Alcohol Abuse vs. Alcoholism

Alcohol abuse is sometimes called “problem drinking” and it happens when drinking alcohol becomes a problem that causes negative consequences. Alcoholism, known medically as alcohol use disorder (AUD) occurs when an individual has come to rely on mental or developed a chemical dependency on alcohol. AUD is the point where alcohol abuse becomes alcohol addiction.

What Are the Differences?

Abuse

There are several types of abuse with varying amounts of consumption.

Drinking more than the recommended amounts for safe drinking habits is considered alcohol abuse. According to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2020–2025, the recommended safe drinking limits are:

• 1 drink or less per day for women
• 2 drinks or less per day for men
• Binge Drinking–When a person consumes a lot of alcohol on one occasion it’s called binge drinking. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration has defined it as:
• 5 or more alcoholic drinks on one occasion for men
• 4 or more for women
• Heavy Alcohol Use–This type of alcohol abuse occurs when a person drinks a lot of alcohol over a longer period, or binging at least 5 or more days in the past month. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism defines it as:
• More than 3 alcoholic drinks on any day OR more than 7 drinks per week for women
• More than 4 alcoholic beverages on any day OR more than 14 drinks per week for men

Alcoholism

An individual with AUD may drink multiple times a day, every day. Often, they will begin and end their day with alcohol and may not be able to go a day without alcohol.Alcohol withdrawal is a symptom of alcoholism. An individual with an alcohol abuse problem may not experience withdrawal symptoms when they don’t drink. Alcohol withdrawal syndrome is one of the first indications of alcoholism for people who didn’t think their drinking habits were a problem. Withdrawal symptoms include:

• Cravings for alcohol
• Extreme sweating
• Elevated heart rate
• Hand tremors
• Shaky body
• Vomiting
• Nausea
• Agitation
• Restlessness
• Hallucinations
• Anxiety
• Seizures (most often occur with a severe form of alcohol withdrawal called delirium tremens or DTs)

Some people drink alcohol for the depressant effects such as calmness, relaxation, and feelings of well-being. However, with both alcoholism and alcohol abuse, these feelings diminish over time as the person’s drinking increases. It might take more and more alcohol to produce these effects. This is called tolerance. This means that they will eventually feel the need to increase the amount they drink in each episode over time. Before they realize it, abuse has turned to alcoholism.People who abuse alcohol, or binge or drink heavily, might not develop alcohol dependence if they cut back on their drinking. However, alcohol dependence (also called physical dependence) occurs when the person’s body starts to rely on alcohol just to function. It is this health condition that is responsible for a person experiencing alcohol withdrawal. The difference is that when a person has to drink every day to avoid withdrawal symptoms, they have a physical dependence. Alcohol dependence is a known element of alcoholism.

Signs of Alcohol Abuse

Besides building a tolerance and needing large amounts of alcohol, there are other signs of alcohol abuse including:

• Drinking excessively–binge drinking and heavy drinking
• Prioritizing drinking and neglecting obligations
• Risky and impulsive behaviors
• Mood swings–abuse leads to changes to neurotransmitters responsible for emotional balance
• Changes in physical appearance
• Unexplained injuries

Health Effects of Alcohol Abuse

Consuming large amounts of alcohol over time will take its toll on many of the body’s organs and may lead to organ damage. Organs known to be damaged by long-term alcohol abuse include:

• Brain
• Nervous system
• Heart
• Liver
• Pancreas

Your blood pressure and blood cholesterol levels (risks for strokes and heart attacks) may also increase.

Psychological Consequences of Alcohol Abuse

The chemical changes in your brain due to alcohol abuse can quickly lead to:

• Anger
• Depression
• Anxiety

In addition, alcohol slows down how your brain processes information. This makes it harder to figure out what you’re really feeling and the potential results of your actions.

Symptoms of Alcoholism (AUD)

AUD symptoms focus on changes in your behavior and mood and may be mild, moderate, or severe, based on the number of symptoms which include:

• Craving alcohol
• Drinking more than planned or for longer than intended
• Repeatedly trying to cut down or quit but failing
• Spending large amounts of time drinking, obtaining alcohol, and recovering from drinking
• Giving up social, work, or recreational activities because of alcohol
• Failing to meet obligations at work, school, or home
• Continuing to drink despite the problems it’s causing to relationships, work, or school
• Developing a tolerance
• Drinking in situations where it isn’t safe
• Withdrawal symptoms when you don’t drink or drinking just to avoid the symptoms

What Are the Treatments for Alcohol Abuse vs. Alcoholism?

As you can see, alcohol abuse is a milder form of alcoholism and the symptoms overlap.

The DSM-5th edition combined the two disorders into a single disorder called alcohol use disorder with mild, moderate, and severe subclassifications. Because there is no longer a technical diagnosis of alcohol abuse, individuals with any form of AUD would need the same treatments which include:

• Medical Detox–a medical detox for AUD is important because some withdrawal symptoms may be life-threatening.
• Medications–There are medications approved in the U.S. to help people stop drinking and prevent a relapse.
• Behavioral Treatments–Behavioral treatments are aimed at changing a person’s drinking behavior by helping them learn new, healthy behaviors.
• Addiction Therapies–Depending on the individual needs, the following may be used among others.
  • Individual Therapy
  • Group Therapy
  • Family Therapy
• Treatment Programs–Whether a person needs a residential treatment program, outpatient, or dual diagnosis program depends on the severity and any co-occurring disorder.

The Lovett Center Offers AUD Treatment in Houston, TX

If you or a loved one are suffering from an alcohol disorder, you can find treatment at the Lovett Center in Houston, TX. We are a comprehensive rehab with residential, outpatient, and dual diagnosis programs. We know that nobody relaxes with a glass of wine and plans to become an alcoholic. There are many reasons, and we are here to help you understand and get yourself back on track to fulfill your life goals. You can end the struggle if you take the first step and contact us today.