Moderate alcohol use is normal for millions of Americans, but alcohol abuse or dependence is a serious problem. Too much alcohol affects the central nervous system and how the brain functions. It affects perception, thinking, and coordination. It impairs judgment, reduces inhibitions and increases aggression. Those who abuse alcohol are more likely than others to engage in high risk, thoughtless, or violent behaviors.
Alcoholism is a term commonly used to describe the medical disorder of alcohol dependence. Many health professionals prefer more precise language that distinguishes between alcohol dependence and alcohol abuse.
Alcohol dependence is a disease with significant features:
- Physical dependence, with a characteristic withdrawal syndrome that is relieved by more alcohol or other drugs;
- Physiological tolerance, so that more and more alcohol is needed to produce the desired results;
- 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;
- Progressive, identifiable and predictable stages from social drinking through addiction;
- A primary disease that is fatal if not treated.
Alcohol abuse differs from alcohol dependence, or alcoholism, in that it does not include loss of control over drinking or an extremely strong craving for alcohol. 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 and 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.
Alcohol Abuse is defined as a pattern of drinking that results in one or more of the following signs, symptoms or situations within a 12-month period:
- Failure to fulfill major work, school or home responsibilities:
- Uses alcohol to deal with social situations, build confidence or overcome shyness;
- Experiencing occasional memory blackouts during or after drinking;
- Drinking causes or exacerbates a persistent or recurrent social, work, financial, legal or health problem
- Uses alcohol repeatedly under circumstances which are physically dangerous, such as driving while intoxicated;
- Continued drinking despite having ongoing relationship problems that are caused or worsened by the drinking:
Although alcohol abuse is basically different from alcoholism, many effects of alcohol abuse are also experienced by alcoholics.
See Also: Progression
