Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a prevalent medical condition characterized by the continuation of alcohol use despite negative consequences. AUD affects almost 15 million people over the age of 12 annually in the United States. Some of the major long-term negative health consequences of drinking alcohol include digestive problems, heart disease, stroke, liver disease, and cancer. Drinking alcohol can also result in emergency department visits for injuries or alcohol poisoning/overdose. In addition to these physical health consequences, AUD can have a negative impact on occupational performance, social relationships, and mental health. The good news is, there are guidelines to help health care providers identify who may be at risk to develop and who may be suffering from an AUD, and there are many evidence-based treatment options. In this chapter we outline the best practices for diagnosis, withdrawal management, long-term pharmacotherapy options, and resources for patients.

Most people who use marijuana enjoy the experience and are going about their lives effectively. But there are others who crash and burn, or at least smolder, especially those in early adolescence. The largest community focused on concern for a loved one’s harmful involvement with alcohol and other drugs is found in Al-Anon Family Groups, which focus on maintaining understanding of the drug-induced neurologically-based salience of marijuana for their loved one and feeling compassion for their addiction. Al-Anon embodies the principle that we are powerless to force an addict to think differently, though we can educate ourselves about addiction, encourage them toward health, present factual information and reflect reality for them. We can learn nonjudgmental ways to respond to their denial, myths and rationalizations. Parental authority also stems from parental integrity – living a life that embodies what you hope children will learn. When adolescents refuse to stop using marijuana despite their parents’ firm insistence, a process of contracting for privileges and consequences can be useful.