Alcoholism and alcohol dependency are the same thing. The difference between the two terms is that alcoholism is a term commonly used among the public and the media, while alcohol dependency is the clinical term used in the diagnosis of an alcohol problem. A person who abuses alcohol is at higher risk for developing an alcohol dependency.
Basics
A person who is labeled as an alcoholic is dependent on the substance to function and get through her daily life and her social interactions. She will be driven to consume alcohol despite the recurrent risks and negative consequences it is having on her life.
Incidence
According to the National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, or NIAAA, the approximate number of people in the United States who abuse alcohol or are dependent on alcohol is 17.6 million individuals, which breaks down to about one out of every twelve Americans.
Age
The population with the lowest rates of alcohol problems are those people who are over the age of 65, notes the NIAAA. Although, this population has lower rates of alcohol problems, their risk should not be dismissed. People who are elderly may suffer from mental health issues, such as depression, and often turn to alcohol to cope with their symptoms. This could result in the development of an alcohol dependency.
The importance of delaying a person's use of alcohol cannot be overstated. The NIAAA reports that when compared to people who begin drinking alcohol after the age of 21, those who drank prior to the age of 14 had much higher rates of experiencing alcohol problems at some time in their life.
Symptoms
The symptoms are identical for a person referred to as an alcoholic and one who has or could have a diagnosis of alcohol dependence. These symptoms include having a tolerance for alcohol; using alcohol despite the negative effects it is having on relationships, job success or academic performance; getting into repeated legal trouble related to alcohol; being unable to limit the amount of alcohol consumed; experiencing symptoms of withdrawal when alcohol is not consumed; drinking with the intention of becoming intoxicated fast; and giving up previously enjoyable activities.
Treatment
Treatments for alcoholism and alcohol dependency are often tailored to the specific needs of the individual. Different treatment options are available to help a person overcome his addiction to alcohol. Possible options include medical detoxification programs, rehab centers, inpatient psychotherapy programs, outpatient psychotherapy and self-help programs.
Treatment options focus on the goals and needs of the individual afflicted. The treatment will help a person stop consuming alcohol, educate him on the disorder and build ways for him to resist the urge to drink. A person may have to learn new ways of interacting with others, build his confidence and learn how to prevent relapse. Treatment may involve family members and friends close to the person in his recovery process.
A person can overcome alcoholism by himself, but it is not generally recommended and relapse is likely to occur more often.
