What is Alcohol Use Disorder?

Understanding the Condition and Finding Recovery

Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) is a recognised medical condition defined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) as “a problematic pattern of alcohol use leading to clinically significant impairment or distress.”

Individuals with AUD struggle to control or stop their drinking despite experiencing negative consequences to their physical health, mental wellbeing, and personal relationships. This chronic condition affects brain function and requires proper medical and psychological treatment approaches to manage effectively. The good news is that Alcohol Use Disorder is treatable, and recovery is possible with the right support.

Understanding the Terminology

While Alcohol Use Disorder is the medically preferred diagnostic term, you may hear other terms like alcohol dependence, alcohol addiction, alcohol abuse, or alcoholism. Language choices matter significantly in reducing stigma for those seeking help.

Person-first language such as “person with Alcohol Use Disorder” is more respectful and accurate than stigmatising terms like “alcoholic,” “addict,” or “drunk.” By changing how we discuss AUD and those affected by it, we can help remove barriers to treatment and recovery.

Australian Drinking Guidelines vs. Reality

The Australian Government, through the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC), recommends healthy adults drink no more than:

• 10 standard drinks per week
• No more than 4 standard drinks on any single occasion

These guidelines are specifically designed to minimise the risk of alcohol-related harm.¹

One standard drink contains 10g of alcohol, though many beverages contain multiple standard drinks. For example:

• A small glass of white wine (150ml) ≈ 1.4 standard drinks
• A bottle of wine typically contains 6-8 standard drinks
• A 375ml can of full-strength beer ≈ 1.4 standard drinks

Always check labels to understand how many standard drinks your beverage contains. Online resources like the Drinks Calculator or Standard Drink Calculator can help you track your consumption accurately.

However, it’s important to note the World Health Organisation’s position that no level of alcohol consumption is completely safe for health:

“Alcohol is a toxic, psychoactive, and dependence-producing substance and has been classified as a Group 1 carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer decades ago – this is the highest risk group, which also includes asbestos, radiation and tobacco.” – World Health Organisation

Prevalence of Alcohol Use in Australia

Despite these guidelines, many Australians exceed recommended drinking limits. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, in 2022, 26.8% of adults exceeded the Australian Adult Alcohol Guideline, with males (35.8%) more likely than females (18.1%) to do so. Additionally, 36.1% of young adults aged 18–24 years exceeded the guideline.²

Common Signs and Symptoms of Alcohol Use Disorder

Recognising Alcohol Use Disorder involves identifying various warning signs that may indicate someone is struggling with their drinking. Look for these key indicators:

1. Increased Tolerance: Needing larger amounts of alcohol to achieve the same effects
2. Withdrawal Symptoms: Experiencing physical or emotional distress when not drinking
3. Loss of Control: Inability to limit alcohol consumption once started
4. Neglected Responsibilities: Prioritising drinking over work, family, or social obligations
5. Continued Use Despite Consequences: Drinking despite known negative impacts on health or relationships
6. Behavioral Changes: Displaying mood swings, irritability, secretiveness, or hiding alcohol
7. Strong Cravings: Experiencing persistent urges to drink alcohol
8. Social Withdrawal: Avoiding activities or relationships that don’t involve drinking

Health Impacts of Alcohol in Australia

The health consequences of alcohol misuse extend beyond individual symptoms. In 2024, alcohol use contributed to 4.1% of the total burden of disease in Australia and was the leading risk factor for males aged 15–44.³ This significant public health impact underscores the importance of addressing alcohol use at both individual and community levels.

The Dangers of Alcohol Withdrawal

Alcohol withdrawal can be extremely dangerous and potentially life-threatening without proper medical supervision. The timeline and severity of withdrawal symptoms typically progress as follows:

Early Withdrawal (6-12 hours after last drink)

• Anxiety
• Headaches
• Nausea and vomiting
• Insomnia
• Excessive sweating
• Tremors (“the shakes”)

Intermediate Withdrawal (12-24 hours)

• Hallucinations
• Seizures
• Increased heart rate and blood pressure

Severe Withdrawal (2-3 days)

• Delirium Tremens (DTs) – a serious condition that can lead to:
  • Heart attack
  • Stroke
  • Death if not treated promptly

Safe Home Detox Options for Alcohol Dependency

It is crucial to consult healthcare professionals before reducing or stopping alcohol consumption, especially for those with moderate to severe dependency. A medically supervised detox program provides the safest approach to withdrawal by managing symptoms and preventing dangerous complications.

Our evidence-based home detox program at AIR Detox allows individuals to withdraw from alcohol safely and discreetly in the comfort of their own homes. Our professional team provides:

• Comprehensive medical assessment before beginning
• Personalized medication protocols to manage withdrawal symptoms
• Regular monitoring and support throughout the process
• Follow-up care to maintain sobriety
• Connections to ongoing recovery resources

Taking the First Step Toward Recovery

If you or someone you care about is struggling with Alcohol Use Disorder, know that effective help is available. Our alcohol home detox program offers a private, convenient, and medically sound approach to beginning your recovery journey.

Contact us today to learn how our specialised home detox program can help you safely withdraw from alcohol and take back control of your health and wellbeing.

1. National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC). (2020). Australian Guidelines to Reduce Health Risks from Drinking Alcohol. ↩︎
2. Australian Bureau of Statistics. (2022). National Health Survey: First Results ↩︎
3. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW). (2024). Australian Burden of Disease Study. ↩︎