Alcoholism, also called alcohol use disorder (AUD), is a chronic brain disease that affects how a person thinks, feels, and behaves around alcohol.(Source) It involves a loss of control over drinking, continued use despite harm, and strong cravings.

In the United States, tens of millions of adults and adolescents meet criteria for alcohol use disorder each year, and alcohol remains one of the most commonly misused substances nationwide.(Source) Genetics, mental health conditions, trauma history, and environmental factors such as stress, peer use, and family patterns all influence a person’s risk of developing AUD.(Source)

Alcohol detox is the process of clearing alcohol from the body and managing withdrawal symptoms safely. While detox is the first medical step in recovery, recognizing the signs of alcoholism is often the first emotional and practical step toward getting help.