The reference guide used by clinicians to diagnose mental health disorders is known as the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). The most recent version of the manual is the DSM-5.

DSM-5 Diagnostic Criteria for Alcohol Use Disorder

Alcohol use disorder is defined by the DSM-5 as:  

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 fulfil 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 (refer to DSM-5 for further details)

b)  Alcohol (or a closely related substance, such as a benzodiazepine) is taken to relieve or avoid withdrawal symptoms.

A mild alcohol use disorder is defined as the presence of 2-3 of the above symptoms.

A moderate alcohol use disorder is defined as the presence of 4-5 of the above symptoms.

A severe alcohol use disorder is defined as the presence of 6 or more of the above symptoms.