Alcohol Use Disorder

Problematic alcohol use is prevalent in the United States (US) and elsewhere. Given the diffuse effects of alcohol use on health behaviors, understanding the assessment of problematic alcohol use, etiological models of disordered use, and common treatments for alcohol use disorder is imperative for healthcare providers and other relevant stakeholders. This entry reviews the shifting perspectives on defining alcohol use disorder and provides current estimates of disordered alcohol use in the United States. Etiological models of disorder alcohol use are then briefly summarized. Next, acute effects of alcohol intoxication, as well as associated consequences, are reviewed.