Alcohol Use Disorder requires at least how many criteria met in a 12-month period?

• A. Two
• B. One
• C. Three
• D. Four

Answer: (A)

Alcohol Use Disorder is diagnosed when a pattern of alcohol use causes clinically significant impairment or distress and is shown by meeting at least two of eleven specific criteria within a 12-month period. The two-or-more threshold is what distinguishes a true disorder from a one-time issue, and it also helps gauge severity: two to three criteria = mild, four to five = moderate, six or more = severe. The criteria cover experiences like craving, unsuccessful attempts to cut down, spending a lot of time drinking or recovering, continuing use despite problems at work, school, or home, giving up important activities, tolerance, withdrawal, using in dangerous situations, and continuing despite knowledge of persistent problems. So the minimum number needed is two, which is why that is the correct threshold. One criterion alone does not meet the diagnosis, while more criteria indicate greater severity.