special subjects
Alcohol Use Disorder and Rehabilitation
Introduction
Alcohol use disorder involves a pattern of alcohol use that typically includes craving and manifestations of tolerance and/or withdrawal along with adverse psychosocial consequences. Alcoholism and alcohol abuse are common but less rigorously defined terms applied to people with problems related to alcohol. Alcohol use disorder is quite common. It is estimated to be present in 13.9% of adults in the US in any 12-month period. Prevalence is highest among young adults and decreases with age. Among people age 18 to 29 years, the estimated 12-month prevalence of alcohol use disorder is 26.7% ( General reference ), and that of severe alcohol use disorder is 7.1%, whereas for people At-risk drinkingis defined solely by quantity and frequency of drinking: >14 drinks/week or 4 drinks per occasion for men >7 drinks/week or 3 drinks per occasion for women Compared with lesser amounts, these amounts are associated with increased risk of a wide variety of medical and psychosocial complications. (See also Alcohol Toxicity and Withdrawal .) 