Difference Between Alcohol Abuse And Alcoholism

Alcohol abuse and alcoholism are two distinct disorders that can have serious consequences on an individual’s physical and mental health, as well as their relationships and overall quality of life. While alcohol abuse is characterized by excessive drinking that leads to negative consequences, alcoholism involves physical dependence on alcohol that can lead to a https://ecosoberhouse.com/ loss of control over one’s drinking. If you’re afraid your drinking problems are spiraling out of control, Alvarado Parkway Institute can help you get your life back on track. Whether you’re struggling with alcohol abuse or alcohol dependence, our alcohol rehab center in San Diego provides a safe, supportive, and caring environment for your road to recovery.

Additionally, there are many tools you can find online to help you examine the nature of your alcohol use and your behaviors surrounding it. It’s important to note that our “Has My Alcohol Use Become a Problem? ” questionnaire is intended for educational purposes and should not be used to self-diagnose. This evaluation is not a substitute for advice from a medical doctor. Access award-winning, comprehensive primary and specialty care for your whole family.

Difference Between Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism

Not everyone who abuses alcohol is physically dependent on it, but alcohol dependence is a key sign of an alcohol use disorder. We publish material that is researched, cited, edited and reviewed by licensed medical professionals. The information we provide is not intended to be what is the difference between alcohol abuse and alcoholism a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers. You may have also heard the term ‘alcohol dependence,’ which was previously diagnosed per the DSM-IV.

Are you seeking alcoholism treatment for yourself or a loved one struggling with alcoholism? Do you have a spouse, child, relative or friend who you suspect struggles with alcohol abuse? Alcohol rehab can help people ready to address their substance use disorder.

Medical Detox

Some individuals attend support groups that, for the those who are dependent on the substance, is a lifelong commitment in order to stay on the right track. Alcohol dependence is also known by many other terms like alcoholism or alcohol addiction. Dependence is the most accurate term, though, because a person is not only psychologically dependent on alcohol to help them relieve stress but also physically dependent on the substance as well. This individual would experience withdrawal symptoms if they were to stop drinking, which is one of the most important distinctions to remember. The primary difference between alcohol abuse and alcoholism is that alcoholism refers to a legitimate medical condition, while alcohol abuse does not. Someone who is said to have alcoholism will meet the diagnostic criteria for an alcohol use disorder, but it is possible to abuse alcohol without having an alcohol use disorder.

However, with both alcohol abuse and alcoholism, these feelings are less effective over time as a person’s drinking habits increase. There is a difference between alcohol abuse and dependence, but what separates these alcohol use disorders does not come down to just one difference or one issue. It is important to assess your situation as an individual and decide which factors you recognize as being a part of your alcohol abuse. This condition is categorized as mild, moderate, or severe, depending on the person’s use. When a person with alcoholism goes too long without drinking or does drink their usual amount, they may experience withdrawal symptoms.