Do you know the difference between alcohol addiction and alcoholism? Chances are, you might not be able to define either term accurately. In this blog post, we will break down the differences between alcohol addiction and alcoholism and provide some information on the signs and symptoms of each condition.
What Is Alcohol Addiction
Alcohol addiction, also known as alcohol use disorder (AUD), is a broad term that describes a range of alcohol-related problems, from mild to severe. It is characterized by an inability or unwillingness to stop or reduce alcohol intake, despite harmful consequences and awareness of the issue. Some common effects of alcohol addiction include physical dependence, tolerance to alcohol, loss of control over alcohol intake, intense cravings for alcohol, and short- and long-term health issues.
What Is Alcoholism
Alcoholism is a complex condition that can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, or socioeconomic status. At its core, alcoholism is driven by compulsive alcohol consumption, even when negative consequences are apparent. Many people struggling with alcohol addiction will have sought alcohol recovery programs in the past to get their alcohol use under control.
Differences Between Alcoholism And Alcohol Abuse
Although alcoholism and alcohol abuse refer to dangerous drinking habits, they differ. You can develop a more appropriate treatment approach by comprehending alcoholism and alcohol abuse variations. There are various types of alcohol recovery, but first, we need to address some crucial differences between alcoholism and alcohol abuse, including the following:
Dependence
Alcoholism is dependence on alcohol to the point where there are severe withdrawal symptoms if an individual tries to quit. Withdrawal symptoms may include sweating, nausea, insomnia, and irritability. People with alcoholism often have a powerful desire to drink alcohol.
Severity
Alcohol abuse is a less severe type of alcohol use disorder, but without treatment, people who consume alcohol are more likely to develop stronger addiction and dependence problems.
Signs
People who drink alcohol are less likely to feel dependent on it than someone with alcoholism. This can result in different physical signs of use. Some critical signs of alcoholism include not being able to control how much you drink, always craving alcohol, and continuing to consume it even though it’s causing negative consequences physically and mentally.
Treatment
Alcohol abuse and alcoholism differ in degrees of severity, thus requiring different types of treatment. People with alcohol dependence will go through withdrawal symptoms during detox. However, both forms of alcohol-related issues can be resolved through a cocktail (pun intended) of behavioral therapy, medications, and support groups.
Alcoholism, or alcohol dependency, is a chronic mental and physical disease that can affect every person differently. Alcohol abuse refers to drinking excessively in one sitting. The amount someone drinks and how often they drink can depend on the individual.
Alcohol Recovery – In Conclusion
Don’t give up hope if you or a loved one is struggling with alcohol addiction. Many resources and treatment options available can help you on the road to recovery. We know firsthand how difficult it can be to ask for assistance, but sometimes it’s necessary to get better. No one must go through alcohol recovery alone; someone is always willing to help.
