Other ways to get help include talking with a mental health professional or seeking help from a support group such as Alcoholics Anonymous or a similar type of self-help group. Your doctor may screen you for this condition by asking you questions about your drinking habits, including how much and how often you drink and whether or not you feel drinking alcohol has interfered with your life negatively. They may also perform a physical exam to assess whether your alcohol consumption is detrimentally affecting your health. Alcohol use disorder is a diagnosable condition characterized by excessive drinking that becomes uncontrollable and/or negatively impacts a person’s life or health. Alcoholism is no longer diagnosed but is instead an everyday term used to describe symptoms of AUD (7). For years, terms like “alcohol abuse,” “alcohol dependence,” “alcoholism,” and “alcohol use disorder” have often been used interchangeably to describe this condition.

Binge drinking is defined as consuming four or more drinks for women and five or more drinks for men within a two-hour period. Social drinking typically occurs in social settings, such as parties, gatherings, or celebrations. It involves consuming alcohol in a responsible manner while prioritizing social interactions and enjoyment. Social drinkers generally have the ability to stop or limit their alcohol consumption and do not experience significant negative consequences as a result of their drinking.

Telehealth specialty services and online support groups, for example, can allow people to maintain their routines and privacy and may encourage earlier acceptance of treatment. The NIAAA Alcohol Treatment Navigator can help you connect patients with the full range of evidence–based, professional alcohol treatment providers. Whether you're someone who engages in occasional drinking or someone struggling with alcohol addiction, it's important to remember that there is hope for recovery.

1. With the right strategies and support network in place, it's possible to maintain sobriety and live a fulfilling life in recovery.
2. The main difference between AUD and alcoholism is clinical terminology and diagnosis.
3. The FDA has approved medications like naltrexone, acamprosate, and disulfiram to help manage AUD.
4. Understanding the difference between alcohol use and alcoholism is important for recognizing and addressing potential concerns related to alcohol consumption.
5. If you go to Alcoholics Anonymous, very rarely will you hear the term alcohol use disorder.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ALCOHOL ABUSE AND ALCOHOLISM?

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), provides criteria for diagnosing AUD, which includes a spectrum of behaviors from mild to severe. Finally, the etiology, course, and treatment of both AUD and depression differ substantially by gender. Women have been underrepresented in much of the research on co-occurring AUD and depressive disorders, particularly in the early research on this topic. The research needs more representation of women to increase understanding of the sex differences and to better characterize the mechanisms underlying women’s heightened vulnerability for depressive disorders.

Another complication is alcohol withdrawal syndrome, which may occur after you stop drinking and can cause symptoms such as nausea, shaking, and sweating. It can also lead to serious symptoms like seizures, fever, or hallucinations, and can be a medical emergency. Becoming cognitively impaired from excessive drinking of alcohol can lead to risky behaviors that can result in injury or death of an affected person or of others. For example, any alcohol consumption by a pregnant person can be considered alcohol misuse, as well as drinking under the legal age of 21. Because denial is common, you may feel like you don't have a problem with drinking.

Impact on your health

However, despite its effectiveness, a substantial number of individuals may return to heavy drinking post-treatment. Alcohol abuse, as delineated by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), refers to a pattern of drinking that results in significant and recurrent adverse consequences. Alcohol abuse can lead to Alcohol use disorder (AUD), a medical condition characterized by an impaired ability to stop or control alcohol use despite the negative social, occupational, or health consequences.

What puts people at risk for developing AUD?

While both conditions can lead to serious health and social issues, alcoholism includes an addiction component that makes it particularly challenging to overcome without professional help. Treatment options, such as FDA-approved medications naltrexone, acamprosate, and disulfiram, are available to support individuals in reducing or stopping their alcohol intake and preventing relapse. Other signs may include drinking in secrecy, irritability when not drinking, and continuing to drink despite negative consequences to health, work, or relationships. It is important to note that alcoholism affects individuals differently, and the presence of these symptoms can vary in intensity. If these signs are present, professional help from organizations such as the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism is strongly recommended. AUD affects a significant portion of the population, with millions of adults and adolescents experiencing its detrimental effects.

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Behavioral changes, such as increased secrecy, mood swings, and neglecting responsibilities, can also indicate alcohol abuse. If you or someone you know exhibits these symptoms, seeking help from a healthcare provider is recommended. Early treatment can prevent the progression to alcohol use disorder (AUD) and reduce the risk of long-term health complications. Though AUD has often been used interchangeably with other terms related to alcoholism, previous editions of the DSM listed alcohol abuse and alcohol dependence as two distinct disorders with similar but separate criteria. In 2013, the DSM-5 officially combined alcohol abuse and alcohol dependence into one diagnostic definition — AUD. Notably, this update added craving alcohol and eliminated experiencing legal problems as symptoms, and What is the Catholic Churchs position on IVF also described a spectrum of mild, moderate, and severe AUD (4).

Alcohol use is often characterized by responsible drinking practices and the ability to abstain from alcohol when necessary. It's important to remember that these guidelines are not meant to encourage alcohol consumption, but rather to provide a framework for individuals who choose to drink to do so in a responsible and low-risk manner. If you have concerns about your alcohol consumption or are seeking further guidance, it is advisable to consult with a healthcare professional. The right treatment plan will depend on the individual's unique needs and circumstances. If you or someone you know is struggling with alcohol use or alcoholism, reach out to a healthcare provider or addiction specialist to explore treatment options.