An alcoholic is someone who can’t reliably control their drinking and keeps drinking even when it harms their health, relationships or responsibilities. Doctors today call this alcohol use disorder (AUD). According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), AUD covers the conditions people commonly call alcohol abuse, alcohol dependence, alcohol addiction and alcoholism.
The medical meaning is more specific than the everyday one. And there’s more help out there than most people realize, both for the person drinking and for their family.
The Medical Definition of an Alcoholic
“Alcoholic” is an everyday word, not a diagnosis. A doctor or counselor would assess for alcohol use disorder, which NIAAA describes as a medical condition marked by an impaired ability to stop or control alcohol use despite negative consequences. AUD is diagnosed using 11 criteria. NIAAA frames them as questions about the past year, such as whether you’ve:- Ended up drinking more, or longer, than you intended
- Wanted or tried to cut down but couldn’t
- Craved alcohol so strongly you couldn’t think of anything else
- Kept drinking even though it caused trouble with family or friends
- Given up activities you used to enjoy so you could drink
- Needed more alcohol to get the same effect
- Had withdrawal symptoms such as shakiness, sweating or trouble sleeping when the alcohol wore off
Why the Definition Matters
Many people steer clear of the word “alcoholic” because of the picture it brings up: someone who’s lost everything. Yet NIAAA reports that 27.9 million Americans aged 12 and older had alcohol use disorder in 2024, and most of them don’t fit that stereotype. Knowing the real definition helps people spot a problem earlier, when it’s easier to treat. AUD is also treatable. Weak character has nothing to do with it, and it isn’t hopeless.Social Services and Help for Alcoholics
If you or someone you love fits that definition, start with whichever of these feels most doable.SAMHSA National Helpline
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration runs a free, confidential helpline, 1-800-662-HELP (4357). It’s open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, in English and Spanish, and offers treatment referrals and information for individuals and families. SAMHSA also runs FindTreatment.gov, a search tool for treatment programs near you.County behavioral health services
Most counties have a behavioral health or substance use services department that can do assessments and connect residents to treatment, including people with public insurance or none at all. Search your county name plus “substance use services” to find yours.Social workers
Social workers are often the bridge between a person and the help they need. In hospitals, clinics and treatment programs, they handle intake assessments and treatment planning, connect people to housing, insurance and job resources, and support families. If you’re in the hospital because of drinking, ask to talk with the social worker before you’re discharged.Your doctor
Your primary care doctor can screen for AUD, check for health effects like liver damage, help you stop drinking safely and refer you to specialized treatment.Support groups
Peer support groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous meet in nearly every community, and they’re free. Many churches host Christian recovery groups too.Employee assistance programs
Lots of employers offer an employee assistance program (EAP) with free, confidential counseling sessions and referrals. The number’s usually in your benefits materials, or HR can give it to you. Using an EAP is generally private, but read your company’s policy to be sure.Help for families
Living with someone who drinks heavily wears you down. Family members often need support as much as the person drinking does. Family therapy, Al-Anon meetings and your pastor can all help you set healthy boundaries, stop covering for your loved one and look after yourself, whether or not they’re ready to get help.Your church
Pastors are often the first person someone tells about a drinking problem. A good one will pray with you, walk with you and help you find treatment. “Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ” (Galatians 6:2, KJV).What Treatment Looks Like
Treatment for alcohol use disorder usually moves through a few stages:- Detox, when needed. People who drink heavily every day may need medically supervised detox, because alcohol withdrawal can be dangerous.
- Treatment: counseling, group therapy and education, in a residential or outpatient setting depending on need.
- Ongoing support through aftercare, support groups and relapse prevention, to protect recovery over the long haul.
