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 well being. Alcoholism is a chronic disease and can even become fatal if left untreated. Alcohol abuse is a less severe stage of drinking than alcoholism. The alcohol abuser may still drink excessively and even suffer from health and social consequences, but never entirely loses their control over alcohol as would the true alcoholic.
Just because it's not as bad as alcoholism, abuse is by no means a safe way to use alcohol. The National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence says 18 million Americans abuse alcohol. Alcohol plays a part in almost half of all traffic fatalities in the United States. The loved ones of these victims put very little stock in the difference between an alcohol abuser and an alcoholic when the driver at fault drank more than he should have.
The true alcoholic is not always easy to spot, but there are signs that can be recognized. Not every person suffering from alcoholism experiences all of these symptoms. Some of these symptoms may be more difficult to notice than others as most alcoholics tend to be secretive about their drinking. Look for these warning signs:
1. Keeping drinking secret from friends and family; drinking alone a lot; hiding the alcohol in odd places.
2) The inability to stop drinking once started.
3. Have full or partial "blackouts," where the memory of events while drinking isn't complete.
4) Becoming irritated when a habitual 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, the more signs irritability are shown.
8) 'Gulping' strong drinks to attain the drunk feeling as quickly 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.
The drinker who is not at the point of true alcoholism, but is instead an alcohol abuser may experience the same symptoms with the exception of the compulsion to drink and the withdrawal symptoms that are associated with the lack of alcohol consumption. Alcoholism is also more likely the result when tolerance levels have been built-up and there is the inability to stop drinking.
Has your drinking advanced to alcohol abuse or alcoholism? Ask yourself these questions:
- What are your first thoughts in the morning? If having a drink ranks in the top 1 or 2, there could be problem.
- Do you feel guilty enough to hide how much you drink from those who care about you? From your boss?
- Do you often think about how you should cut back on the amount of drinking you do? Have you made failed attempts or goals to stop?
- Do you get irritated when others mention or, disapprove of your special relationship with 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!
Discover how to Stop Drinking Alcohol found at http://www.stopdrinkingadvice.org/guide written by Ed Philips and get free advice to help you Quit Alcohol Today.
