Alcohol dependence,4 also referred to as alcohol use disorder,5 is a chronic, relapsing disorder marked by compulsive alcohol use, an inability to stop drinking despite harmful consequences, and the emergence of a withdrawal syndrome upon cessation of use. Early abstinence is associated with activation of brain stress systems in the extended amygdala.6 Clinically, protracted abstinence involves symptoms of craving, mood and sleep disturbance,7 all of which have been identified as risk factors for relapse.8–10
