Alcohol Abuse

What is Alcohol Abuse?

“I’m not an alcoholic, I’m just a problem drinker.” The line is often used as a punch line for a comical gag, but there is an element of truth to it that illustrates an important distinction between alcohol abuse and alcoholism.

Alcohol abuse does not include the intense craving a person gets for alcohol. People have not necessarily lost control over their lives and there is no physical dependence on alcohol, but the trends in their lives are not good. Alcohol abuse is not as likely to include an increased tolerance for alcohol, which leads to the need to drink more and more to achieve the same intoxication. But if left unchecked, alcohol abuse could lead to more serious problems.

Here are some signs of possible alcohol abuse:

Drinking in potentially dangerous situations, like driving a car or operating machinery

Being arrested for DUI and having repeat incidents

Losing self-control while drunk and hurting another individual

Experiencing relationship problems, but continuing to drink anyway

Trouble fulfilling work responsibilities, completing school work, etc.

You might notice that the signs of alcohol abuse are very close to those of alcoholism. This is very similar to the signs of alcoholism, so you can understand that these signs are serious indicators that a person is heading in the wrong direction, even though alcoholism has not completely taken over their life. It is very important for people who display these signs to seek help.

That completes the definition of alcohol abuse click here to return to alcoholism definition