A destructive pattern of alcohol use, leading to significant social, occupational, or medical impairment. Alcohol was often taken in larger amounts or over a longer period than was intended Persistent desire or unsuccessful efforts to cut down or control alcohol use Great deal of time spent in using alcohol, or recovering from hangovers Important social, occupational, or recreational activities given up or reduced because of alcohol use.
Some disorders display similar or sometimes even the same symptom.
The clinician, therefore, in his diagnostic attempt has to differentiate against the following disorders which one needs to be ruled out to establish a precise diagnosis.