Alcohol is legal, widely available, and socially normalised — which makes alcohol addiction both extremely common and easy to miss until it has progressed significantly. If someone you love is drinking in ways that concern you, this guide is for you.

What Is Alcohol Use Disorder?

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is the clinical term for what is commonly called alcoholism. It ranges from mild to severe and is diagnosed based on a pattern of alcohol use that causes significant impairment or distress. Having 2-3 of 11 criteria in a year qualifies as mild AUD; 6 or more is severe.

Key criteria include: drinking more or longer than intended, unsuccessful attempts to cut down, spending excessive time drinking or recovering, craving alcohol, failing to meet obligations because of drinking, continuing despite relationship or health problems, and withdrawal symptoms when stopping.

Signs of Alcohol Use Disorder

• Drinking alone or secretly
• Drinking first thing in the morning or to “steady nerves”
• Unable to stop after one or two drinks
• Making excuses for drinking or becoming defensive when it’s raised
• Experiencing blackouts — memory loss during drinking
• Neglecting responsibilities or relationships because of drinking
• Physical withdrawal when not drinking — shaking, sweating, nausea
• Drinking increasing amounts to achieve the same effect (tolerance)

The Danger of Alcohol Withdrawal

This is one of the most important things families need to know: alcohol withdrawal can be fatal. Unlike opioid withdrawal — which is intensely uncomfortable but rarely life-threatening — alcohol withdrawal can cause seizures and a condition called delirium tremens (DTs) that can be fatal without medical supervision.

Never encourage someone with serious alcohol addiction to stop drinking abruptly at home without medical supervision. Encourage medically supervised detox. See: How Long Does Drug Detox Take →

Drug Testing and Monitoring

Alcohol-specific tests — breathalysers and ETG urine tests — can detect recent drinking. ETG tests can detect alcohol use up to 80 hours after drinking. See our guide: Drug Testing Kits for Families →

Treatment Options

• Medically supervised detox — essential for severe AUD
• Naltrexone — reduces cravings and the rewarding effects of alcohol
• Acamprosate (Campral) — reduces withdrawal discomfort and supports abstinence
• Disulfiram (Antabuse) — causes severe nausea if alcohol is consumed
• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy — Online-Therapy.com from $40/week
• Alcoholics Anonymous — free, worldwide, strong evidence base for maintaining sobriety
• Residential rehabilitation — for severe or long-term AUD

Support for Families

Al-Anon was created specifically for families of alcoholics. It’s free, widely available in person and online, and provides community with people who genuinely understand your experience. See our full guide: Support Groups for Families →