Understanding how does alcohol abuse differ from alcoholism also necessitates exploring their impacts on health. Both alcohol abuse and alcoholism can lead to alarming health issues such as liver diseases, cardiovascular problems, and mental health disorders. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warns that long-term alcohol misuse can lead to chronic diseases and other serious health outcomes (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2020). Both conditions can lead to an increased risk of co-occurring mental health disorders, necessitating treatment that addresses both substance use and mental health simultaneously. Alcohol abuse and alcoholism represent two points on the spectrum of alcohol use disorders.

What factors make the difference between AUD and alcoholism?

Symptoms include a strong craving for alcohol, continued use despite recurrent problems resulting from drinking, and the development of tolerance or withdrawal symptoms. Alcohol use disorder (AUD) encompasses alcohol abuse, alcoholism and alcohol dependence. It’s a brain disorder that can be measured on a scale of mild, moderate or severe depending on the level and frequency of consumption and adverse effects. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, the risk for developing AUD increases when you engage in behaviors like binge drinking and heavy alcohol use.

Recognizing Alcoholism

Alcoholism is a term used to describe an individual who suffers from severe alcohol dependence. While the above metrics provided by the NIAAA can be used to measure the level of abuse taking place, any amount of excessive alcohol consumption is a problem. However, while abusers may be able to choose to cut back, people with alcohol dependency disorder require professional treatment to get and stay sober. While the CDC reports that 90% of people who abuse alcohol don’t fit the criteria for alcoholism, it’s still a serious concern in the United States.

Progressive Symptoms

While you’ll often hear the two terms used to describe the same issue, they’re actually distinct diagnoses. To help clarify the difference between the two, let’s take a closer look at alcoholism vs alcohol abuse. A person with alcoholism may drink every day, multiple times a day, may start their day with alcohol, end it with alcohol, and may not be able to go distinguish between alcohol abuse and alcoholism a day without drinking. If a person abuses alcohol, they are drinking more than the recommended amount for safe drinking habits by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). When patients have sleep-related concerns such as insomnia, early morning awakening, or fatigue, it is wise to screen them for heavy alcohol use and assess for AUD as needed.

Distinguishing Symptoms of Alcohol Abuse from Alcoholism

• It is recognized by patterns of compulsive alcohol use, a lack of control over alcohol intake, and a negative emotional state when not using.
• There are several forms of abuse, with varying degrees of drinking with each.
• Ultimately, the effectiveness of alcohol abuse treatments is influenced by various factors, including treatment duration, the severity of the abuse, and individual engagement with the treatment process.

Informed by her personal journey to recovery and support of loved ones in sobriety, Jessica’s empathetic and authentic approach resonates deeply with the Addiction Help community. Keep in mind, too, that AUD can have effects that extend beyond your physical health. Of course, these categories offer only guidelines, not hard-and-fast criteria.

What’s Technically Considered Alcoholism?

But as of 2013, alcoholism is no longer considered a diagnostic term used by medical professionals (2). Instead, doctors use the term AUD, relying on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) to diagnose it. Alcoholism is a term that is sometimes used to describe what is known as an alcohol use disorder (AUD).

As drinking becomes a pattern, it may take greater and greater amounts of alcohol to produce the same effects. People may try to overcome their tolerance whenever they drink by consuming more alcohol. Experts typically define binge drinking by the number of standard drinks you consume in a single period of 2 hours or less. Your age and the sex you were assigned at birth determine your threshold.

Treatment Options for Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism

Understanding Alcoholism and the Signs of Severe Drinking Problems