AUD and Other Addictions
What is AUD?
Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) is a medical condition where a person has difficulty controlling or stopping alcohol use despite negative consequences. It exists on a spectrum from mild to severe. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), AUD is characterized by “an impaired ability to stop or control alcohol use despite adverse social, occupational, or health consequences.”
Common signs include:
Drinking more or longer than intended
Craving alcohol
Difficulty cutting down
Continuing to drink despite problems with health, work, or relationships
Withdrawal symptoms (like anxiety, shaking, nausea)
How AUD fits into addiction
AUD is a type of substance use disorder, which also includes addictions to other drugs.
Other substance addictions include:
Opioid Use Disorder (e.g., heroin or prescription painkillers)
Nicotine Dependence
Cannabis Use Disorder
Stimulant addiction (e.g., cocaine or methamphetamine)
The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)explains that addiction affects brain circuits involved in reward, stress, and self-control. Dopamine signaling in the brain’s reward system reinforces repeated substance use, making stopping more difficult even when someone wants to quit.
Helpful source: Drugs, Brains, and Behavior: The Science of Addiction (NIDA)
Behavioral (non-substance) addictions
Not all addictions involve substances. Some involve behaviors that become compulsive, including:
Gambling Disorder
Gaming addiction
Internet/social media overuse
Compulsive shopping or eating
Research shows these conditions can activate similar brain reward pathways as substance addictions. The American Psychiatric Association notes that gambling disorder involves repeated problematic gambling behavior that continues despite significant harm.
Source: APA: What is Gambling Addiction?
Why addictions happen
Addiction is not simply about willpower. It involves a combination of biological, psychological, and environmental factors, including:
Brain chemistry changes affecting reward and stress systems
Genetics and family history
Environment, trauma, or chronic stress
Mental health conditions such as depression or anxiety
According to NIDA, repeated substance use changes neural circuits related to reward, motivation, and self-control, contributing to compulsive behavior.
Additional source: Drug Misuse and Addiction (NIDA)
When to seek help
If alcohol use or other behaviors are:
Hard to control
Causing harm
Taking priority over daily life
…it may be time to speak with a healthcare professional.
The NIAAA Alcohol Treatment Navigator recommends seeking evaluation when drinking begins affecting health, relationships, work, or daily functioning.
Treatment options
Treatment depends on the type and severity of addiction, but often includes:
Therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
Medications for AUD, including Naltrexone and Acamprosate
Support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous and SMART Recovery
Medical detoxification for severe dependence
NIAAA notes that evidence-based treatments — including behavioral therapies, medications, and mutual-support groups — can help people achieve and maintain recovery.
Resources: