{"id":265335,"date":"2026-03-08T15:06:05","date_gmt":"2026-03-08T13:06:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/congruent.ong\/en\/?p=265335"},"modified":"2026-10-17T16:04:20","modified_gmt":"2026-10-17T13:04:20","slug":"what-is-alcoholism-understanding-the-disease-of-alcohol-use-disorder-aud-part-1","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/congruent.ong\/en\/what-is-alcoholism-understanding-the-disease-of-alcohol-use-disorder-aud-part-1\/","title":{"rendered":"What is Alcoholism? Understanding the Disease of Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) Part I"},"content":{"rendered":"

If you are reading this article, you are probably looking for information about what alcoholism is, either for yourself or for someone you love. Alcoholism is a problem that receives far too little public attention compared to the level of suffering it causes, both directly and indirectly. In this article and in the ones that follow, we will try to provide you with as much relevant, verified, and objective information as possible. <\/em><\/p>\n

Alcoholism, also known as alcohol use disorder (AUD), is a chronic, relapsing disorder characterized by the inability to control or stop alcohol use despite its harmful consequences. AUD is one of the most common and harmful addictions, affecting countless millions of people around the world.<\/p>\n

The effects of alcoholism spread through families, workplaces, and communities, causing emotional, physical, and financial wounds. In this first article, we will explore the nature of alcoholism as a disorder, its effects on the brain and body, and why it is much more than \u201cdrinking too much.\u201d<\/p>\n

Understanding alcoholism as a disorder is essential in order to break down the stigma surrounding it and to encourage people to seek help.<\/p>\n

Alcoholism as a disorder: what does it mean?<\/h2>\n

Alcoholism is a disorder because it disrupts the normal functioning of the brain and body.<\/p>\n

In medical terms, a disorder is defined as a disruption of normal physical or mental functions, and alcoholism, or AUD, fits this definition very well. People who suffer from AUD experience changes in the structure and function of the brain, which makes it difficult to control alcohol use, even when they want to. Loss of control is a hallmark of addiction and one of the key reasons why alcoholism is classified as a disorder by doctors and psychiatrists.<\/p>\n

According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) of the American Psychiatric Association, AUD is diagnosed when a person meets a specific set of criteria related to their behavior around alcohol use.<\/p>\n

These criteria include the inability to cut down on drinking, spending excessive time drinking alcohol or recovering from its effects, and continuing to drink even when it causes problems in relationships or at work. AUD ranges in severity from mild to severe, depending on the number of criteria met. This classification describes severity at assessment; it does not mean everyone passes through the same stages or that worsening is inevitable. NIAAA explains AUD assessment and severity.<\/a><\/p>\n

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\"Alcohol<\/a>
Open the full-size infographic<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\nRead the infographic explanation<\/summary>\n

Alcohol addiction: how the cycle is maintained<\/h3>\n

An explanatory model, especially for moderate and severe forms. You can enter at any phase. Arrows do not show a timetable.<\/p>\n

The cycle<\/h4>\n
    \n
  1. \n

    Heavy drinking and intoxication. Immediate reward may reinforce repetition and habit formation.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  2. \n

    Discomfort and withdrawal. Stress and discomfort may encourage use for temporary relief.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  3. \n

    Craving and anticipation. Cues associated with alcohol may trigger craving; control may become harder.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    The phases can reinforce each other.<\/p>\n

    Reward, stress and decisions are involved in this model.<\/p>\n

    Possible connections<\/h4>\n

    Repeated use may build associations with places and times; these cues may trigger craving.<\/p>\n

    Discomfort may encourage use for temporary relief; the cycle may continue.<\/p>\n

    Impaired control of decisions may make delaying use harder and contribute to returning to use.<\/p>\n

    Severity<\/h4>\n

    Mild, moderate and severe.<\/p>\n

    Mild does not mean risk-free. Severity is assessed medically. These categories are not phases of the cycle, mandatory steps or a self-test.<\/p>\n

    You can seek medical assessment before things worsen.<\/p>\n

    Individual paths differ. Progression does not mean inevitable deterioration.<\/p>\n

    Medical help and emergencies<\/h4>\n

    If you have been drinking heavily for a long time, stopping suddenly can cause life-threatening withdrawal. Talk to a doctor before you change how much you drink. Confusion, hallucinations or seizures are emergency signs: call 112 immediately. Do not wait for an appointment or a reply from a community programme. The emergency number here is for readers in Romania.<\/p>\n

    Sources<\/h4>\n