Alcohol use disorders

Abstract

Alcohol use disorders consist of conditions characterised by compulsive heavy alcohol use and loss of control over alcohol intake. Alcohol use disorders are some of the most prevalent mental disorders globally, with higher prevalence in high-income countries and lower prevalence in low-income countries. The recent COVID-19 pandemic was associated with an increase in fully alcohol-attributable mortality, in part triggered by alcohol-specific interactions with stress. Despite their high prevalence, alcohol use disorders remain undertreated, even though there are scientifically established and cost-effective psychosocial, community, and pharmacological interventions available. In addition, promising new treatment modalities have been developed and are currently being tested. The two main barriers to better access to evidence-based alcohol use disorder treatment are low availability, due to the absence of government or public funding for such treatment, and stigma. The first barrier could be overcome by increasing alcohol excise taxation, which currently falls considerably short of covering the social costs of alcohol use. In addition to generating revenues, increasing excise taxation could reduce health-care costs by reducing hospitalisations for all alcohol-attributable conditions, including alcohol use disorders. Overall, integrated alcohol control policies could improve the prevention of alcohol use disorders, improve access to treatment, and reduce stigma.