Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a common mental health condition with widespread consequences. In a recently published CAMH-led seminar paper in The Lancet, researchers highlight that millions of adults worldwide experience the physical and psychological effects of AUD, including liver disease, cancer, and mental illness. Despite prevention and treatment efforts, AUD remains a major global challenge. Here are some key takeaways:
1. A Global Health Issue
Worldwide, 7% of adults are affected by AUD — a slight decrease from 7.5% in 2000. Among mental disorders, AUD causes the third highest burden of disease, behind depression and anxiety. These figures highlight the continued need for effective prevention and treatment.
2. Differences Between Men and Women
Men are nearly twice as likely to develop AUD as women (9.3% vs. 4.8%). Women who develop AUD often experience faster physical and psychological harm, such as liver damage and depression, showing the importance of tailored approaches to prevention and care.
3. Wealth and Risk
In 2019, high-income countries had more than double the rate of AUD (9.4%) compared to low-income countries (4%). As nations grow wealthier, alcohol use and related harms are expected to increase, underscoring the role of alcohol control policies and early detection.
4. The Stress-Alcohol Connection
Stress and alcohol misuse can create a dangerous feedback loop: stress contributes to drinking, and drinking worsens stress. During the COVID-19 pandemic, alcohol-related deaths rose even as overall consumption declined, emphasizing the need to address stress in prevention and relapse reduction strategies.
5. Barriers to Treatment
Stigma and lack of funding remain major obstacles to AUD treatment. Many people with alcohol problems never receive professional help, despite the availability of effective treatments. Policies like raising alcohol taxes and using that revenue for treatment could help make recovery more accessible.
6. New Hope in Treatment
Innovative therapies are emerging to support recovery:
- GLP-1 drugs, originally used for diabetes, may help reduce cravings.
- Brain stimulation and psychedelic-assisted therapy are being studied to repair the brain’s reward system.
Treatment at CAMH
Alcohol is the most commonly treated substance at CAMH, where services are designed to support people at every stage of recovery. People can receive medications prescribed by the medical team, or focus on therapeutic approaches without medication, depending on individual needs. For those seeking rapid support, the COMPASS clinic provides same-day assessments on weekdays between 10 a.m. and noon, or individuals can call Access CAMH at 416 535-8501.
