AUD, on the other hand, is a formal condition your physician can diagnose you with. The terms “alcoholic” and “alcoholism” are popular among adherents of 12-step programs like AA. “AUD” is not a term you are likely to hear at an average AA meeting, though plenty of other recovery programs and groups do use this clinically distinguish between alcohol abuse and alcoholism accurate term. You might experience withdrawal symptoms regardless of your addiction severity. While alcohol abusers drink irresponsibly, they usually can avoid drinking because they need to be sober for a specific reason or situation. For example, an alcohol abuser might experience a hangover after a night of drinking.
Is Alcohol Misuse the Same as Alcohol Abuse?
Before you decide to stop drinking, talk to a healthcare provider to determine what treatment options are available and whether you would benefit from medical supervision during detox. The official move away from the terms “abuse” and “dependence” in the DSM-5 is also reflective of a shift in how professionals talk about alcohol and substance use. The language used in the past often served to stigmatize people who are affected by alcohol use disorder. Alcohol dependence is characterized by symptoms of withdrawal when a person tries to quit drinking.
A model of care for co-occurring AUD and other mental health disorders
Kelly brings empathy to an underserved population and her clients share that they feel listened to without judgement. Thankfully, substance abuse treatment programs like Moving Mountains Recovery Center provide individuals with a safe and comfortable place to recover from alcoholism. When an individual’s alcohol abuse progresses into a severe issue, it is referred to as alcohol use disorder (AUD). The CDC recommends no more than 2 drinks a day for men and 1 drink per day for women to avoid the risk of harm and chronic disease. Therefore, individuals regularly consuming drinks in excess of these guidelines may be defined as abusing alcohol. This health condition is what’s responsible for a person experiencing alcohol withdrawal.
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Abusing alcohol, however, doesn’t mean you’re addicted to or dependent on it. Join our robust training programs led by nationally known healthcare leaders. Because denial is common, you may feel like you don’t have a problem with drinking.
Those with more control or a structured home environment are also potential candidates. Similarly, if you experience severe withdrawal symptoms when you decrease alcohol intake or stop drinking altogether, you might have a drinking problem. Many people can recover if they go to a specialized rehab center that uses proven treatments. Alcohol treatment uses various methods to help with withdrawal and addiction. With these interventions, people can find health and happiness in sobriety.
Alcohol Abuse vs Alcoholism: What Sets Them Apart?
Alcoholism is no longer diagnosed but is instead an everyday term used to describe symptoms of AUD (7). Both alcohol abuse and alcoholism can be successfully treated using a combination of therapies, including medications, behavioral therapy, and support groups. Those with alcoholism may prioritize drinking over other activities and obligations, and may continue to drink despite the knowledge of its harmful consequences. From a psychological standpoint, alcoholism can lead to cognitive deficits, memory loss, and emotional disturbances. It can exacerbate mental health issues and increase the risk of developing certain types of cancer. The nervous system can also bear the brunt of prolonged abuse, with conditions such as neuropathy and an increased likelihood of developing Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome, which affects movement and memory.
- According to the CDC, most people who drink too much are not alcohol-dependent, and 9 out of 10 adults engaging in alcohol abuse do not have alcohol dependence or alcoholism.
- Understanding how does alcohol abuse differ from alcoholism also necessitates exploring their impacts on health.
- Combined with medications and behavioral treatment provided by health care professionals, mutual-support groups can offer a valuable added layer of support.