Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism: Signs, Symptoms, and Diagnosis

Generally, however, the difference between alcohol misuse and AUD lies in looking at how a person drinks in the short term, as opposed to over a prolonged period of time. Drinking alcohol too much or too often, or being unable to control alcohol consumption, can be a sign of alcohol misuse and, in some cases, alcohol use disorder (AUD). If you think distinguish between alcohol abuse and alcoholism you’re struggling with an alcohol use disorder and want professional help, call The Recovery Village. Our helpful representatives can discuss your situation with you, explain your treatment options, and get you started on the path to lifelong recovery. “Alcoholism” is a term often used to describe someone with a severe form of alcohol dependence.

What Increases the Risk for Alcohol Use Disorder?

Often, people who are alcohol dependent (particularly in the immediate post-withdrawal period) find it difficult to cope with typical life challenges such as managing their finances or dealing with relationships. They will therefore require additional support directed at these areas of social functioning. A proportion of service users entering specialist treatment are involved with the criminal justice system and some may be entering treatment as a condition of a court order. Therefore, appropriate liaison with criminal justice services is essential for this group. In this phase, the primary role of treatment is the prevention of relapse. This should include interventions aimed primarily at the drinking behaviour, including psychosocial and pharmacological interventions, and interventions aimed at dealing with co-occurring problems.

• Although alcohol dependence is defined in ICD–10 and DSM–IV in categorical terms for diagnostic and statistical purposes as being either present or absent, in reality dependence exists on a continuum of severity.
• The term was introduced in ICD–10 and replaced ‘non-dependent use’ as a diagnostic term.
• Treatment staff therefore need to be able to identify and assess physical health consequences of alcohol use, and refer patients to appropriate medical services.
• The action of alcohol on GABA is similar to the effects of other sedatives such as benzodiazepines and is responsible for alcohol’s sedating and anxiolytic properties (Krystal et al., 2006).
• Therefore, individuals regularly consuming drinks in excess of these guidelines may be defined as abusing alcohol.

Alcohol Dependence vs. Alcohol Abuse: What’s the Difference?

• When this occurs repeatedly over time, and when it begins to impact your health and your life, alcohol misuse can become AUD.
• Alcohol abuse, often considered a precursor to alcoholism, can lead to significant negative consequences in an individual’s life without the presence of physical dependence.
• Unhealthy alcohol use includes any alcohol use that puts your health or safety at risk or causes other alcohol-related problems.
• In some cases, alcohol abuse may be managed through lifestyle changes rather than therapy or other treatment methods.

The treatment priorities depend on factors such as each patient’s needs and the clinical resources available. The mood disorders that most commonly co-occur with AUD are major depressive disorder and bipolar disorder. Anxiety disorders are the most prevalent psychiatric disorders in the United States. The prevalence of AUD among persons treated for anxiety disorders is in the range of 20% to 40%,2,15 so it is important to be alert to signs of anxiety disorders (see below) in patients with AUD and vice versa. Still, both patterns of drinking can lead to health concerns and affect your overall well-being and quality of life. Understanding the difference between alcohol abuse and alcoholism will help you determine the extent of your drinking problem.

Early Symptoms

For example, ” abuse ” may imply that the behavior is intentional and controllable and, therefore, a personal failure rather than a disease symptom. Referring to this condition as alcohol use disorder is more accurate and less stigmatizing. Recognizing the early signs and risk factors for AUD can help you seek early treatment and intervention to break alcohol misuse patterns. For some people, alcohol misuse results from psychological or social factors. Others use alcohol to cope with psychological issues or stress in their daily lives. Many people with AUD continue to drink even as they develop health problems related to drinking.

• Patients with complex psychological issues related to trauma, sexual abuse or bereavement will require specific interventions delivered by appropriately trained personnel (Raistrick et al., 2006).
• An overall emphasis on the AUD component may come first, or an emphasis on the co-occurring psychiatric disorder may take precedence, or both conditions can be treated simultaneously.
• The alcohol withdrawal programmes are typically of 2 to 3 weeks duration and the rehabilitation programmes are typically of 3 to 6 months duration.
• The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) classifies various mental illnesses and disorders.
• Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is now the clinically accepted term used by doctors and mental health professionals.

VOASW: Types of Treatment Available for Alcoholism & Alcohol Abuse

Alcohol abuse was defined as a condition in which a person continues to drink despite recurrent social, interpersonal, health, or legal problems as a result of their alcohol use. A person who abuses alcohol may also be dependent on alcohol, but they may also be able to stop drinking without experiencing withdrawal symptoms. Alcohol dependence causes people to keep drinking to avoid experiencing withdrawal symptoms. Alcohol abuse, on the other hand, involves drinking excessively without having a physical dependence. Treatment for alcoholism and alcohol abuse is anchored in controlling cravings and withdrawal symptoms.

Behavioral treatments

There are several forms of abuse, with varying degrees of drinking with each. Enquiries in this regard should be directed to the British Psychological Society. If you choose to speak with a friend or family member, be clear about what you need and expect from them, including confidentiality. Because a person with NPD will often approach therapy with ambivalence or negative feelings, they are more likely to give up prematurely.

12.2. Current service provision for children and young people

For patients in the middle, with up to a moderate level of severity of AUD or the psychiatric disorder or both, a decision to refer should be based on the level of comfort and clinical judgment of the provider. Alcohol-related problems are among the most pressing public health concerns globally. Often, the terms ‘alcohol abuse’ and ‘alcoholism’ are used interchangeably, but they indicate different issues concerning drinking behaviors. This article aims to clarify alcohol abuse vs alcoholism – how alcohol abuse differs from alcoholism, highlighting the telltale signs, impacts, and the necessary steps for those seeking assistance. By understanding the nuances between the two, individuals can better identify the problem at hand and find the appropriate pathways to recovery or support.

Signs & Severity of Symptoms

AUD exists on a spectrum, meaning you can have a mild, moderate or severe case. When psychosis is suspected, a general physical and neurological exam should be performed to exclude medical causes such as subdural hematoma, seizures, or hepatic encephalopathy—any of which may be a consequence of AUD. Again, it’s important to create a timeline of mental health symptoms and alcohol use and to collaborate as needed with mental health specialists for selection of pharmacotherapies and psychosocial interventions. You can determine the differences between alcohol abuse and alcoholism based on the symptoms, extent of use, and the necessary treatment approach. Alcoholism, sometimes referred to as alcohol dependence, is a brain disease characterized by excessive alcohol intake. Ultimately, the effectiveness of alcohol abuse treatments is influenced by various factors, including treatment duration, the severity of the abuse, and individual engagement with the treatment process.

My Health Online

Let your loved ones know that if they see any of these symptoms, they should call 911 or get you to a hospital right away. AUD treatment is usually centered on abstinence — getting you to completely give up alcohol. But some research now shows that cutting back on heavy drinking, or what’s known as harm reduction treatment, can be useful. (No cure currently exists.) But naltrexone can block you from feeling some of the effects of alcohol if you decide to start drinking again.