Alcohol Dependence VS Alcohol Abuse: Late nights partying at the club – is ok, every now and again. Going to the occasional dinner gathering or holiday event, where alcohol is overconsumed, perfectly fine. However, when the line is crossed into alcohol dependence vs alcohol abuse, binging daily or making it a continuous habit can turn dangerous and potentially deadly.
Alcohol is cunning, and powerful. It does not discriminate, nor care about your socioeconomic status, the size of your family, or chosen profession. Understanding the difference between alcohol dependence vs alcohol abuse is important in recognizing the early signs of a problem and seeking the right treatment.
What is Alcohol Dependence?
Alcohol dependence is a physical and psychological condition where a person becomes reliant on alcohol. According to the DSM-5, alcohol dependence was reclassified as alcoholism in 2013. Once you take the first drink, you cannot stop. You are unable to put your drink down, and you’re drinking to get drunk every single day. The cycle of alcohol dependence vs alcohol abuse highlights the severity of this issue – where alcohol takes control over your life.
What is Alcohol Abuse?
On the other hand, alcohol abuse refers to consistently consuming alcohol in excess, but it doesn’t involve the same loss of control or dependency seen in alcohol dependence. While someone struggling with alcohol abuse may drink heavily and frequently, they may still be able to stop or control their drinking, at least for periods of time. This is where alcohol dependence vs alcohol abuse becomes important for understanding the progression of the disorder.
Alcoholism has you telling yourself you will quit soon, but you are unable to. For example, you mark days off on the calendar of when you will give up, the day arrives, and you cannot fathom life without a drink.
Your family and close friends notice your behavior is erratic and your life is unmanageable.
Individuals who regularly are dependent on alcohol have consciously chosen to pattern themselves in disengaging full responsibility in all areas of their lives.
Often, we will see dependents significantly increase the amount of alcohol they purchase and drink, they will drink for extended periods of time and behaviors are unpredictable.
According to Alcoholics Anonymous, you might be classified as an alcoholic if you can honestly answer YES to at least four or five of the following questions https://www.aa.org/pages/en_US/is-aa-for-you-twelve-questions-only-you-can-answer.
Alcoholism: the disease that makes you too selfish to see the havoc you created and care about the people you shattered. – quotesgram.com
Alcohol abuse is commonly referred to as consuming way too much, too frequently. You are off to the races, but you can stop after ten, even if you do not pass out. You probably bask in the euphoria of drinking 4-5, nightly, most days of the week.
Alcohol is probably the easiest substance to abuse because the potential is there. It’s legal, and it’s available. – Lance Penny, QuoteHD.com
Alcohol not only destroys us, but it also hurts people we lovingly care about, in the grueling process. Sometimes an intervention is necessary when an alcoholic has hit rock bottom. Our team at Pacific Bay Recovery standby to assist you and your family.
Trained, compassionate, and successful healthcare experts want to guide you on your path to recovery. You are welcome to visit our website for additional information and to ask questions https://www.pacificbayrecovery.com/.
We encourage you to seek treatment with the help of caring specialists. Our facility is different than any other rehab center because you are not just a number with us. Each person that checks in to our treatment center is designed a special protocol, tailored to your individual recovery needs!
Remember, one day at a time, and do not quit five minutes before your miracle. We want you to live a life of optimal wellness but that means you will face difficult challenges and you must learn to never give up!
Take the First Step Towards Recovery: Contact Pacific Bay Recovery Today
If you or someone you know is struggling with alcohol dependence of abuse, don’t wait to ask for help. At Pacific Bay Recovery, we offer a personalized and compassionate treatment that is tailored to your needs. Our team can guide you to the path or recovery, we provide support and care that you need for a long term sobriety. Contact us today to learn more about our programs. Schedule a private consultations. We’re here to answer any questions and provide you with resources you need to take steps toward a healthier future. Call us at (866) 515-6548 or fill out the contact form to get started.
