Many people believe the words alcoholism and alcohol abuse to be interchangeable when in fact they are two different terms. Alcoholism is a disease defined as the uncontrollable physical need and emotional dependence on alcohol. The person lacks the ability to refrain from alcohol even when the results of their drinking are detrimental to all aspects of their life such as their marriage, their job and their financial wellbeing. Alcoholism is a chronic disease and can even become fatal if left untreated.
The term "alcohol abuse" is used to describe a state less severe than true alcoholism. As an alcohol abuser, you may drink to excess and suffer social and health consequences, but never completely lose your control over the substance as you would in full-fledged alcoholism.
Do not be fooled by alcohol abuse however, while not as severe as alcoholism, abuse is still not a safe way to indulge in alcohol. The National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence says 18 million Americans abuse alcohol. Alcohol is a factor in almost half of all traffic fatalities in the United States. It makes no difference to the families of those victims that the driver was an alcohol abuser or an alcoholic. Alcohol should not have even played a role in the accident.
While not always easy to identify the true alcoholic, there are signs that can be recognized. Not everyone suffering from alcoholism experiences all of these symptoms. Because they are likely to be secretive about it, it can be difficult to ascertain in another. Here's what to watch for:
1. Keeping drinking secret from friends and family; drinking alone a lot; hiding the alcohol in unusual places.
2. The inability to stop drinking once started.
3) Experience full or partial "blackouts," in which memory of events while drinking isn't complete.
4. Becoming annoyed when a regular drinking ritual, like having a drink after dinner, is interrupted.
5. Leaving behind former hobbies and pleasurable activities.
6. Drinking becomes a compulsion or a need.
7. The more time without a drink, bad temper and irritability is displayed.
8. Gulping strong drinks to reach the drunk feeling as rapidly as possible.
9) Tolerance levels are set requiring larger amounts of alcohol to achieve the needed feeling.
10. Relationships, work, financial troubles increase, sometimes involving legal actions.
11) Experiencing symptoms of physical withdrawal - shaking, sweating, and nausea when no alcohol has been consumed for a while for whatever reason.
If you haven't reached the stage of true alcoholism, but are instead an alcohol abuser you may suffer some of the same symptoms, with the exception of the compulsion to drink and the withdrawal symptoms when not drinking. Alcoholism is also more suspected when a tolerance to alcohol has been built up and when an inability to stop drinking is observed.
Have you ever wondered if your own alcohol consumption has crossed the line into either alcohol abuse or alcoholism? Ask yourself the following:
- What's the first thing you think of when you get up in the morning? If having a drink ranks in the top 1 or 2, there could be problem.
- Do you feel guilty about your drinking enough to hide it from those who care about you? From your boss, or your spouse, or children?
- Do you often think about how you should cut back on the amount of drinking you do? Have you made failed New Years' Resolutions to stop?
- Do you get annoyed when others mention or, heaven forbid, criticize your special relationship to alcohol?
Answering yes to any of the questions could be an indicator that you have at least alcohol abuse and perhaps even suffer from alcoholism. Seek help now!
Alcoholism And Alcohol Abuse
There is a difference between alcoholism and alcohol abuse. When a person is dealing with alcoholism the craving factor is involved. There is a physical dependence on alcohol for the alcoholic and also a loss of control over the drinking itself.
Alcohol abuse is different because it is defined as a pattern of drinking that results in at least one of these situations during the course of a year:
Having a problem with fulfilling responsibilities or commitments at home, school or work.
Drinking while operating machinery or driving a car or any other situations that are physically dangerous.
Continuing to drink even when relationships are falling apart or getting worse because of drinking.
Alcohol-related problems that end in recurring legal dilemmas such as driving under the influence or injuring someone because you were drunk.
Alcohol abuse is not the same thing as alcoholism but many of the effects of alcohol abuse are the same as those experienced by alcoholics. In either case it is usually a good idea to stop drinking and make an appointment to get some help.
There are signs that a person may have a drinking problem. If you sometimes feel guilty or bad about your drinking or feel that you should cut down on your drinking or stop drinking, you could have a problem.
Have there been times when others have irritated you or made you mad because they criticized your drinking habits? Maybe you sometimes have a drink first thing in the morning just to get rid of a hangover or to steady your nerves. These, too can be signs of a drinking problem.
If you are thinking that none of the signs listed in the paragraph above have anything to do with you that is good. A person can have a problem with alcohol and not experience those signs but sometimes their drinking is affecting their health, relationships, or job in other ways.
Alcohol abuse may be the root of any of these problems.
For those who are ready to take a look at how alcohol is affecting their lives, there is help. Many professionals are trained to handle people who are suffering from alcohol abuse or alcoholism.
There are programs designed for people of all ages who are dealing with alcohol problems.
It may be wise to start with your current health car provider. She will be able to answer your questions and offer ideas for help and support. There is no reason to feel you are alone in your search for help and guidance.
Alcohol abuse and alcoholism are serious problems. For those who are ready to understand, get treatment, and heal there is help available.
A White Noise Machine Allow the benefits of white noise to keep your family rested, relaxed, and healthy by receiving the required amount of sleep each of you need
