Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is extremely prevalent and untreated in the US, according to the results of more than 36,000 in-person interviews that were part of the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions III (NESARC III).

Interviews were conducted for a 15 month period beginning in April 2012. Using DSM-5 criteria, results showed 12-month and lifetime prevalences of AUD of 13.9% and 29.1%, respectively. Less than 20% with lifetime AUD were ever treated.

Twelve-month and lifetime prevalences were higher in:

• men (17.6% and 36%, respectively);

• whites (14% and 32.6%);

• Native Americans (19.2% and 43.4%);

• those younger (26.7% and 37%)

• those previously married (11.4% and 27.1%);

• those never married (25% and 35.5%); and

• those with lower incomes (1.8% and 1.5%).

AUD was significantly associated with other substance use problems, depression, bipolar disorder, and antisocial and borderline personality disorders.

Researchers urged more public education and destigmatizing AUD in an effort to increase treatment.

Citation: Grant B, Goldstein R, Saha T, et al. Epidemiology of DSM-5 Alcohol Use Disorder: Results From the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions III. JAMA Psychiatry. 2015;72(8):757-766.