Alcoholism diagnostic criteria

• A. Recent ingestion of alcohol.

AND

• B. Clinically significant problematic beliavioral or psychological changes (e.g., inappropriate sexual or aggressive behavior, mood lability, impaired judgment) that developed

during, or shortly after, alcohol ingestion.

AND

• C. One (or more) of the following signs or symptoms developing during, or shortly after,

alcohol use:

• 1. Slurred speech.
• 2. Incoordination.
• 3. Unsteady gait.
• 4. Nystagmus.
• 5. Impairment in attention or memory.
• 6. Stupor or coma.

AND

• D. The signs or symptoms are not attributable to another medical condition and are not better explained by another mental disorder, including intoxication with another substance.

• A. A problematic pattern of alcohol use leading to clinically significant impairment or distress,as manifested by at least two of the following, occurring within a 12-month period:

• 1. Alcohol is often taken in larger amounts or over a longer period than was intended.
• 2. There is a persistent desire or unsuccessful efforts to cut down or control alcohol use.
• 3. A great deal of time is spent in activities necessary to obtain alcohol, use alcohol,or recover from its effects.
• 4. Craving, or a strong desire or urge to use alcohol.
• 5. Recurrent alcohol use resulting in a failure to fulfill major role obligations at work,school, or home.
• 6. Continued alcohol use despite having persistent or recurrent social or interpersonal problems caused or exacerbated by the effects of alcohol.
• 7. Important social, occupational, or recreational activities are given up or reduced because of alcohol use.
• 8. Recurrent alcohol use in situations in which it is physically hazardous.
• 9. Alcohol use is continued despite knowledge of having a persistent or recurrent physical or psychological problem that is likely to have been caused or exacerbated by alcohol.
• 10. Tolerance, as defined by either of the following:

• a. A need for markedly increased amounts of alcohol to achieve intoxication or desired effect.
• b. A markedly diminished effect with continued use of the same amount of alcohol.

• 11. Withdrawal, as manifested by either of the following:

• a. The characteristic withdrawal syndrome for alcohol.
• b. Alcohol (or a closely related substance, such as a benzodiazepine) is taken to relieve or avoid withdrawal symptoms.

Specify if:

• In early remission: After full criteria for alcohol use disorder were previously met,none of the criteria for alcohol use disorder have been met for at least 3 months but for

less than 12 months (with the exception that Criterion A4, “Craving, or a strong desire or urge to use alcohol,” may be met).

• In sustained remission: After full criteria for alcohol use disorder were previously met, none of the criteria for alcohol use disorder have been met at any time during a

period of 12 months or longer (with the exception that Criterion A4, “Craving, or a strong desire or urge to use alcohol,” may be met).

Specify if:

• In a controlled environment: This additional specifier is used if the individual is in an environment where access to alcohol is restricted.

Specify current severity:

• Mild: Presence of 2-3 symptoms.

• Moderate: Presence of 4-5 symptoms.

• Severe: Presence of 6 or more symptoms.