Alcohol use disorder

Request an online visit for Alcohol use disorder. A licensed provider reviews your case and prescribes treatment when appropriate.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Ikechukwu Ogbu, MD
MD · Board-Certified, Internal Medicine · Last reviewed June 2026

About Alcohol use disorder

Alcohol use disorder is a chronic medical condition defined by impaired control over alcohol use, continued use despite harm, and physiologic dependence in many cases. Severity ranges widely, and even non-severe disease raises the risk of liver disease, cancer, cardiovascular events, and injury. Effective treatment combines behavioral interventions — motivational enhancement, CBT, mutual-support groups — with FDA-approved medications: naltrexone (oral or extended-release injection), acamprosate, and, in selected cases, disulfiram. Withdrawal in dependent patients can be life-threatening and may require medically supervised detoxification.

Common questions

Reference only. Not a substitute for medical advice. Not appropriate for emergencies or controlled substances.