Alcohol-use disorder is a term used to refer to the misuse of alcohol.

• Recommended maximum alcohol intake per week - 14 units for men and women with 2 free days
• Binge drinking – men >8 units and women >6 units on heaviest weekly drinking day

Determining alcohol volume: https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/alcohol-advice/calculating-alcohol-units/

• strength (ABV) x volume (ml) ÷ 1,000 = units

Epidemiology:

• lifetime prevalence of 7-10%
• More common in men, though female alcoholism may be under reported
• It is estimated that alcohol causes a significant global disease mortality burden, accounting for 3.2% of global deaths.

Risk factors:

• Family Hx of alcoholism
• antisocial behaviour
• high trait anxiety levels
• High levels of stress

PC

• Withdrawl Sx - increased autonomic activity, agitation, nervousness
• Tolerance - CNS becomes less responsive to the chronic presence of alcohol = increased consumption trying to replicate the intiial pleasurable effects