The proposed revisions for the DSM-5 include exclusion of the AA symptom “recurrent alcohol-related legal problems”, hereafter referred to as “legal problems” (LP). A new symptom will be added addressing craving (“craving or a strong desire or urge to use a specific substance”). Because craving was not measured, we were not able to derive a formal AUD diagnosis; readers should bear this in mind, as the term “AUD diagnosis” will be used throughout the manuscript for the sake of brevity. We were able to construct a variable that excluded the LP symptom and required the endorsement of at least two other symptoms. Since only 10 of the 11 possible symptoms were available, the prevalence of AUD reported here is likely a minor underestimate.
