What Is AUD Disease? A Clear & Simple Guide

Another late night, another massive hangover. You find yourself wondering, “Is this a problem?” especially when it feels like a weekend ritual. That question is a brave first step. What you might be experiencing has a name: Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD). This isn't a moral failing—it's a recognized medical condition. Understanding the aud disease is key because it reframes the entire conversation away from willpower and toward brain science. Let's break down the official alcohol use disorder definition and what this aud disorder really means.

You may not have anything to worry about. The occasional night out doesn’t inherently mean you have an alcohol abuse disorder, but there comes a point when it does. Keep reading to find out whether your habits are turning into alcohol use disorder.

What is Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD)?

We may have heard the terms “alcoholism” or “alcohol dependence,” but they are officially known by the preferred term “alcohol use disorder” (AUD). AUD is more than just regular or heavy drinking. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) classifies it as a disease or medical condition. But what is alcoholism?

Alcoholism, or AUD, means we have a hard time stopping or controlling alcohol use despite negative consequences on our health or social and professional life, as well as physical withdrawal symptoms when we stop drinking. It means that excessive drinking is getting in the way of our daily life, more than just a bender on the weekends. Sometimes we may have a mild case of AUD but not know it, as there are different severities of AUD and different criteria we need for each level of severity.

AUD is very common. According to the NIAAA, 28.8 million adults in the U.S. had AUD in 2021. That’s 11.2% of adults in the U.S.

So does that mean that 28.8 million people are suffering from severe alcoholism every day? Not exactly. AUD ranges from mild to moderate to severe, depending on how many alcohol use disorder symptoms or “criteria” we have. The criteria are basically a list of questions we ask ourselves — or a health professional asks us — to evaluate our drinking habits. Let’s take a look at them.

How AUD Affects the Brain

It’s important to understand that AUD is recognized as a brain disorder. This isn’t just a label; it means that long-term alcohol use actually changes your brain's structure and chemistry. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) explains that these changes can make it incredibly difficult to stop drinking, even when you want to. This is why simply “trying harder” often isn’t enough. Your brain's reward, stress, and self-control systems are affected, creating a powerful cycle that pulls you back to drinking. Understanding this science is the first step toward healing. It's the foundation of programs like Reframe, which use neuroscience to help you rewire these pathways and build healthier habits.

The Scale of AUD: Understanding the Treatment Gap

If you're struggling, you are far from alone. AUD is a widespread issue, affecting an estimated 29.5 million people aged 12 and older in the US. What's more concerning is the significant treatment gap: only a small fraction of those individuals ever receive help. This means millions are trying to manage on their own, which can lead to serious health complications. In fact, AUD contributes to over 200,000 hospitalizations and a significant percentage of emergency room visits each year. This gap highlights the need for more accessible and private support systems that fit into our lives, helping more people find the path to mindful drinking and better health without the traditional barriers.

Defining Different Levels of Drinking

Before we can figure out if our drinking habits fit the criteria for AUD, we need to get on the same page about what certain terms mean. Words like “heavy drinking” and “binge drinking” get thrown around a lot, but they have specific definitions in the medical world. Understanding these definitions is the first step to getting a clearer picture of our own relationship with alcohol. It’s not about labeling ourselves, but about having the right information to make informed choices. Let’s break down what a “standard drink” actually is and clarify the difference between heavy and binge drinking.

What Is a "Standard Drink"?

It’s easy to lose track of how much we’re drinking, especially when a generous pour of wine or a strong cocktail only counts as “one drink” in our minds. However, the U.S. defines a standard drink as one containing about 14 grams of pure alcohol. According to the Mayo Clinic, this amount is typically found in 12 ounces of regular beer, 5 ounces of wine, or 1.5 ounces of distilled spirits like vodka or whiskey. This means that a pint of a high-alcohol craft beer or a heavy-handed cocktail could easily count as two or more standard drinks. Keeping this measurement in mind is key to accurately assessing your intake and understanding its potential impact on your body.

Heavy Drinking vs. Binge Drinking

While they might sound similar, heavy drinking and binge drinking describe two different patterns of alcohol consumption. The Cleveland Clinic defines binge drinking as consuming a large number of drinks in a single occasion — five or more for men and four or more for women. This is about intensity over a short period. Heavy drinking, on the other hand, is defined by a consistent, high volume of alcohol over time: more than 15 drinks per week for men and more than 8 drinks per week for women. It’s possible to be a heavy drinker without binge drinking, and vice versa, though the two patterns often overlap. Recognizing which, if any, applies to you is a helpful step in practicing mindful drinking.

Recognizing the Signs of an AUD Disorder

We talked about criteria for determining if we have AUD, so now let’s go through what these criteria are. Here are the questions to ask yourself:

• Do you often end up drinking more than you planned or spending more time drinking than you planned?
• Have you thought about or tried quitting or cutting back on alcohol but always ended up going back to it?
• Have you often found yourself spending copious amounts of time on alcohol, whether it’s from physically drinking it or time spent recovering the morning after?
• Have you ever found yourself thinking about a drink so much that you couldn’t concentrate on anything else? 
• Have you had to change your plans because of drinking? 
• Have you continued to drink even though you knew it was affecting your job or home life? 
• Have you taken time away from activities you enjoy in order to spend time drinking or recovering from drinking? 
• Have you often found yourself in dangerous situations during or after drinking, such as swimming, driving, walking in a sketchy part of town, or exposed to unsafe sexual behavior?
• Have you kept drinking even though it was affecting your mental health and memory or causing other health problems?
• Do you find that you need more alcohol to get the same buzz that you used to get with just one drink?
• Have you had withdrawal symptoms after drinking, such as lack of sleep, tremors or seizures, anxiety, sweating, nausea, racing heart, general feelings of discomfort, or even odd sensations that weren’t there before?

If you answered “yes” to any one of these questions, don’t freak out just yet! Answering “yes” to 2-3 of these questions indicates mild AUD. Answering “yes” to 4-5 indicates moderate AUD, and answering “yes” to 6 or more indicates severe AUD.

But how do we end up here? What has to happen from when we’re born to when we realize we have AUD? It turns out, there are many factors that put us at risk, and most of them are preventable and treatable.

How AUD Is Professionally Diagnosed

While the list of questions above is a great way to check in with yourself, a formal diagnosis of AUD comes from a healthcare professional. This could be your primary care doctor, a therapist, or a psychiatrist. The process usually involves a detailed conversation about your drinking patterns and how they affect your life. Professionals use a guide called the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) to see if your experiences line up with the official criteria for AUD. Think of it as a thorough, confidential chat to get a clear picture of what’s going on so you can find the right support.

Common Screening Tools

To start the conversation, your doctor might use a quick screening tool during a regular check-up. These aren't long, intimidating tests; they're often just a few simple questions. Tools like the AUDIT-C (Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test-Consumption) help them get a quick snapshot of your drinking habits. If your answers suggest that your alcohol use might be unhealthy, your doctor will then move on to a more detailed evaluation using the full DSM-5 criteria we talked about. This helps them diagnose AUD and determine its severity, which is key to figuring out the best path forward for you.

What Are the Risk Factors for AUD?

We can be at risk for AUD both by being prone to it and by developing it. Let’s take a closer look at the risk factors.

• Genetics. If we have family members with AUD, we’re more likely to develop it ourselves. In fact, 60% of AUD cases can be attributed to genes.
• Family history and environment. This is different from genetics but still related. If we have family members with AUD or live in an environment where alcohol is abused, we’re likely to develop it. This can be a vicious cycle — our family members may have AUD from genetic reasons, and, as a result, they abuse alcohol in front of us, making us more prone than we were already since we share their genes. The same is true if we have close friends or a partner who drinks regularly or heavily.
• Starting early. You know all those wild high school parties in just about every ‘80s movie, where kids are drinking copious amounts of alcohol and have to clean the house five minutes before the parents get home? Well, this very thing can lead to AUD. Starting drinking at an early age like high school or college, especially before our brain has had time to fully develop, greatly increases our risk. In fact, those who start drinking before age 15 are three times more likely to develop AUD than those who wait until they’re 21 or older, and the risk is even greater for women. This still applies to those of us under 21 though, which is one reason why the “college drinking culture” is more dangerous than we think, particularly for underage freshmen or sophomores. 
• Mental health conditions. Those of us who have conditions such as chronic depression, schizophrenia, or anxiety are at risk for AUD, as alcohol is often used as a way to cope with difficult emotions.
• History of trauma. Similar to the mental health conditions idea, people often use alcohol to cope with emotions after a traumatic experience (from childhood or adulthood), which can lead to AUD if we don’t control it.
• Bariatric surgery. Several studies have found that those who undergo bariatric surgery — such as gastric bypass or other extreme weight-loss surgeries — are linked to an increased risk of AUD after surgery, typically years after the surgery. There are various explanations for why this happens, such as changes in alcohol sensitivity post surgery, hormonal and metabolic changes, and changes in gut bacteria associated with alcohol intake.
• Media representation. Remember that high school party from every ‘80s movie we talked about earlier? Portrayals of alcohol being a fun and glamorous activity, especially for underage young people, is problematic because it sends the message that it’s okay to start drinking in high school if all your friends are doing it, or all the popular kids are doing it. Being exposed to media like this makes us more likely to not think twice about having a drink before our body is developed enough to handle it.

That may seem like a long list, and it is! The truth is, in today’s society there are so many things that put us at risk for AUD and we need to be vigilant about our alcohol intake and make sure we prioritize our health. If we don’t, we’re in for a slew of nasty health problems, both short and long-term. Let’s take a look at what happens if we let AUD get out of control.

               

How AUD Can Affect Your Health and Life

AUD affects our health and our daily lives in both the short and long term.

The Immediate Effects on Your Body

Some short-term effects of AUD include the following:

• Effects on memory. Alcohol affects our brain and memory, and if we abuse alcohol, we may find ourselves blacking out.
• Motor vehicle accidents. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, 37 people die in drunk driving accidents each day. Those with AUD are more likely to drive drunk, or get in a car with someone else who is drunk, than those who don’t have it.
• Problems with employment or finances. Drinking costs money, and missing work to nurse your hangover doesn’t create the best impression. Chronic alcohol abuse not only puts us at risk for employment troubles but also puts a dent in our wallet.
• Risky behavior. When we’re intoxicated, our inhibitions are lowered, and we’re more likely to engage in risky behaviors such as engaging in unprotected sex, getting into a car with a stranger, or starting a fight.
• Interactions with medications. Alcohol has countless interactions with medications, and if we abuse alcohol every day, we increase this risk as we’re likely to be on some medication at some point.

And this is just the beginning: AUD left untreated can set us up for a whole world of additional problems.

Long-Term Consequences for Your Health

If we don’t get help for AUD, we may find ourselves dealing with more long-term consequences.

• Liver disease. Hepatic steatosis — or fatty liver — occurs in 90-95% of people with heavy alcohol use over a long period of time. When this progresses, it can lead to other more severe liver diseases such as cirrhosis.
• Digestive problems. Alcohol abuse can also cause gastritis (inflammation of the stomach lining) and even contribute to stomach and esophageal ulcers. All these problems on top of the alcohol can affect our body’s vitamin and nutrient absorption and lead to malnutrition over time.
• Weakened immune system. Since our body sees alcohol as a poison, its priority is to eliminate it, and other functions get put on hold, including the immune system. This can increase our risk of getting sick or increase our recovery time if we do get sick.
• Social impact. Remember the drunk driving we mentioned earlier? Well, that can do more harm than just physical injury. Getting busted for a DUI can cost thousands of dollars and require years of classes and breathalyzer check-ins. Not to mention, it stays on your driving record for years and can impact future employment or travel opportunities (for example, you cannot enter Canada from the U.S. if you’ve had a DUI in the past five years). Not to mention, getting into dangerous situations because of booze may result in a crime or criminal record, both of which can affect the rest of our lives, as well as have other consequences for our social life.
• Problems with relationships. Excessive drinking can affect relationships with loved ones, especially if we continually choose alcohol over them.

Now, hopefully, you’re not panicking as you read this because there is no need to! The good news is, there is plenty you can do to prevent AUD before it gets to this point — and it’s never too late to treat it.  Let’s take a closer look.

Heart and Cardiovascular Problems

It’s not just our liver that takes a hit from long-term heavy drinking; our heart is also at serious risk. Consistent, heavy alcohol use can lead to significant heart and circulatory issues. This includes damage to the heart muscle itself, a condition known as alcohol-induced cardiomyopathy, which makes it harder for the heart to pump blood effectively. It can also cause high blood pressure and irregular heartbeats, or arrhythmias. These aren't minor issues; they can seriously impact our overall health and longevity. Recognizing how alcohol affects this vital organ is a crucial step in protecting our long-term well-being and making more mindful choices about our consumption.

Brain and Nervous System Damage

The connection between alcohol and our brain is complex and goes far beyond the temporary buzz. Over time, AUD can cause lasting damage to our brain and nervous system. This can show up as serious memory problems, like Korsakoff syndrome, and even nerve damage that affects sensation and movement. Alcohol is a depressant, so it can also worsen conditions like depression and anxiety, making it harder to cope. Furthermore, chronic heavy drinking increases the risk of more severe neurological events like stroke and dementia. Protecting our brain health is one of the most powerful reasons to re-evaluate our relationship with alcohol and seek healthier ways to manage our lives.

Increased Cancer Risk

This is a tough one to hear, but it’s important to know: there is a clear and established link between alcohol consumption and an increased risk of developing certain cancers. According to health experts, AUD is associated with a higher likelihood of cancers of the breast, throat, liver, and colon. When our body processes alcohol, it creates a toxic chemical that can damage our DNA, which is what can lead to cancer. This isn't meant to scare you, but to empower you with knowledge. Understanding this risk allows us to make informed decisions about our health and take proactive steps toward reducing our chances of developing these serious conditions.

Other Physical Health Effects

Beyond the major organs, alcohol abuse can cause a cascade of other physical health problems, particularly within our digestive system. For instance, alcohol is a major irritant to the stomach lining. Over time, this can lead to gastritis, which is a painful inflammation of that lining. If left unaddressed, it can even contribute to the development of stomach and esophageal ulcers. These conditions can interfere with our body's ability to absorb essential vitamins and nutrients, potentially leading to malnutrition. It’s another reminder that the effects of alcohol are widespread, touching nearly every part of our body and highlighting the importance of addressing our drinking habits for our total health.

Your Path to Recovery: AUD Treatment and Prevention

For those of us worried about having AUD or developing it, here are some things we can do to keep ourselves safe:

• Stop it in its tracks. Knowing the signs of AUD early on will help us recognize unhealthy behavior before it gets out of control. If we find ourselves hungover multiple days a week, we can track our intake and see how much alcohol we’re really consuming. This is especially helpful for mild AUD cases to keep it from progressing.
• Find support. Support from others who have recovered from AUD can inspire us to do so as well, and it can encourage us to not let it get out of hand.
• Stay away from friends who drink heavily. If we have loved ones who are becoming a bad influence on us, it may be time to change up our friends group. Remember, our health is the most important thing, and if someone doesn’t support us in that, it may be time to reconsider the relationship.
• Get an alcohol screening. Did you know there is such a thing as an “alcohol screening”, similar to a screening for any other type of disease? More information can be found on this CDC website.
• Detox and therapy. Detox helps us get rid of our physical dependency on alcohol, and therapy can help us address the emotions behind it. For more information about detox and other treatments for AUD, check out Reframe’s blog “Understanding the Stages of Alcohol Use Disorder: Causes and Treatment.”

There are plenty of resources out there for those of us who have AUD and are looking for guidance. The NIAAA website has a ton of information about AUD, current research, and other things we can do to help ourselves. Also, don’t forget that the Reframe app is here to help address AUD, whether that means quitting or cutting back!

As always, if you do find we have severe AUD, don’t forget to consult with a doctor or health professional so they can help you find what will work best for you. Sometimes you can’t do it alone and may need medical intervention, especially in severe cases of AUD. Whatever method you find, we’re here to support you!

Key Takeaways

Some of us may be embarrassed to admit that we said yes to a bunch of those AUD criteria, but we shouldn’t be! Understanding our habits is the first step to keeping us healthy, and there is no shame in asking for help! AUD is easily preventable as long we learn how to drink mindfully and responsibly. And if we’re extremely prone to AUD and have a history of alcoholism, it may be best to avoid alcohol for good. There is a whole, healthy, booze-free world out there waiting for us!


Navigating Alcohol Withdrawal Safely

If you’ve been drinking heavily for a long time, deciding to stop is a huge step. But it’s critical to understand that quitting cold turkey can be dangerous. When your body has become physically dependent on alcohol, suddenly removing it can trigger severe withdrawal symptoms. This isn't something to take lightly or attempt on your own. The safest approach is to seek medical help. A doctor can create a plan to manage your withdrawal symptoms, often with medication, making the process much safer and more comfortable. This professional guidance ensures you’re supported and protected during a vulnerable time, setting a stable foundation for your recovery journey.

Understanding Delirium Tremens (DTs)

One of the most severe forms of alcohol withdrawal is called delirium tremens, or DTs. This condition is a medical emergency and can be life-threatening. Symptoms typically appear within a few days of the last drink and can include severe confusion, agitation, fever, and hallucinations. According to the Mayo Clinic, DTs require immediate medical attention. It’s a stark reminder of why professional supervision during detox is so important for anyone with a history of heavy, prolonged alcohol use. If you or someone you know is experiencing these symptoms after stopping drinking, it's crucial to get to a hospital right away.

Behavioral Therapies for AUD

Changing your relationship with alcohol involves more than just stopping the physical act of drinking; it requires changing the thoughts and behaviors that drive it. This is where behavioral therapies come in. These therapies are a cornerstone of AUD treatment, providing you with the tools to understand your drinking patterns and develop healthier ways of thinking and acting. Working with a therapist can help you uncover the root causes of your drinking, learn new coping skills, and build a life that doesn't revolve around alcohol. It’s an empowering process that puts you back in control.

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, is a highly effective form of talk therapy for AUD. The core idea behind CBT is that our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are all connected. This therapy helps you identify the negative thought patterns that lead to drinking and teaches you how to challenge and change them. For example, you might learn to recognize the thought "I need a drink to relax after a hard day" and replace it with a healthier coping strategy, like going for a walk or calling a friend. It’s a practical, hands-on approach that equips you with real-world skills for managing cravings and avoiding relapse.

Motivational Interviewing

Sometimes, the biggest hurdle to change is finding the motivation to start. That’s where motivational interviewing can make a huge difference. This counseling style is less about a therapist telling you what to do and more about helping you discover your own reasons for wanting to change. It’s a collaborative conversation that helps you resolve any ambivalence you might feel about cutting back or quitting. By exploring your personal values and goals, a therapist can help you build the internal drive needed to make lasting changes to your drinking habits, empowering you to take ownership of your journey.

Medication-Assisted Treatment Options

For many people, therapy and support groups are powerful tools for recovery. But sometimes, medication can provide an extra layer of support to make the process more manageable. Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) uses specific medications to help reduce cravings, manage withdrawal symptoms, and discourage alcohol use. It’s not a magic bullet, but when used in combination with counseling and behavioral therapies, it can significantly improve the chances of a successful recovery. Think of it as another tool in your toolbox, designed to help you build a stable, alcohol-free life.

FDA-Approved Medications for AUD

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved three medications specifically for treating AUD. Naltrexone works by blocking the pleasurable effects of alcohol, which can help reduce the desire to drink. Acamprosate helps to restore the brain's chemical balance after long-term drinking, easing withdrawal symptoms like anxiety and insomnia. The third, disulfiram, creates an unpleasant physical reaction (like nausea and flushing) if you drink alcohol, acting as a strong deterrent. A doctor can help you understand these options and determine if one of them is a good fit for your recovery plan.

The Role of Support Groups

Recovery can feel isolating, but you don’t have to go through it alone. Support groups offer a powerful sense of community and connection with people who truly understand what you’re going through. Sharing your experiences, struggles, and successes with others in a safe, non-judgmental space can be incredibly validating and encouraging. These groups provide peer support, accountability, and practical advice from those who have walked a similar path. This sense of belonging can be a vital source of strength, especially on difficult days. The Reframe app also offers a supportive online community where you can connect with others on their own journeys.

Alternatives to AA like SMART Recovery

When people think of support groups for alcohol, Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is often the first one that comes to mind. While its 12-step program has helped millions, it’s not the only option available. Groups like SMART Recovery (Self-Management and Recovery Training) offer a different approach, focusing on self-empowerment and using evidence-based techniques from therapies like CBT. There are also other groups like Women for Sobriety and LifeRing Secular Recovery. The key is to find a community that resonates with your personal beliefs and recovery goals. Exploring different options can help you find the perfect fit for your journey.

Setting Your Own Goals: Reduction vs. Abstinence

Your recovery journey is exactly that—yours. There isn't a one-size-fits-all goal that works for everyone. For some, the goal is complete abstinence from alcohol. For others, the focus is on mindful drinking and reducing consumption to healthier levels. Both are valid paths. The most important thing is to set a goal that feels authentic and achievable for you. Working with a healthcare provider or therapist can help you decide what makes the most sense for your situation. Apps like Reframe are designed to support both goals, allowing you to track your progress whether you’re aiming to cut back or quit entirely.

Developing Healthy Coping Skills

If alcohol has been your go-to way of dealing with stress, boredom, or difficult emotions, you'll need to find new, healthier ways to cope. This is a fundamental part of recovery. Developing new coping skills involves learning to sit with uncomfortable feelings and finding constructive ways to manage them. This could mean picking up a new hobby, starting an exercise routine, practicing mindfulness or meditation, or simply learning to reach out to a friend when you’re struggling. Building this emotional toolkit is essential for long-term success, as it gives you healthy alternatives to turn to when life gets challenging.

Identifying and Managing Triggers

A trigger is anything—a person, place, feeling, or situation—that makes you want to drink. Identifying your personal triggers is a crucial step in managing cravings and preventing relapse. Maybe it’s seeing a particular friend, driving past a certain bar, or feeling stressed after work. Once you know what your triggers are, you can create a plan to either avoid them or manage your response to them. This might involve taking a different route home from work or having a pre-planned response for when a friend offers you a drink. Being proactive about your triggers gives you power over them.

Understanding Relapse in Recovery

It’s important to view recovery as a process, not a straight line. Slips and relapses can happen, and they are not a sign of failure. Many people experience a setback at some point on their journey. The key is how you respond to it. Instead of letting it derail your progress, view it as a learning opportunity. What led to the relapse? What can you do differently next time? It’s crucial to reach out for support from your doctor, therapist, or support group right away. A relapse doesn’t erase all the hard work you’ve done; it’s simply a part of the path that you can move past with renewed commitment.

Prevention Strategies

Preventing AUD often starts with education and open communication. Understanding the risks associated with alcohol, especially for young people whose brains are still developing, is key. It’s also about modeling healthy behaviors. When we demonstrate healthy ways to cope with stress and celebrate successes without relying on alcohol, we set a powerful example for those around us. Creating environments where excessive drinking isn’t the norm and promoting alternative social activities can also make a significant impact in preventing the development of unhealthy drinking habits within our communities and families.

Tips for Parents and Teens

For parents, preventing underage drinking starts with having open and honest conversations with your teens about the risks of alcohol. Setting clear rules and expectations about alcohol use is also essential. According to the NIAAA, modeling responsible behavior around alcohol yourself is one of the most effective prevention strategies. If you choose to drink, do so in moderation and avoid sending mixed messages. For teens, it’s important to understand the pressures you might face and to have a plan for how to handle situations involving alcohol. Having strong friendships with peers who also choose not to drink can make a big difference.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the real difference between just drinking a lot and having Alcohol Use Disorder? The key difference often comes down to control and consequences. Many people drink, but AUD is present when you find it difficult to stop or control your alcohol use even when it’s causing problems in your life. It’s less about the exact number of drinks and more about whether drinking is negatively affecting your relationships, job, mental health, or physical well-being, and you continue to drink anyway.

Is AUD really a disease, or is it just a lack of willpower? It is absolutely a recognized medical condition, not a moral failing. Think of it as a brain disorder. Long-term alcohol use can physically change your brain’s reward and stress systems, making it incredibly difficult to stop through sheer willpower alone. Understanding this science helps shift the focus from shame to healing and finding effective strategies that work with your brain, not against it.

I answered “yes” to a couple of the criteria questions. What should I do now? First, take a deep breath. Simply recognizing that your habits might be a concern is a huge and positive step. A great starting point is to begin tracking your drinks for a week or two without judgment, just to get a clear picture of your patterns. You could also consider talking to your doctor during your next visit; it’s a confidential conversation, and they can provide professional guidance and resources.

If I have AUD, does that mean I have to quit drinking forever? Not necessarily. Your path is your own, and the goal is to build a healthier relationship with alcohol. For some people, that means complete abstinence. For others, it means learning to reduce their consumption and practice mindful drinking. The right approach is the one that feels sustainable and right for you and your health, and it’s something you can figure out with the right support.

My family has a history of alcoholism. Does that mean I’m destined to have AUD? Genetics can certainly play a role and put you at a higher risk, but it’s not a guarantee. Think of it as having a predisposition—it just means you need to be more mindful and aware of your habits. Knowing your family history is powerful because it allows you to be proactive in making conscious choices about your own relationship with alcohol.

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