What defines alcohol use disorder?

Alcohol use disorder is defined by the presence of significant impairment or distress associated with consistent alcohol use. This diagnosis is characterized by a range of symptoms that reflect problematic patterns of alcohol consumption, such as an inability to control drinking, cravings, continued use despite negative consequences, and tolerance. The emphasis on "significant impairment or distress" highlights the impact that alcohol consumption has on a person's life, including issues in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning.

This understanding aligns with the diagnostic criteria outlined in the DSM-5-TR, which requires that individuals experience a certain number of symptoms over a specified time frame. This focus on the negative consequences of alcohol use distinguishes alcohol use disorder from mere consumption habits or casual drinking without adverse effects. The other options do not encapsulate the essence of alcohol use disorder; for instance, tolerance to caffeine or infrequent social drinking without consequences do not indicate a disorder related to alcohol use or the kind of significant impairment associated with alcohol use disorder.