Alcohol Use Disorder – How Veterans Can Get Help

Substance Use

Alcohol Use Disorder

What is alcohol use disorder?

Alcohol use disorder is a medical condition characterized by an impaired ability to stop or control alcohol use despite harmful social, occupational or health consequences. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, 29.5 million people in the U.S. had an alcohol use disorder in 2022.

Signs and symptoms of alcohol use disorder

You might have alcohol use disorder if you experience two or more of the 11 symptoms listed below:

• Being unable to cut down or stop drinking alcohol despite trying to.
• Experiencing cravings or urges to drink alcohol.
• Drinking more alcohol than you intended or using it for longer than you intended.
• Spending a lot of time getting, drinking, or recovering from drinking alcohol.
• Neglecting responsibilities at home, work, or school because of your drinking.
• Continuing to drink even though it’s causing or worsening your physical and mental health challenges.
• Continuing to drink even though it’s causing relationship problems.
• Giving up important work, social, or recreational activities because of your drinking.
• Drinking alcohol in risky settings that put you in danger.
• Developing tolerance, which refers to the need over time to drink a greater amount of alcohol to achieve the desired effect.
• Experiencing withdrawal symptoms, as in a feeling of sickness, when you are not drinking alcohol, that is relieved only when you drink alcohol.

Effects of alcohol use disorder and unhealthy drinking

Unhealthy use of alcohol can damage your work performance and family relationships, and it can lead to legal problems. Unhealthy use also puts you at higher risk for certain types of:

• Cancer, such as breast, throat, liver, or colon.
• Infections, such as pneumonia and bronchitis.
• Mental health conditions, such as anxiety, depression, and insomnia.
• Chronic diseases, such as high blood pressure, stroke, and heart or liver disease.
• Stomach and digestive issues, such as heartburn, bleeding, and ulcers.
• Learning and memory problems, such as blackouts and dementia.
• Sexual and reproductive health issues, such as erectile dysfunction, infertility, and birth defects.

Treatment for alcohol use disorder

No matter what you are experiencing, treatments and resources are available. VA offers evidence-based treatments for alcohol use disorder that are proven to be very effective for most people. These scientifically tested and approved treatments may include therapies, medication or both. Treatments are available at your local VA medical center or clinic. In addition, assessment and treatment referral services are available at Vet Centers. 

These treatments can help you stop or reduce drinking, manage cravings, build your support system, set reachable goals, and cope with or avoid triggers that might cause a return to use.

Get started today by visiting our Treatment and Next Steps page, which will help you:

• Learn more about the treatment options.
• Schedule a mental health appointment with VA.
• Find local VA treatment programs.

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