For many years, alcohol use disorder (AUD) was often viewed as a matter of poor choices or a lack of willpower. Today, medical research makes it clear that this isn’t the case—AUD is a medical condition, not a moral flaw. Like other medical conditions, it can cause difficulty in daily functioning, leading to cravings, compulsive behaviors, and impaired control over drinking. These symptoms can interfere with daily life, relationships, and the ability to work.

What is Alcohol Use Disorder?

Clinically, alcohol use disorder is defined as a medical condition characterized by a compulsive need to drink alcohol, an inability to control alcohol intake despite negative consequences, and often the development of tolerance and withdrawal symptoms. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) describes AUD as “a problematic pattern of alcohol use leading to clinically significant impairment or distress.” To receive a diagnosis, a person must experience at least two of the following symptoms within a 12-month period:

Alcohol is often taken in larger amounts or over a longer period than was intended.
There is a persistent desire or unsuccessful efforts to cut down or control alcohol use.
A great deal of time is spent in activities necessary to obtain alcohol, use alcohol, or recover from its effects.
Craving, or a strong desire or urge to use alcohol.
Recurrent alcohol use resulting in a failure to fulfill major obligations at work, school, or home.
Continued alcohol use despite having persistent or recurrent social or interpersonal problems caused or exacerbated by the effects of alcohol.
Important social, occupational, or recreational activities are given up or reduced because of alcohol use.
Recurrent alcohol use in situations in which it is physically hazardous.
Alcohol use is continued despite knowledge of having a persistent or recurrent physical or psychological problem that is likely to have been caused or exacerbated by alcohol.
Tolerance, as defined by either of the following:
- A need for markedly increased amounts of alcohol to achieve intoxication or desired effect.
- A markedly diminished effect with continued use of the same amount of alcohol.
Withdrawal, as manifested by either of the following:
- The characteristic withdrawal syndrome for alcohol.
- Alcohol (or a closely related substance, such as a benzodiazepine) is taken to relieve or avoid withdrawal symptoms.

Alcohol use disorder is often treated with medications to reduce cravings, prevent relapse, and manage withdrawal symptoms. Behavioral therapies, including cognitive-behavioral therapy and counseling, can also support recovery.

Can I Get STD/LTD Benefits for Alcohol Use Disorder?

The short answer is: Yes! Because of the serious, measurable health effects it can cause, alcohol use disorder may qualify as a disabling condition under many short- and long-term disability (STD/LTD) insurance policies.

Every STD/LTD plan has its own definition of what qualifies as a “disability”. Many plans define disability as the inability to perform the material duties of your own occupation due to a medical condition. Since AUD is a recognized medical condition, if alcohol use affects your ability to do your job, it will often qualify as a disability under many STD/LTD insurance plans.

Requirements to be Eligible for STD/LTD Benefits

When applying for benefits, you’ll need medical evidence that shows both the diagnosis and how it affects your ability to work. Helpful documentation may include:

Formal Diagnosis and Clinical History – A doctor, psychiatrist, or therapist’s diagnosis of alcohol use disorder, along with notes describing the severity and duration of symptoms.
Treatment Records – Proof of participation in detox, rehab, therapy, or medication-assisted treatment. These records show the condition is being actively managed.
Medical Tests and Related Conditions – Lab results or evaluations showing alcohol-related health issues (like liver problems) or co-occurring mental health conditions such as depression or anxiety.
Functional Limitations – Doctor’s statements explaining how symptoms interfere with work (e.g., missed days, difficulty concentrating, or safety concerns).
Consistency Across Records – Medical providers, HR records, and even therapy notes that consistently document the same struggles can strengthen a claim.

Insurers also tend to look for evidence that you are engaged in treatment. This doesn’t mean you need to prove “success,” but showing active effort—attending therapy, following medical advice, or taking prescribed medication—can make your claim stronger.

Is AUD Treated the Same as Other Disabilities?

When it comes to STD insurance benefits, AUD is typically treated the same as any other medical condition. Unfortunately, however, most LTD insurance policies treat benefits for substance use disorder and mental health conditions differently from physical health conditions. Specifically, policies typically have a 24-month “mental illness and substance abuse limitation” that only allows payment of benefits for two years if the claimant has a mental health related disability. AUD and other substance use disorders typically fall under this mental illness limitation, so benefits for individuals disabled by AUD are often limited to two years.

How Does Stigma Impact Individuals with STD/LTD Claims?

Even with growing awareness about addiction and mental health, stigma around alcohol use disorder remains stubbornly strong. Too often, people still see AUD as a sign of weakness or a moral failing instead of what it truly is: a medical condition that affects the brain and body. These attitudes can make it incredibly difficult for people to reach out for help or even recognize that they deserve support. In some cases, stigma can stop someone from filing a disability claim or accessing the benefits they’re entitled to, simply because they fear being judged.

Reducing stigma begins with understanding that AUD, like any other chronic illness, requires treatment and support, not judgment. We don’t blame someone for developing asthma or criticize them for taking time off to recover from surgery. The same understanding should apply to alcohol use disorder. Recovery takes time, and benefits like STD/LTD insurance exist precisely so people can focus on getting well without worrying about their finances. Recognizing AUD as a health issue, not a character flaw, is one of the most important steps toward reducing stigma and helping more people seek the care they need.

Other Resources

If you or someone you know is struggling with alcohol use disorder, there are resources available.

Support programs for individuals with alcohol use disorder include:

Wisconsin Addiction Recovery Helpline: 211wisconsin.communityos.org/addiction-helpline
Alcoholics Anonymous -- www.aa.org
LifeRing Secular Recovery -- lifering.org
Moderation Management -- moderation.org
SMART Recovery -- smartrecovery.org/
Women for Sobriety -- womenforsobriety.org

Resources for finding rehabilitation treatment:

Recovered – recovered.org
National Institute of Health -- www.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/brochures-and-fact-sheets/treatment-alcohol-problems-finding-and-getting-help

Disabled by Alcohol Use Disorder? You Might be Eligible for Short- or Long- Term Disability Benefits