The present study investigated reasons for not seeking treatment on a sample of European primary care patients that were diagnosed with an AUD but did not receive any professional AUDs treatment. We were able to show that the reasons for not seeking treatment were related to AUDs severity. However, half of the patients that fulfilled at least four DSM-5 AUDs criteria in the past 12 months still stated that they did not have a problem with alcohol use requiring treatment. The finding that the main reason for not seeking treatment was a lack of acknowledging the problem was in line with studies from the US [26]. As discussed below, the results indicate a huge potential for prevention when the health care system would address those patients with mild AUDs that are already at increased risk but do not (yet) perceive a need to seek treatment [36].
