{"id":428,"date":"2020-08-12T06:33:39","date_gmt":"2020-08-12T06:33:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/discover-recovery-1-14088c5.ingress-daribow.ewp.live\/alcohol-abuse-or-alcohol-dependence-how-to-tell-the-difference\/"},"modified":"2020-08-12T06:33:39","modified_gmt":"2020-08-12T06:33:39","slug":"alcohol-abuse-or-alcohol-dependence-how-to-tell-the-difference","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/discover-recovery-1410e39.ingress-florina.ewp.live\/?p=428","title":{"rendered":"Alcohol Abuse or Alcohol Dependence \u2013 How to Tell the Difference"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\n
\n
\n
\n

Alcohol Abuse<\/b> or <\/b>Alcohol Dependence<\/b> \u2013 How to Tell the Difference?<\/b><\/h3>\n

Approximately 8 out of every 10 adults in the United States have consumed alcohol at some point in their lifetime.<\/b> Roughly 15 million <\/span>Americans<\/span> have <\/span>alcohol use disorder<\/span>. Yet, some people can enjoy alcoholic beverages their whole lives without ever becoming addicted to them. Why do some people struggle with alcoholism and others not? To understand why it\u2019s important to know the difference between <\/span>alcohol abuse<\/span> and <\/span>alcohol dependence<\/span> since they have different consequences and different treatment options .<\/span> If you or someone you love is battling <\/span>alcohol addiction<\/span>, know that you are not alone. Treatment is available at alcohol and drug rehabs in Washington. With the help of a<\/span> detox<\/span> program<\/span><\/a>, psychotherapy, 12-step programs, and <\/span>support groups<\/span>, you can get sober and stay sober. Before you start recovery, it helps to understand the differences between <\/span>alcohol abuse<\/span> and <\/span>alcohol dependence<\/span>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Alcohol Abuse<\/b> and Dependence: What is the Difference?<\/b><\/h3>\n

Various terms are used to describe <\/span>excessive drinking such as binge drinking<\/span>, and even though they are often used interchangeably, there are subtle differences between them. Here are some of the most common terms defined:<\/span> Alcohol use disorder<\/b> (<\/b>AUD<\/b>)<\/b> is a medical diagnosis characterized by compulsive drinking. A person with <\/span>AUD<\/span> loses control over their <\/span>alcohol consumption<\/span> and continues drinking despite <\/span>negative consequences<\/span> on their health, relationships, professional life, finances, or legal problems .<\/span> Alcohol abuse<\/b> is drinking too much or too frequently. It refers to a harmful, self-destructive pattern of drinking alcohol. A person who is abusing alcohol will often put themselves and others at risk (for example, by driving under the influence). Also, people who abuse alcohol tend to neglect their responsibilities at home and work. <\/span>Alcohol abusers<\/span> use drinking as a way of coping with stress. However, <\/span>alcohol abuse<\/span> does not necessarily mean that the person is physically dependent on alcohol. If there is no compulsion to drink, but the person uses alcohol to escape reality, it qualifies as <\/span>alcohol misuse <\/span>. It\u2019s worth remembering that <\/span>alcohol abuse<\/span> is not something that occurs overnight \u2013 there are various stages of alcoholism.<\/span> Alcoholism<\/b> is a long-lasting, progressive disease in which a person drinks compulsively and cannot control the <\/span>amount of alcohol<\/span> consumed. Alcoholics often experience negative emotions when they are not drinking. Alcoholism frequently co-occurs with <\/span>mental health<\/span> problems , such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, and bipolar disorder which can put a person at greater risk of addiction.<\/span> Alcohol dependence<\/b> or <\/span>alcohol addiction<\/span> is an inability to quit drinking despite the various negative <\/span>effects of alcohol<\/span> on a person\u2019s life. The two cardinal features of <\/span>alcohol addiction<\/span> are tolerance and withdrawal. Tolerance refers to the state where a person has to drink more and more alcohol to achieve the same effects. Withdrawal refers to the physical dependence and mental symptoms that occur in the absence of alcohol when a person has developed an addiction. People with <\/span>alcohol dependence<\/span> often make several unsuccessful attempts to quit. Washington <\/span>alcohol rehabs<\/span> are staffed by experts in <\/span>addiction treatment<\/span> who can help such individuals safely reduce or completely stop alcohol use.<\/span><\/p>\n

Recognizing <\/b>Substance\u00a0 Abuse<\/b> and Addiction<\/b><\/h3>\n

It\u2019s perfectly fine to have a glass of wine at the end of a long day to relax or to grab a beer when you\u2019re out with friends. Yet, alcohol is an addictive substance and social drinking can quickly progress to problematic <\/span>alcohol consumption<\/span>. It\u2019s not always easy to recognize the signs of <\/span>alcohol abuse<\/span> and addiction. If you suspect a <\/span>loved one<\/span> may have an alcohol problem , it\u2019s important to know what to look for. Here are some warning signs and symptoms to watch out for:<\/span><\/p>\n

Do you have a <\/b>loved one<\/b> struggling with addiction?<\/b><\/h4>\n

We know how hard that can be. Give us a call to find out what options you have.<\/span> +18442884672<\/span> Someone is standing by 24\/7 to help you<\/span><\/p>\n