For many, drinking alcohol occurs at social events, in the presence of others, over dinner or at parties.There are many people who consume alcohol and experience very few problems as a result. Yet, there are individuals whose alcohol consumption can becomes dangerous to them and others. If you are either experiencing alcohol dependence or abuse, you might need to seek professional help, but understand that there are differences between the two problems.
Alcohol Dependence
According to the Mayo Clinic.com, alcohol dependence occurs when your body becomes dependent on the intake of alcohol. If you experience alcohol dependence, your cravings for alcohol will feel intolerable. Alcohol dependence is a chronic condition that is commonly referred to as alcoholism.
Symptoms of Dependence
The National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism report four main symptoms of alcohol dependence: a craving or strong urge to drink; an inability to stop drinking; symptoms of withdrawal such as nausea, sweating, shakiness and anxiety and tolerance; or the need for greater amounts of alcohol to feel "high." Other symptoms include drinking in secret, not remembering conversations or "blacking out," drinking as a ritual and becoming frustrated when this gets interrupted, and no longer enjoying activities or hobbies that you used to find pleasure in doing, according to the Mayo Clinic.com. If you are dependent on alcohol, you will continue to drink even though it is negatively affecting your job, family or health, reports HelpGuide.org.
Alcohol Abuse
Alcohol abuse is considered less serious than alcohol dependence. If you experience alcohol abuse, you do not have the same intense cravings and physical need for alcohol you would experience with alcohol dependence. Despite this, alcohol abuse is still a serious condition that can affect your daily functioning, reports Mayo Clinic.com. Not everyone who abuses alcohol becomes dependent on it, but your chances to do so increase, reports HelpGuide.org.
Symptoms of Abuse
According to HelpGuide.org, the signs of alcohol abuse include drinking alcohol in dangerous situations, such as while driving a car, getting into trouble with the law as a result of your alcohol intake, neglecting your home, work and school responsibilities, such as skipping class or calling in sick to work, and continuing drink despite the negative impact it is having on your relationships.
Treatment
Mayo Clinic.com reports that there are a variety of treatment options if you experience either alcohol dependence or abuse. Brief interventions, an outpatient program including counseling or a stay at a residential treatment facility are options. The treatment choice will greatly depend on the circumstances surrounding your alcohol use. Treatment for alcohol dependence most likely will include some type of four- to seven-day detoxification program in an inpatient setting or hospital so sedating medications can be administered, reports the Mayo Clinic.com. Treatment will usually incorporate goal-setting and behavior modification techniques along with individual, group and/or family therapy, reports the Mayo Clinic.com. Usually, you will need continued support to deal with the alcohol abuse and the chronic condition of alcohol dependence. This support can come from groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous.
