Alcoholism vs. Alcohol Abuse

By Ed Philips


The terms alcoholism and alcohol abuse are in fact two different stages of alcohol addiction. Alcoholism involves an uncontrollable physical need and emotional dependence on alcohol. Even when all aspects of the drinker's life have been adversely affected, the drinker cannot stay away from alcohol. Alcoholism is a chronic disease that can progress even to the point of death if left untreated.

The term "alcohol abuse" is used to describe a state less severe than true alcoholism. As an alcohol abuser, you may drink to excess and suffer social and health consequences, but never completely lose your control over the substance as you would in full-fledged alcoholism.

Just because it's not as bad as alcoholism, abuse is by no means a safe way to use alcohol. The National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence says 18 million Americans abuse alcohol. Alcohol plays a part in almost half of all traffic fatalities in the United States. The loved ones of these victims put very little stock in the difference between an alcohol abuser and an alcoholic when the driver at fault drank more than he should have.

While not always easy to identify the true alcoholic, there are signs that can be recognized. Not everyone suffering from alcoholism experiences all of these symptoms. Because they are likely to be secretive about it, it can be difficult to ascertain in another. Here's what to watch for:

1) Keeping drinking secret from friends and family; drinking alone a lot; hiding the alcohol in unusual places.

2) The inability to stop drinking once started.

3) Experience full or partial "blackouts," in which memory of events while drinking isn't complete.

4. Becoming annoyed when a regular drinking ritual, like having a drink after dinner, is interrupted.

5. Leaving behind former hobbies and pleasurable activities.

6) Drinking becomes an urge or a need.

7. The more time without a drink, the more signs irritability are shown.

8) 'Gulping' strong drinks to attain the drunk feeling as quickly as possible.

9) Tolerance levels are set requiring larger amounts of alcohol to achieve the needed feeling.

10) Relationships, work, financial troubles increase, sometimes involving legal actions.

11. When no alcohol has been consumed for a while for whatever reason, experiencing symptoms of physical withdrawal - shaking, sweating, and nausea.

The drinker who is not at the point of true alcoholism, but is instead an alcohol abuser may experience the same symptoms with the exception of the compulsion to drink and the withdrawal symptoms that are associated with the lack of alcohol consumption. Alcoholism is also more likely the result when tolerance levels have been built-up and there is the inability to stop drinking.

If you find yourself wondering if your drinking habit has crossed in to the dangerous areas of alcoholism or alcohol abuse, ask yourself these questions:

- What's the first thing you think of when you get up in the morning? If having a drink ranks in the top 1 or 2, there could be problem.

- Do you feel guilty enough to hide how much you drink from those who care about you? From your boss?

- Do you often think about how you should cut back on the amount of drinking you do? Have you made failed attempts or goals to stop?

- Do you get irritated when others mention or, disapprove of your special relationship with alcohol?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, you might have already stepped over that line into alcoholism or alcohol abuse. Get help today!

About the Author:
Find out how to Stop Drinking Alcohol Written by Ed Philips and Quit Alcohol Now.

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