My practice affirms the identities and lived experiences of clients across racial, gender, and sexual identities—recognizing that identity-related stress can intersect with substance use issues.
- Long-Term Healing Over Short-Term Fixes – My goal isn’t just to help clients stop drinking—but to support lasting emotional resilience, personal transformation, and meaningful life change. Collaborating with clients, together we uncover the unconscious roots of their drinking behavior, manage stress in healthier ways, and rebuild self-trust and autonomy.
- Focus on Co-Occurring Mental Health Issues – As a New York addiction therapist, I recognize that many clients don’t come to therapy with just “one” issue. Depression, anxiety, relationship struggles, and past trauma are often entangled with alcohol use. My expertise in both mental disorders and addiction allow me to offer truly holistic care, addressing not only the primary concerns but also other mental health problems that may arise.
When to Seek Help
If you or someone you care about is showing signs of Alcohol Use Disorder—such as drinking heavily, experiencing withdrawal symptoms, or struggling to stop drinking—it’s important to seek professional help. Having the disorder diagnosed by a professional can ensure that the right criteria are met and appropriate treatment is provided. Early intervention can make a profound difference, and recovery is possible with the right support.