At first glance, one might wonder if there is indeed a difference between alcohol abuse and alcohol addiction. The answer is yes; in fact, there are several differences.
The person who abuses alcohol does not have the cravings or urges to drink that a person suffering from alcohol addiction does. Nor does his or her body enter into a withdrawal stage if alcohol is not ingested frequently or at a high level.
Nor does the alcohol abuser suffer from a loss of control over his or her mental or physical facilities, beyond that that is caused by the body metabolizing the alcohol, or the effects that come with drinking alcohol (slurred speech, lack of coordination). Rather, the alcohol abuser tends to drink even when he or she is aware that the current situation is not conducive to alcohol consumption.
An alcohol abuser may be fully aware of his or her limit; that is, the amount of alcohol he or she can safely drink without being considered intoxicated as defined by state laws. However, the abuse occurs when the warning signs of pending intoxication are ignored, or when the abuser chooses not to stop well before he or she even begins to reach even the lowest level of intoxication.
Alcohol addiction on the other hand has concrete, unmistakable physical and psychological effects. The person addicted to alcohol has so conditioned his or her body and brain to the effects of alcohol that to deny oneself alcohol leads to almost immediate onset of withdrawal symptoms.
Further, the person with an alcohol addiction will rarely, if ever, be in a sober state. He or she will constantly remain at some level of intoxication.
Treatment for alcohol abuse may differ slightly in some ways from alcohol addiction, because the abuser may not need assistance with withdrawal symptoms, as they may not be present. For this reason, many patients who suffer from alcohol abuse may be able to immediately enter an outpatient program.
Treatment for alcohol abuse and alcohol addiction is necessary if a person wants to live an alcohol-free life. Alcohol treatment programs in Michigan are designed to treat both alcohol abuse and alcohol addiction.
Please call 1-800-559-9503 or visit our website at http://www.alcoholanddrugabuse.com/. We will send you information on where to find help for alcohol abuse or alcohol addiction.
