Alcohol Abuse vs Alcoholism Key Differences for Alcohol Misuse

Around one third of people presenting to specialist alcohol services in England are self-referred and approximately one third are referred by non-specialist health or social care professionals (Drummond et al., 2005). The majority of the remainder are referred by other specialist addiction services or criminal justice services. Therefore assessment should not be narrowly focused on alcohol What is the Difference Between Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism consumption, but should include all areas of physical, psychological and social functioning. According to WHO, alcohol is implicated as a risk factor in over 60 health disorders including high blood pressure, stroke, coronary heart disease, liver cirrhosis and various cancers. The AAF for alcoholic liver disease and alcohol poisoning is 1 (or 100% alcohol attributable) (WHO, 2000).

In the journey of medication, the most significant tool of the person going through alcohol abuse is his determination. It will, and if the person is determined enough, he can quickly resolve his situation without taking the help of heavy medications. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends screening and counseling for excessive drinking for all adult patients.

Speak with an alcoholism specialist.

The brain’s endogenous opioid system is also affected by alcohol (Oswald & Wand, 2004). Alcohol stimulates endogenous opioids, which are thought to be related to the pleasurable, reinforcing effects of alcohol. Opioids in turn stimulate the dopamine system in the brain, which is thought to be responsible for appetite for a range of appetitive behaviours including regulation of appetite for food, sex and psychoactive drugs. The dopamine system is also activated by stimulant drugs such as amphetamines and cocaine, and it is through this process that the individual seeks more drugs or alcohol (Everitt et al., 2008; Robinson & Berridge, 2008). There is evidence that drugs which block the opioid neurotransmitters, such as naltrexone, can reduce the reinforcing or pleasurable properties of alcohol and so reduce relapse in alcohol-dependent patients (Anton, 2008). The term was introduced in ICD–10 and replaced ‘non-dependent use’ as a diagnostic term.

If you are struggling with excessive alcohol consumption, it is best to seek help. You can attend a 12-step program like Alcoholics Anonymous or, if your symptoms are more severe, you can find an alcoholism treatment program. If you see a doctor for your alcohol use, they will not diagnose you as an alcoholic. Instead, they will use the symptoms in the DSM-V to determine whether you have a mild, moderate or severe AUD. If you go to Alcoholics Anonymous, very rarely will you hear the term alcohol use disorder. “Alcoholism” is a term often used to describe someone with a severe form of alcohol dependence.

Is There a Difference Between Alcohol Abuse & Alcoholism?

Alcohol also contributes to unsafe sex and unplanned pregnancy, financial problems and homelessness. The journey towards recovery often starts long before someone steps into a treatment center. It begins with recognizing that alcohol use has spiraled beyond control and that it’s time for a change. At Kembali, we support individuals at every stage of this journey, from acknowledging the problem to undertaking concrete steps towards recovery. The impact of our empathetic, individualized approach is best illustrated by the stories of those who have found hope and healing at Kembali. “alcohol dependence” and “alcohol abuse” are often used interchangeably in everyday conversation, leading to confusion.