In settings that are non-clinical in nature, the terms alcohol abuse and alcohol addiction or dependence are oftentimes used interchangeably. Although they commonly and generically refer to a problem involving the use of alcohol, there is a distinct difference between them. From a more simplified medical standpoint, alcohol abuse is viewed as the early stages of alcohol addiction or dependence. On the other hand, addiction and dependence is defined as a more chronic and complex condition.

Needless to say, both alcohol abuse and addiction or dependence are different forms of alcohol use disorders. When the criteria that is necessary for diagnosing these disorders is taken into consideration and compared, their differences make them distinctly different types of disorders. Despite the fact that both terminologies indicate the consequences that result from drinking problems, there are fewer symptoms involved in diagnosing the condition as abuse versus addiction or dependence.

Diagnosing alcohol abuse

Alcohol abuse is different from alcohol addiction or dependence in that it is the misuse or overuse of alcohol and typically leads to the detriment of family life, finances, personal health, relationships, and school or work performance. There is usually a pattern of one or more negative recurring consequences including:

• alcohol-related legal problems such as disorderly conduct, driving under the influence, or public intoxication
• alcohol-related role failures such as failing to meet the obligations and responsibilities of family, finances, school, and/or work
• alcohol use in situations that are potentially dangerous such as driving a vehicle or operating heavy duty equipment or machinery

When the drinking of alcohol coincides with either of these three factors above over a 12 month period, the person is referred to as an alcohol abuser. Additionally, in order to be diagnosed as an abuser of alcohol they must have continued drinking even though they have had the three problems listed above.

Diagnosing alcohol addiction or dependence

Basically, alcohol addiction or dependence is alcohol abuse that is taken to a more serious level. Usually characterized and defined by the following:

• cravings for alcohol
• a high tolerance build-ups to drinking alcohol
• a loss of control whenever you drink alcohol
• physical and psychological dependence on alcohol
• role failure that is associated with drinking alcohol
• withdrawal symptoms occur when you stop drinking alcohol

There are a different set of criteria for diagnosing alcohol addiction or dependence that are much more comprehensive. Alcohol addiction or dependence is usually considered as a disorder or illness that is associated with the excessive drinking of alcohol. The diagnosis of alcohol addiction or dependence typically addresses the tolerance build-up that occurs and the withdrawal symptoms that occur when a person stops drinking alcohol.

For the most part, the diagnosis of alcoholism, alcohol addiction, or alcohol dependence usually includes:

• continued drinking despite the adverse health conditions and other negative consequences that alcohol drinking causes
• desire to decrease the intake of alcohol or stop drinking altogether and being unsuccessful at it
• hangovers, tremors, shakes, and the other withdrawal symptoms that typically occur when you stop drinking
• negative financial, legal, and social consequences of drinking
• preoccupation with drinking alcohol and obtaining a continual supply of it

From a medically diagnostic standpoint, the diagnosis of alcohol addiction or dependence overrides alcohol abuse diagnosis. In other words, it is not possible to be diagnosed with alcohol abuse and alcohol addiction or dependence at the same time. This stems from the fact that alcohol abuse oftentimes leads to alcohol addiction or dependence. Once alcohol abuse has progressed into addiction or dependence, the person is considered as being an alcoholic whether or not they continue to drink.

Signs of alcohol abuse

Alcohol abuse is defined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, IV as “drinking despite alcohol-related physical, social, psychological, or occupational problems, or drinking in dangerous situations, such as while driving.” The International Classification of Diseases published by the World Health Organization defines alcohol abuse as the “harmful use of alcohol, or drinking that causes either physical or mental damage in the absence of alcohol dependence.”

In other words, the meaning of alcohol abuse is the harmful or problematic use of alcohol. The primary symptom of alcohol abuse that occurs when the individual continues drinking is that they reach a level with their drinking causes significant, recurring problems. Alcohol abuse means that the person continues their drinking after it causes them to:

• drive drunk
• get into legal trouble (i.e. with the law)
• miss school or work
• shirk their responsibilities

You may not initially realize that you have a problem with alcohol and you may not drink larger quantities of alcohol when you are drinking. You might even go several days or weeks at a time in between your drinking episodes. However, even if you are not drinking that often, you can still abuse alcohol and risk addiction or dependence to it.

Signs of alcohol addiction or dependence

For the individual who is diagnosed as an alcoholic, addicted to alcohol, or dependent upon alcohol, the symptoms of addiction or dependence include all of those associated with alcohol abuse. Once abuse reaches the addiction or dependence stage, the person typically experiences three of the following seven symptoms of alcohol addiction or dependence which include:

• excessive alcohol use
• impaired control of consuming alcohol
• large periods of time spent in activities associated with alcohol
• neglect of your activities and responsibilities
• persistence in drinking alcohol
• tolerance build-up
• withdrawal symptoms

Remember that despite all of the problems that drinking alcohol causes the individual, they continue to drink it.

Getting the help you need

Our Strength to Change program is an effective alcohol addiction treatment and recovery format that has one of the highest recovery success rates in the US. If you or a loved one is suffering with alcohol abuse, addiction, or dependence and would like more information regarding this program and our facility, please contact the Delray Recovery Center at the toll-free phone number listed above.