Handouts · Alcohol
Alcohol Use Disorder
Alcohol problems fall on a spectrum, and they are a medical condition — not a matter of willpower or character. Change is possible at any point, and small steps count.
What It Is
Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is when drinking becomes hard to control and keeps going despite harm to your health, relationships, work, or mood.
It ranges from mild to severe. The brain adapts to alcohol over time, which is why cutting back can feel so hard — and why treatment helps.
Know a "Standard Drink"
One standard drink = 12 oz beer, 5 oz wine, or 1.5 oz liquor.
Lower-risk limits (US guidelines):
- Men: no more than 4 in a day and 14 per week.
- Women: no more than 3 in a day and 7 per week.
- Less is always safer; some people should not drink at all.
Withdrawal Can Be Dangerous
If you drink heavily every day, stopping suddenly can cause shaking, sweating, a racing heart, seizures, or a life-threatening state called DTs.
Do not quit cold turkey on your own. Talk to a clinician first — medically supported detox is safe and comfortable.
Medications That Help
Three FDA-approved options can cut cravings or make drinking less rewarding:
- Naltrexone — reduces cravings and the "buzz."
- Acamprosate — helps the brain rebalance after quitting.
- Disulfiram — causes an unpleasant reaction if you drink.
Ask your clinician which might fit you.
Skills to Cut Back or Quit
- Track every drink for a week — awareness alone changes habits.
- Set a specific goal and a "not past this" number.
- Remove alcohol from the house; avoid your usual triggers.
- Delay and "surf" a craving — most pass within 20 minutes.
- Alternate each drink with water; eat before you drink.
You Don't Have to Do It Alone
- Counseling and therapy work — especially with medication.
- Mutual-help groups (AA, SMART Recovery) offer support and structure.
- SAMHSA National Helpline: 1-800-662-4357 (free, confidential, 24/7).