Alcohol Use Disorder: Comprehensive Analysis of Clinical Aspects, Cultural Perspectives and Stigmatization

The present work aims to investigate alcohol use disorder (AUD), which is among the most prevalent substance use disorders (SUDs), its social correlates, and the influence of stigma in the development of addiction and treatment. Research has consistently proved the detrimental effects of ethanol on the human organism, both short- and long-term, but this awareness is inconsistent with common social norms around alcohol consumption, including its availability to the public; indeed, alcohol is the second psychoactive substance most consumed throughout the world. This work incorporates data on prevalence rates of alcohol consumption and alcohol use disorder, and evidence on neurobiological bases of addiction, risk factors, and available psychological treatments. A key issue addressed is the need for a shift toward a wider understating of social influences on the development of addiction and the mitigation of stigma-related risk factors as a way to enhance long-term, effective treatment.