Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD)
Characterized by the inability to stop or control alcohol use despite adverse social, occupational or health consequences, alcohol use disorder (AUD) presents as a problematic pattern of alcohol use leading to clinically significant impairment or distress. Symptoms can include compulsive drinking, loss of control over alcohol use or negative emotions when not drinking. AUD is one of the most common psychiatric disorders, affecting more than 14 million adults in the U.S. annually, and it is one of the leading causes of preventable death. Globally, AUD affects approximately 283 million people, according to the World Health Organization.
AUD is often undiagnosed and untreated. Of the 14 million individuals in the U.S. with AUD, only about 1.4 million received AUD treatment of any kind, including psychosocial support, while only a fraction of these 1.4 million received medication to treat this disorder, presenting a significant opportunity for a therapeutic option that can help those with AUD achieve their individual treatment goals.
References
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. Understanding Alcohol Use Disorder. Alcohol Facts and Statistics. Accessed on Nov. 23, 2021.
Witkiewitz, K. et al. Advances in the science and treatment of alcohol use disorder. Sci Adv 2019 Sep; 5(9): eaax4043.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Results from the 2019 National Survey on Drug Use and Health. Accessed on Nov. 23, 2021.
Grant et al., JAMA Psychiatry 2015.
World Health Organization. Global Status Report on Alcohol and Health, 2018. Accessed on Nov. 23, 2021.
