What does the term " Alcoholism" mean?
The term "alcoholism" refers to a disease known as alcohol dependence syndrome, the most severe stage of a group of drinking problems which begins with binge drinking and alcohol abuse.
It's a disorder characterized by the excessive consumption of and dependence on alcoholic beverages, leading to physical and psychological harm and impaired social and vocational functioning. Also called alcohol abuse.
What types of Alcohol problems do exist?
Alcohol problems occur at different levels of severity, from mild and annoying to life-threatening. Although alcohol dependence (alcoholism) is the most severe stage, less severe drinking problems can also be dangerous.
Binge Drinking
What is binge drinking?
Officially, binge drinking means having five or more drinks in one session for men and four or more for women. Another definition for binge drinking is simply drinking to get drunk. It's to engage in excessive or uncontrolled indulgence in drink.It is the most common drinking problem for young people, under age 21.
What is Alcohol abuse and how does it differ from Alcoholism?
Alcohol abuse is defined as any "harmful use" of alcohol. A pattern of drinking that is accompanied by one or more of the following situations within a period of one year.
Failure to fulfill major work, school, or home responsibilities;
Drinking in situations that are physically dangerous, such as while driving a car or operating machinery;
Recurring alcohol-related legal problems, such as being arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol or for physically hurting someone while drunk;
Continued drinking despite having ongoing relationship problems that are caused or worsened by the effects of alcohol.
While alcohol abuse is basically different from alcoholism, it is important to note that many effects of alcohol abuse are also experienced by alcoholics
Alcohol abuse differs from alcoholism in that it does not include an extremely strong craving for alcohol, loss of control, or physical dependence. In addition, alcohol abuse is less likely than alcoholism to include tolerance (the need for increasing amounts of alcohol to get "high").
What is Alcohol Dependence?
Alcohol Dependence is when drinkers begin to experience a craving for alcohol, a loss of control of their drinking, withdrawal symptoms when they are not drinking and an increased tolerance to alcohol so that they have to drink more to achieve the same effect. Alcohol dependence is a chronic and often progressive disease that includes a strong need to drink despite repeated problems.
What is the difference between Alcohol abuse and Alcohol Dependence?
Alcohol abuse is described as any "harmful use" of alcohol. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders IV describes alcohol abusers as those who drink despite recurrent social, interpersonal, and legal problems as a result of alcohol use. Harmful use implies alcohol use that causes either physical or mental damage.
Those who are alcohol dependent meet all of the criteria of alcohol abuse, but the will also exhibit some or all of the following:
Narrowing of the drinking repertoire (drinking only one brand or type of alcoholic beverage).
Drink-seeking behavior (only going to social events that will include drinking, or only hanging out with others who drink).
Alcohol tolerance (having to drink increasing amounts to achieve previous effects).
Withdrawal symptoms (getting physical symptoms after going a short period without drinking).
Drinking to relieve or avoid withdrawal symptoms (such as drinking to stop the shakes or to "cure" a hangover).
Subjective awareness of the compulsion to drink or craving for alcohol (whether they admit it to others or not).
A return to drinking after a period of abstinence (deciding to quit drinking and not being able to follow through).
Typically, those drinkers who are diagnosed as only alcohol abusers can be helped with a brief intervention, including education concerning the dangers of binge drinking and alcohol poisoning.
Those who have become alcohol dependent generally require outside help to stop drinking, which could include detoxification, medical treatment, professional rehab or counseling and/or self-help group support.
What Are the Symptoms of an Alcohol Problem?
Certain behaviors are known to be possible early signs of an alcohol problem. These include any established pattern of drinking, such as heavy regular alcohol consumption and/or frequent intoxication, which poses a high risk of future damage to physical or mental health and which places the drinker at risk of accidents, arrests, poor job performance or other social problems.
Alcohol dependence, sometimes referred to as alcoholism , is the most severe type of alcohol problem and is characterized by three of seven symptoms experienced during a one year period. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, the symptoms of alcohol dependence include:
Symptoms of Alcohol Dependence
Neglect of other Activities: Important social, occupational, or recreational activities are given up or reduced because of alcohol use;
Excessive Use: Alcohol is consumed in larger amounts over a longer period than intended;
Impaired control: Ongoing, unsuccessful efforts to cut down or control alcohol consumption;
Persistence of Use: Alcohol consumption is continued despite knowledge of having a persistent or recurrent physical or psychological problem that is likely caused or exacerbated by alcohol;
Large Amounts of Time Spent in Alcohol Related Activities: A great deal of time is spent in activities necessary to obtain, use or recover from the effects of alcohol;
Withdrawal: Withdrawal symptoms, such as nausea, sweating, shakiness, and anxiety when alcohol use is stopped after a period of heavy drinking;
Tolerance: The need for increasing amounts of alcohol in order to feel its effects.