APA Dictionary of Psychology

a pattern of alcohol use that persists despite significant distress and adverse consequences, such as neglect of important personal, financial, social, occupational, or recreational activities; failure to fullfill work or school obligations; and the use of alcohol in situations in which it is physically hazardous (e.g., driving while intoxicated). In DSM–IV–TR, alcohol abuse was made distinct from alcohol dependence in that the diagnosis did not require tolerance, withdrawal, or alcohol use–related compulsive behavior. In DSM–5 and DSM-5-TR, alcohol abuse and alcohol dependence were subsumed into alcohol use disorder and are no longer considered distinct diagnoses. See also substance abuse.