Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (cont.)

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What is alcoholism?

Alcoholism, also called alcohol dependence or alcohol addiction, is a destructive pattern of alcohol use that includes tolerance to or withdrawal from the substance, using more alcohol or using it for longer than planned, and trouble reducing its use. Other potential symptoms include spending an inordinate amount of time getting, using, or recovering from the use of alcohol, compromised functioning, and/or continuing to use alcohol despite an awareness of the detrimental effects it is having on one's life. Alcoholism is appropriately considered a disease rather than a weakness of character or chosen pattern of bad behavior. It is the third most common mental illness, affecting more than 14 million people in the United States. Other facts and statistics about alcohol dependence include its pattern of afflicting about 4% of women and 10% of men. It costs more than $165 billion per year in lower productivity, early death, and costs for treatment.

What differentiates alcohol abuse from alcoholism?

Patient Comments on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism - Experience
Comment from: laura, 55-64 Female (Caregiver) Published: November 30

My sister is an alcoholic. She ruins ever holiday I see her grown children in pain and looking at her with such disgust. Her grandchildren also make fun of her or cry at the ridiculous things she has to say or do. She also drinks at home alone and has had some major falls. Her appearance is horrible. She has aged overnight and lost so much weight. She has soiled herself at different times in public and she also talks about all the anxiety she feels, yet she won't admit to being an alcoholic.

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Comment from: Heartbroken, 45-54 Female (Caregiver) Published: June 13

Our son abuses alcohol and drugs. We struggle daily to not let it destroy our lives, as his mom and I have had to make the decision not have contact with him. Living with the guilt of not being able to help your child is hard, as is the judgment I receive from others who can't understand how I can "walk away." Only people in our situation can understand that at some point you have to realize alcoholics will use you until you are used up, and then they find others to use. Tough love is called tough for a reason, and I pray he will find a way to give up the alcohol.

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Comment from: 75 or over Female (Caregiver) Published: July 06

My sister is an alcoholic. She drinks beer continuously. I don't think she has bathed in several years. Wears filthy clothing and smells so very bad. She eats one meal a day and the rest is alcohol. She has no friends and her own family doesn't want to be around her. She won't do anything to help herself, but she does expect others to do for her. She's a mess. She has drunk beer for as long as I can remember. I wish thing were different.

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While both alcohol abuse and alcoholism involve engaging in maladaptive behaviors in the use of alcohol, abuse of this substance does not include the person having withdrawal symptoms or needing more and more amounts to achieve intoxication unless the person has developed alcoholism.

What are risk factors for alcoholism?

Risk factors for developing a drinking problem include depression, anxiety, or another mood problem in the individual, as well as having parents with alcoholism. Low self-esteem and feeling out of place are other risk factors for developing alcohol dependence. In women, antisocial behaviors and impulsivity are associated with the development of alcohol dependence. Both men and women are more likely to develop alcoholism if they have a childhood history of being physically or sexually abused. Children and teens who have their first drink of alcohol between 11 and 14 years of age are more at risk for developing a drinking problem than those who do so when either younger or older.


Patient Comments

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Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism - Symptoms Question: What were the symptoms of alcohol abuse or alcoholism in a friend or relative?
Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism - Treatments Question: What treatment has been effective for your alcoholism?
Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism - Experience Question: Please describe your experience with alcoholism.

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