Alcohol Addiction: A Comprehensive Overview of Pathophysiology, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Recovery
Introduction Alcohol use disorder (AUD)—commonly referred to as alcohol addiction—is a chronic, relapsing brain disorder characterized by impaired control over drinking, preoccupation with alcohol, continued use despite adverse consequences, and/or distended physiological withdrawal symptoms upon cessation (American Psychiatric Association [APA], 2013). AUD represents a significant public health burden: globally, harmful alcohol use contributes to over…
