OBJECTIVES: Alcohol consumption carries a risk of adverse personal, social, and health effects. Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a problematic pattern of alcohol use leading to clinically significant impairment or distress. The aim of this study was to determine the patient-perceived impact of AUD. METHODS: Focus groups were conducted with a sample of patients with current or remitted AUD in the UK and France to identify key areas of impact from the patient perspective. The groups were audio-recorded and transcribed. Thematic analysis of the data was undertaken. RESULTS: Ten focus groups were conducted with a total of 38 patients (20 current AUD, 18 remitted AUD; 26 male, 12 female; age range 23-69 years). All patients met the diagnostic criteria (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition) for alcohol dependence. Patients characterised their relationship with alcohol as an ongoing battle for control. The cycle of consumption and dependence permeated most areas of patients' lives, with often devastating consequences. Seven key areas of impact of AUD were identified: social and personal relationships; household, family and social activities; self-care and personal safeguarding; emotional well-being; control over life, self and alcohol; financial and housing situation; and sleep disturbance. The impact of AUD continued even after patients stopped drinking; remitted patients described the ongoing battle to remain abstinent, and the lasting legacy of damaged relationships and feelings of low self-worth. CONCLUSIONS: AUD has considerable impact on many areas of patients' lives, particularly relationships, and feelings of control and self-worth, which can continue even after abstinence has been achieved. From the patient perspective, drinking cessation or reduced consumption may not be the most relevant outcome to determine treatment benefit. There is a clear need for measures that can quantify the humanistic outcomes associated with AUD.