Alcoholism and Alcohol Abuse: Recognizing the Difference

Many alcohol drinkers are either abusers or alcoholics, sadly, most individuals believe they do not have a drinking problem at all. Family, loved ones, and friends usually recognize that there is a problem. However, confronting someone with a drinking problem can be a disaster. The person doing the drinking will become defensive, and the person confronting them will end up feeling frustrated and helpless.

If you or someone you know is abusing alcohol or suffering from alcoholism there is a hot-line you can call. 1- 800 - HELP (4357) You can speak directly with a representative, request printed material about alcohol, and get alcohol treatment referral information.

Also, you can visit their website National Drug and Alcohol Treatment Referral Routing Service to get resource and referral information in your state.

What are the differences between alcoholism and alcohol abuse?

Alcoholism is the same as alcohol dependence and is a disease. Although, there is no cure for alcoholism it can be treated once diagnosed. Common symptoms of alcohol dependence include:

Cravings or a strong urge to drink alcohol

Inability to control, limit or stop drinking

Drinking excessive amounts of alcohol in order to feel the effects or feel "high"

Continuing to drink regardless of harm or personal injury

Becoming ill when drinking stops

Alcohol Abuse is a drinking habit or pattern that causes health problems. The behavior and pattern of drinking results in:

Failure to fulfill responsibilities at home, work, or school

Drinking while driving

Problems in personal or business relationships

Legal problems like DUI's, disorderly conduct, etc. resulting from drinking

Continuing to drink regardless of the problems it has caused or made worse

Alcohol abuse can lead to alcoholism.

Are you a heavy drinker? Are you a male that consumes 2 drinks per day on average? Are you a female that has 1 drink per day on average? If the answer is yes you are a heavy drinker, also referred to by some as a moderate drinker.

Are you a binge drinker? Are you a female that consumes 4 or more drinks when you drink? Are you a male who has 5 or more drinks when you drink? If you answered yes, you are a binge drinker.

Whatever your drinking habit is understand that excessive drinking is risky. It can be either heavy or binge drinking, and it is dangerous.

If you suspect that someone you know has an alcohol problem taking this quiz can help you determine if your suspicions are correct.

What can you do to help if you find that there is a problem?

Unfortunately, the only way to force someone who is over the legal drinking age to get help is if the court orders a detoxification or rehabilitation program. Parents, spouses, friends, and children who have a loved one that is an alcoholic or abusing alcohol are powerless. They cannot stop the drinker or make them get help.

However, an intervention or meeting to confront the drinker may encourage that person to seek help. This should be done in a loving and gentle manner. An intervention should never be an all out attack on the person, it is not a time to express anger, disappointment or threaten the person to get help or else.

The people that will be involved in the intervention should be educated on the subject, involved in the planning, preparation, and have a clear understanding of the techniques that will be used or avoided. Otherwise the intervention can backfire and may cause more harm than good.

First, you need to make sure a family intervention is the right step to take, in some cases a professional intervention may be needed. Get information on interventions at National Intervention Referral (NRI).

Living with or loving someone that is an alcoholic or has a problem drinking is heartbreaking, stressful and depressing. There is help and support for families and loved ones of alcohol users, here are a couple of resources to help you:

Phoenix House

National Institute on Chemical Dependency