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Learn more about alcoholism
Alcoholism, clinically termed alcohol use disorder (AUD), is a chronic condition characterised by compulsive alcohol use, an inability to control drinking, and continued use despite negative consequences. Recognised in the DSM-5 across mild, moderate, and severe classifications, it involves physical dependence (where stopping causes withdrawal symptoms), psychological craving, and a progressive narrowing of life around alcohol. AUD is a medical and psychological condition, not a moral failing, and it responds to treatment.
Alcohol use disorder exists on a spectrum. The following signs may indicate that drinking has moved beyond recreational use.
Common signs
- Drinking more or for longer than intended, repeatedly
- Unsuccessful efforts to cut down or stop
- Spending significant time obtaining, drinking, or recovering from alcohol
- Strong cravings or urges to drink
- Alcohol use interfering with work, family, or social responsibilities
- Continuing to drink despite knowing it is causing harm
Physical and withdrawal signs
- Needing more alcohol to feel the same effect (tolerance)
- Experiencing sweating, tremors, nausea, or anxiety when not drinking (withdrawal)
- Drinking to avoid or relieve withdrawal symptoms
Alcohol use disorder is treated through a combination of psychological and, where appropriate, medical interventions. Therapy addresses the patterns of thought and behaviour that sustain drinking, as well as the underlying factors driving it.
- CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) CBT helps you identify triggers and situations that lead to drinking and build practical strategies for managing cravings and high-risk moments.
- DBT (Dialectical Behaviour Therapy) DBT is particularly useful when alcohol functions as a way of managing intense or overwhelming emotions, building skills in distress tolerance and regulation.
- Group therapy Group therapy reduces the isolation that often accompanies alcohol use disorder and provides peer accountability alongside therapeutic input.
- Psychodynamic therapy Psychodynamic approaches explore the emotional and relational roots of drinking patterns, including earlier experiences that may contribute to the condition.
It's Complicated is a therapist-founded mental health platform connecting clients with verified practitioners across Europe and globally, in over 60 languages. We work with over 2,500 vetted therapists, with in-person availability in Berlin, Amsterdam, Barcelona, Lisbon, Vienna, and other major cities, alongside online sessions worldwide. It's Complicated is free to use, and you pay your chosen therapist directly at rates they set.
Seeking help for alcohol use often takes courage, and the last thing you need is a complicated search process on top of it. Our matching service is built to remove that friction. You complete a short survey, our psychologists combine data-driven insights with human judgement to identify the right therapists for your situation, and you choose from a shortlist of strong candidates. You can also browse our directory directly if you'd prefer to choose yourself.
Get matched with a therapist who specialises in alcoholism, or browse the directory.
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