New York, NY 4/21/2010 10:29:32 PM
News / Education

Is It Alcohol Abuse Or Just Casual Drinking?

There are differences between alcohol abuse and casual drinking. The person who engages in casual drinking usually drinks if the occasion presents itself, but does not feel as though something is missing if drinking does not occur. Further, someone who engages in casual drinking may not drink every day. In fact, the casual drinker may limit his drinking strictly to weekends only. Even then, he may go even further in his limitations and consume no more than a certain number of drinks during that time.


On the other hand, a person who is or may be suffering from alcohol abuse most likely has a whole different set of “rules” than the casual drinker. For instance, someone who abuses alcohol may refuse to attend a social function unless alcohol is served, or unless he can figure out a way to bring or furnish his own alcohol. If his presence is required at a non-alcoholic social function, sneaking away to consume alcohol may not be uncommon.


A person who is abusing alcohol will most likely engage in daily drinking. This sometimes begins upon immediately leaving work or school. Some people may be able to wait until they arrive at home before taking the drink, while others may go straight to a bar or nightclub upon leaving their workplace or learning facility.


People who abuse alcohol may not care if intoxication occurs, even if they know that they are expected to fulfill certain duties or responsibilities the next day. As alcohol abuse becomes worse, the person may begin to try to hide the amount of alcohol being consumed.


Before casual drinking turns into alcohol abuse, however, help should be sought through a drug addiction treatment center. If a person even suspects that alcohol abuse is becoming a reality or even just a threat, he can at that time start finding out information on addiction treatment. By logging on to http://www.alcoholrehab.net/ or calling 1-866-923-1134, a person can find an addiction treatment center in his area that will help him.