Alcohol use disorder, formerly known as alcoholism, is an addiction to alcohol. Someone with the condition is unable to stop or control their alcohol use.
If a person is worried that someone they know has alcohol use disorder (AUD), there are ways in which they can provide support.
The help and support from partners, relatives, and friends are invaluable to a person with AUD. However, it is crucial that an individual with AUD receives professional medical help, as well.
In this article, we define AUD and identify when alcohol use becomes problematic.