Alcohol Abuse vs Alcohol Dependence

If eligible, we will create a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs. If The Recovery Village is not the right fit for you or your loved one, we will help refer you to a facility that is. As anyone who’s consumed alcohol knows, ethanol can directly influence brain function.

No; although many people believe these are the same, alcohol abuse and alcohol dependence are two separate issues. People who are abusing alcohol may have unhealthy habits when they’re drinking (such as bingeing), but that doesn’t mean they’re physically dependent on alcohol and require it daily. In fact, the CDC found that 9 in 10 people who consume too much alcohol aren’t alcoholics or alcohol dependent. Your doctor may screen you for this condition by asking you questions about your drinking habits, including how much and how often you drink and whether or not you feel drinking alcohol has interfered with your life negatively. They may also perform a physical exam to assess whether your alcohol consumption is detrimentally affecting your health. Alcohol use disorder is considered a progressive disease, meaning that the effects of drinking alcohol become increasingly more severe over time.

The Difference in Drinking Habits

The condition is a disease, and many individuals who go through treatment for alcohol dependency often have to abstain from drinking completely in order to not fall back into these old patterns. It’s not always easy to tell when occasional or moderate alcohol use becomes alcohol abuse or addiction. ” then you might want to know the difference between a drinking problem what is the difference between alcohol abuse and alcoholism and alcoholism, also known as alcohol addiction or alcohol use disorder (AUD). Struggling with drinking problems can negatively impact every area of a person’s life, from their physical health to their relationships. If your drinking has gotten out of control, or if you know someone who’s struggling with alcohol abuse, our Wilkes Barre alcohol treatment can help.

When a person with alcoholism goes too long without drinking or does drink their usual amount, they may experience withdrawal symptoms. These can include uncomfortable and possibly life-threatening side effects like anxiety, tremors, headache, nausea, insomnia, hallucinations, confusion, fever, and more. While the CDC reports that 90% of people https://ecosoberhouse.com/article/9-most-important-relapse-prevention-skills-in-recovery/ who abuse alcohol don’t fit the criteria for alcoholism, it’s still a serious concern in the United States. Ten percent of Americans who drink excessively are classified as alcoholics, according to Reuters. Knowing the difference between alcoholic vs. alcoholism enables you to determine whether seeking professional treatment is necessary.

Risks of alcohol use disorder

A much larger study of almost 4 million people in Korea noted that mild to moderate alcohol consumption was linked to a lower risk for dementia compared to non-drinking. Alcoholism is influenced by a number of hereditary and environmental factors. For example, if you’re genetically predisposed to addiction, you may be more likely to struggle with alcoholism. But regardless of your genetic makeup, excessive drinking can also lead to a self-perpetuating cycle of alcohol abuse, triggering physiological changes that cause a dependence to form.

However, since alcohol affects people in different ways, recognizing AUD in yourself or in others can be subjective and challenging. Read on to learn more about the symptoms, risk factors, treatments, diagnosis, and where to get support. Delirium tremens is a symptom of severe alcohol withdrawal that can be potentially fatal. Contact emergency services immediately if you experience symptoms such as fever, involuntary muscle contractions, seizures, delusions, hallucinations, or rapid mood swings as you withdraw from alcohol. For example, ” abuse ” may imply that the behavior is intentional and controllable and, therefore, a personal failure rather than a disease symptom.

Alcohol Use Disorder: A Comparison Between DSM–IV and DSM–5

In addition to managing a successful family medical practice, Dr. Hoffman is board certified in addiction medicine by the American Osteopathic Academy of Addiction Medicine (AOAAM). Dr. Hoffman has successfully treated hundreds of patients battling addiction. Dr. Hoffman is the Co-Founder and Chief Medical Officer of AddictionHelp.com and ensures the website’s medical content and messaging quality. While this may be a difficult conversation, they can provide further testing to determine whether you need professional help for alcohol and drugs.