31st January 2024

Definitions

Alcohol misuse refers to the act of high-risk drinking behaviour(s), which often leads to further complications, such as complex psychological and physical health comorbidities as well as alcohol dependence. The 2022 NICE guidance defines alcohol dependence as “craving, tolerance, a preoccupation with alcohol and continued drinking in spite of harmful consequences”. Dependence (of any psychoactive substance, including alcohol) is one of ten sub-categories in the ICD-10 psychoactive substance use classification, which includes withdrawal syndrome(s). There is some evidence to suggest alcohol dependence has a genetic component.

Current government guidelines suggest adults should consume no more than fourteen units per week of alcohol, spread over a period of approximately three days. However, in deprived neighbourhoods, the average alcohol unit consumption per week is often significantly higher when compared to more affluent areas. Government guidance currently classifies ‘high risk’ drinking as regular consumption of 35 or more units per week for women and 50 or more units per week for men. Alcohol dependence can develop if regular drinking evolves into a continuous behaviour, with signs of dependence usually becoming apparent over the course of one year.