

Alcohol Use Disorder—Symptoms and Causes
Learn about the causes, symptoms, and effects of alcohol use disorder.
What Is Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD)?
Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is characterized by the uncontrollable use of alcohol despite physical, mental, and social consequences. The health consequences of alcohol abuse are severe, impacting the brain and body.
Alcohol use disorder can also be referred to as alcohol abuse, alcohol dependency, and alcoholism.
A Closer Look at AUD
The dangers of too much alcohol include increased risk for cancer, high blood pressure, heart disease, impaired judgment, memory loss, difficulty walking straight, and other alcohol-induced disorders. In addition, binge drinkers have more significant risks of developing severe injuries such as traumatic brain injury and death due to traffic accidents or drowning while intoxicated.
The reasons for alcohol dependency vary from person to person, but certain factors can increase the risks of developing an addiction. These include genetics, environment, stress, and peer pressure.
How Can Drinking Too Much Affect Me?


What Causes Alcohol Use Disorder?
The following are some causes of alcohol substance use disorder:
Genetics
Genetic predisposition is one of the causes of alcoholism. Specific genes are associated with a higher likelihood of substance abuse and addiction. For example, a child whose parents had alcohol use disorder is likely to develop it themselves due to their genes.
Early Childhood Events
Attempts to Relieve Emotional Pain
People who suffer from an alcohol disorder often attempt to relieve emotional pain by using alcohol. Getting drunk on alcohol can often reduce the feeling of negative emotions, which return once the alcohol wears off, leading them back to drinking more heavily. This creates a vicious cycle where the individual becomes psychologically dependent on alcohol.
Experienced Trauma
Alcohol use disorder can be traced back to a history of trauma or abuse. This includes experiencing emotional or physical trauma, such as being in a car accident or losing a close relative or friend. Trauma can often lead to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other mental health issues, contributing to alcohol addiction problems later on down the road.
A Family History of Alcohol Problems
If an individual's parents or sibling abuses alcohol, they may be at greater risk of developing an alcohol use disorder diagnosis. This is due to observing and learning poor drinking habits and forming a warped perception about how they should use alcohol.
Mental Health Issues
Certain individuals who use alcohol may have mental health conditions like depression or anxiety, making them more likely to develop severe alcoholism and vice versa. Individuals with mental health issues may turn to alcohol to cope with symptoms like stress and low moods.
What Are the Symptoms of Alcohol Use Disorder?
Alcohol use disorder is often diagnosable and can be treated—but what are the symptoms of alcohol use disorder? The symptoms of alcohol-induced disorder vary from person to person, but they generally include:
Alcohol Use Disorder Severity
Alcohol use disorder can range from mild to severe:
How Much Alcohol Is Too Much?
Too much alcohol is defined as more than a drink per day for women and two per day for men. However, contrary to popular belief, there's no safe amount of alcohol. Even if alcohol is consumed only once or twice a week, there is a risk of developing an alcohol use disorder.
How Is Alcohol Use Disorder Diagnosed?
There are several alcoholism diagnosis criteria for alcohol use disorder based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5). This is a guide published by the American Psychiatric Association to help doctors diagnose mental illnesses.
To be diagnosed with alcohol use disorder, a person must exhibit two or more of the following signs of alcohol dependence in twelve months:
These criteria and other tests can help spot alcohol-related disorders and speed up treatment.


Find Treatment for Alcohol Use Disorder at San Diego Detox
At San Diego Detox, we specialize in helping patients struggling with alcohol misuse disorder recover, maintain sobriety, and regain their lives. We offer a variety of treatment options, including:
Behavioral Therapies
Behavioral therapies include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing, and 12-Step facilitation. These therapies help patients understand the underlying causes of their alcohol addiction and learn how to change their behavior patterns to stay sober.
Medications
In addition to behavioral therapies, some patients may benefit from medications, such as naltrexone or topiramate, which help manage withdrawal symptoms when trying to quit alcohol usage.
Support Groups
Patients can participate in group therapy sessions with other recovering clients to share experiences, build relationships, and encourage one another on the road to recovery.
For more information on how to seek help for alcohol use disorder for yourself or a loved one, please reach out to us at San Diego Detox immediately.
Learn More About San Diego Detox
Our team is standing by to discuss your situation and options. Your call is fully confidential, and no obligation is required.
Resources
- https://www.cdc.gov/alcohol/fact-sheets/alcohol-use.htm#:~:text=Long%2DTerm%20Health%20Risks,liver%20disease%2C%20and%20digestive%20problems.&text=Cancer%20of%20the%20breast%2C%20mouth,liver%2C%20colon%2C%20and%20rectum
- https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/alcohol-good-or-bad
- https://bmcpsychiatry.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12888-021-03566-8
- https://pubs.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/practitioner/PocketGuide/pocket_guide2.htm#:~:text=A%20standard%20drink%20is%20any,fluid%20ounces%20or%201.2%20tablespoons
- https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/brochures-and-fact-sheets/understanding-alcohol-use-disorder