Classifying Alcohol-Related Disorders

At-risk drinking

Defined by the amount and frequency of drinking:

• More than 14 drinks* a week or 4 drinks per occasion for men

• More than 7 drinks a week or 3 drinks per occasion for women

Binge drinking

• 5 or more drinks per occasion for men

• 4 or more drinks per occasion for women

• Can go on for many days, followed by no or little alcohol for several days

• A particular problem in younger people

Alcohol use disorder

• Prevents people from fulfilling their obligations

• Is done in physically dangerous situations (such as driving)

• Results in legal, social, or interpersonal problems

• More and more alcohol needed to produce the same effects (tolerance)

• Stopping drinking results in unpleasant, sometimes painful, physical symptoms (withdrawal)

• Drinking more than intended

• Reducing use desired but not possible

• Spending a lot of time getting or drinking alcohol or recovering from its effects

• Missing important events or activities (such as work, a wedding, or a graduation) because of drinking

• Continuing to drink even though drinking is causing physical or psychologic problems

• Craving alcohol