Is There A Difference Between Alcohol Abuse & Alcohol Dependence
Do you know the difference between alcohol abuse and alcohol dependence?People often have a hard time distinguishing the difference between alcohol abuse and alcohol dependency. One thing is for sure, they seem similar at first glance. However, they have similar side effects on the human body. In every type of addiction, there is light at the end of the tunnel by engaging in extensive therapy and having the tools to conquer addiction, whether it involves narcotics or alcoholism.
Two of the most common substances abused by addicts are drugs and alcohol. To say that this is a very large issue that concerns society is an understatement. Millions of affected people turn to drugs and alcohol when they have issues in their lives. More often than not, these habits become addictions and that their lives are consumed with. In order to be educated with these growing concerns in society, you must first learn what the difference is between drug abuse and alcohol dependence.
What is the Difference?
So how do you differentiate social drinking from alcoholism and alcohol abuse? Social drinking is when you consume alcoholic beverages on a very seldom basis and do not feel the need to have it. Abuse and alcohol dependence, on the other hand, involves frequent heavy drinking, binge drinking and alcohol addiction.
Alcohol Abuse
Alcohol abuse pertains to drinking excessive alcohol beyond the point of inebriation, often leading to unconsciousness. There are many reasons why people have turned to the bottle and succumbed to alcoholism and have become alcohol dependent. However a person who is an abuser can be helped though an intervention or going to an outpatient clinic. The chances of recovery are much better then someone dependent on alcohol.
Someone who abuses alcohol could end up with a DUI, family problems, binge drinking but they have a much higher success rate then someone dependent.
Alcohol Dependency
One of the first signs of alcohol dependence (alcoholism) is when a person drinks alone or any time of the day, especially mornings. An alcoholic feels the need to get intoxicated every time he drinks liquor. They must have their booze. They could die without it…literally.
Their social and interpersonal skills are poor. Problems start to pile up at work. Families may be hanging by a thread. It’s a mess.
Alcohol Dependency Checklist
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High tolerance for the favorite beverage
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Emotions a inconsistant
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Isolation
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Withdrawal symptoms occur when they don’t have access to alcohol
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Urge to drink
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Social network on a decline
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Starts to drink one type of alcohol
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Only attend events that involve drinking
Treatment & Recovery Programs
Both abuse and dependence require therapy. An alcohol abuser may only need group therapy, AA or some cognitive therapy. Most of this can be achieved without being admitted to a residential program. Alcohol dependence requires residential therapy. It is too risky to do it on their own. There is a slim chance that they will be able to give up alcohol. In a residential treatment program, they will be under 24/7 supervision. They are in a safe house. They are getting the therapy they need to manage their addiction. Clients learn lifeskills. There is also a push on fitness and nutrition. This may increase an alcoholics chance of success by 80%.
After rehab treatment, addicts are often made to engage in other treatment programs such as the 12 step groups to support their recovery. Both the abuser and someone who is dependent can discover and create a recovery network. They can attend outpatient therapy. It’s recommended that group therapy continue at least once a week. It is also important to attend AA meetings. If you want to have an insurance policy on you rehab investment, try sober living. You get enough freedom to make sure you can handle true recovery without the walls.
Alcohol Withdrawal
Finally, someone who is dependant on alcohol will have withdrawal symptoms. Detoxing on your own can be dangerous even deadly. It is important to find a good detox center. Alcoholics will feel more at ease at a detox facility. They will be provided meds that will help them be more comfortable. One way of telling if you are abusing alcohol or if you are dependant is the toll booze has taken on your body.
A person who is an abuser has a much better chance to succeed; however they have to have their game face on at all times. They can slip if they stop working their program. While someone dependant on alcohol will have a longer road possibly a tougher struggle at first. They can take there life back and enjoy sobriety…one day at a time.
WebMD says that alcohol treatment is on a different level of importance for alcohol dependence. For those who have not been alcoholic for a long time, the withdrawal symptoms are mild, such as anxiety and insomnia. On the other hand, withdrawal symptoms of chronically dependent users may be as serious as uncontrollable shaking, spasms, panic, hallucinations, delirium tremens.
Without professional healthcare, mortality rate from delirium tremens exceeds 10%. Detox from chronic alcoholism should not be attempted without the care of a doctor in an inpatient facility.
Brain Scans May Prevent Alcoholism – In The News
Medicaldaily.com reports that brain scans may help determine possible addicts. While heavy drinking is known to harm the developing brains of teenagers the latest findings show that certain patterns of brain activity may help determine children who are at an increased risk of developing alcohol dependence. Brain scans may help and more.…” Read full article
If you’ve decided that you want to stop drinking alcohol, the safest first move would be to call Hawaii Island Recovery at 866-515-5032.
