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Further, they were more likely to have a family history of alcohol misuse, and began drinking and developed alcohol dependence earlier than those without such a history. Although alcohol dependence is defined in ICD–10 and DSM–IV in categorical terms for diagnostic and statistical purposes as being either present or absent, in reality dependence exists on a continuum of severity. Therefore, it is helpful from a clinical perspective to subdivide dependence into categories of mild, moderate and severe. People with mild dependence (those scoring 15 or less on the Severity of Alcohol Dependence Questionnaire [SADQ]) usually do not need assisted alcohol withdrawal. People with moderate dependence (with an SADQ score of between 15 and 30) usually need assisted alcohol withdrawal, which can typically be managed in a community setting unless there are other risks. People who are severely alcohol dependent (with an SADQ score of 31 or more) will need assisted alcohol withdrawal, typically in an inpatient or residential setting.

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Although psychiatric comorbidity is common in people seeking help for alcohol-use disorders, this will usually resolve within a few weeks of abstinence from alcohol without formal psychiatric intervention (Petrakis et al., 2002). Self-harm and suicide are relatively common in people who are alcohol dependent (Sher, 2006). Patients with complex psychological issues related to trauma, sexual abuse or bereavement will require specific interventions delivered by appropriately trained personnel (Raistrick et al., 2006). A UK study found 26% of community mental health team patients were hazardous or harmful drinkers and 9% were alcohol dependent (Weaver et al., 2003). In the same study examining patients attending specialist alcohol treatment services, overall 85% had a psychiatric disorder in addition to alcohol dependence.

• People with alcoholism may also struggle with the compulsion to drink or have a lack of control when it comes to drinking.
• While many people believe that prescription drugs are always safe, some pose a risk for dependence or addiction.
• Addiction psychiatrists also have an important role in liaison with general psychiatrists in the optimal management of people with alcohol and mental health comorbidity (Boland et al., 2008).

In terms of productivity, alcohol contributes to absenteeism, accidents in the workplace and decline in work performance. Up to 17 million working days are lost annually in the UK due to alcohol-related absences and 58,000 working years are lost annually due to premature deaths related to alcohol (Leontaridi, 2003). Alcohol misuse can also lead to job loss and over 38,000 people of working age in England were claiming Incapacity Benefit with a diagnosis of ‘alcoholism’ – nearly 2% of all claimants (Deacon et al., 2007). The term ‘hazardous use’ appeared in the draft version of ICD–10 to indicate a pattern of substance use that increases the risk of harmful consequences for the user. Nevertheless it continues to be used by WHO in its public health programme (WHO, 2010a and 2010b). Alcoholism is a layman’s term and not a clinical term used in medical diagnosis.

Is Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) the Same Thing as Alcoholism?

One of the most evident signs of alcoholism is withdrawal. When your body becomes dependent on a substance like alcohol, it can react negatively when that substance is withheld. If you abstain from drinking for a few days and experience anxiety, depression, headaches, insomnia, or nausea, there’s a possibility you’re suffering from alcohol-related withdrawals. Misusing alcohol in one instance may not lead to an alcohol use disorder. However, continuing to abuse alcohol over a period of time will likely lead to an alcohol problem. It’s for this reason that you should strive to avoid alcohol abuse and seek to help people who are battling this issue.

If you or someone you love is struggling with an alcohol use disorder, the Orlando Recovery Center can help. Contact us today to begin the admissions process and start your recovery journey. If AUD is not treated, it can increase your risk for serious health problems. After completing treatment for AUD, distinguish between alcohol abuse and alcoholism it’s possible to have a risk of relapse. It’s important to recognize warning signs and seek help if you’re concerned about having a relapse. Becoming cognitively impaired from excessive drinking of alcohol can lead to risky behaviors that can result in injury or death of an affected person or of others.

Risks of alcohol use disorder

Alcohol abuse was defined as a condition in which a person continues to drink despite recurrent social, interpersonal, health, or legal problems as a result of their alcohol use. A person who abuses alcohol may also be dependent on alcohol, but they may also be able to stop drinking without experiencing withdrawal symptoms. Treatment for alcoholism and alcohol abuse is anchored in controlling cravings and withdrawal symptoms. More frequently, complete abstinence from drinking is the preferred treatment, as the temptation to over-consume can be difficult for many. It is important to note that alcoholism is not a medical term.

Alcohol abuse occurs when alcohol consumption results in repeated adverse consequences. Essentially any time drinking alcohol has a negative impact on your life, it’s become a problem that requires attention. Knowing the difference between alcoholic vs. alcoholism enables you to determine whether seeking professional treatment is necessary. In some cases, alcohol abuse may be managed through lifestyle changes rather than therapy or other treatment methods.

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Alcohol is implicated in relationship breakdown, domestic violence and poor parenting, including child neglect and abuse. It is estimated that over 1 million children are affected by parental alcohol misuse and up to 60% of child protection cases involve alcohol (Prime Minister’s Strategy Unit, 2003). Alcohol also contributes to unsafe sex and unplanned pregnancy, financial problems and homelessness. Up to half of homeless people are alcohol dependent (Gill et al., 1996).