Alcohol Dependence versus Alcohol Abuse
Alcoholism is a term commonly used to describe the medical disorder of alcohol dependence. Many alcohol rehab professionals prefer more precise language that distinguishes between alcohol dependence and alcohol abuse.
Alcohol dependence is an illness with four main features:
- Physical dependence, with a characteristic alcohol withdrawal syndrome that is relieved by more alcohol (e.g., morning drinking) or other drugs;
- Physiological tolerance, so that more and more alcohol is needed to produce the desired effects;
- Difficulty in controlling how much alcohol is consumed once drinking has begun;
- A craving for alcohol that can lead to relapse if one tries to abstain.
Alcohol abuse is different from alcohol dependence. Abusers are not necessarily physically addicted to alcohol, but develop problems as a result of their alcohol consumption and poor judgment, failure to understand the risks, or lack of concern about damage to themselves or others. Because they are not addicted, alcohol abusers remain in control of their behavior and can change their drinking patterns in response to explanations and warnings. An alcohol abuser either:
- Persists in habitual drinking or occasional binge drinking that causes or exacerbates a persistent or recurrent social, work, financial, legal, or health problem;
- Or uses alcohol repeatedly under circumstances which are physically dangerous, such as driving while intoxicated.
Many people who abuse alcohol eventually become alcohol dependent.
If you are looking for an alcohol rehab or alcohol detox go to www.lakeviewhealth.com or call the national alcoholism treatment, alcohol abuse helpline at 1-800-511-9225.
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