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Alcohol dependence is characterized by symptoms of withdrawal when a person tries to quit drinking.
Drinking to excess but not being physically dependent is called alcohol abuse.
In reality, abuse can be quite severe.
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At a Glance
Alcohol dependence causes people to keep drinking to avoid experiencing withdrawal symptoms.
Alcohol abuse, on the other hand, involves drinking excessively without having a physical dependence.
Both have serious health risks.
While the two are no longer differentiated in the DSM, understanding their original definitions can still be helpful.
This article discusses alcohol dependence, alcohol abuse, and the key differences between them.
What Is Alcohol Dependence?
Alcoholdependencewas originally defined as a chronic medical condition characterized by experiencingsymptoms of withdrawalwhen the person stops consuming alcohol.
To avoid experiencing withdrawal symptoms, the person has to keep consuming alcohol.
People who have a dependence on alcohol exhibit some or all of the following characteristics.
Recap
Alcohol dependence refers to being unable to stop drinking without experiencing symptoms of withdrawal.
People often continue drinking to alleviate these unpleasant symptoms.
What Is Alcohol Abuse?
This included people who engaged in excessive drinking andbinge drinking.
People who use alcohol excessively may havealcohol use disorder.
Signs of the condition include characteristics that were previously labeled as either abuse or dependence.
This could includedetoxification, medical treatment,professional rehabor counseling, and/or self-help group support.
Referring to this condition as alcohol use disorder is more accurate and less stigmatizing.
How Much Is Too Much?
Are your drinking habits safe, risky, or harmful?
Could your alcohol use be a sign of abuse or dependence?
What Is Moderate Drinking?
For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.
Those with mild to moderate symptoms may receive treatment in an outpatient setting.
Delirium tremensis a symptom of severe alcohol withdrawal that can be potentially fatal.
Symptoms of alcohol withdrawal can be mild, moderate, or severe.
Summary
Alcohol dependence and alcohol abuse were two designations previously recognized in the DSM-IV.
Today, they have been combined and are known as alcohol use disorder.
While no longer separate diagnoses, it can be helpful to understand the differences between the two.
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Kelly JF, Westerhoff CM.Does it matter how we refer to individuals with substance-related conditions?
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