Difference between Alcoholism and the Abuse of Alcohol

Alcohol abuse and alcoholism are two different things. Alcohol abuse repeated drinking that, through alcohol treatment or rehabilitation, can be treated and cured. Alcoholism is an actual disease that, through alcohol treatment, can be treated, but it cannot be cured. Alcoholism is described as:

* A very strong need to drink, can sometimes be a need that is as strong as the need for food or water

* Not being able to stop abusing alcohol once drinking has begun.

* A person with alcoholism, needs to drink, even after they try and set limits for themselves

* Blackouts, where the user appears to others that he or she is awake and fully conscious - but in reality has no sense of time or action

* Get angry or upset if someone expresses any concern for the amount of alcohol or frequency in which they drink

 

Alcohol abuse is described as:

 

* A person who uses alcohol in an effort to change their feelings about either themselves, or some part of their lives

* A person with an alcohol abuse problem will experience some troubles that are associated with alcohol abuse but will use those problems in order to set limits on the amount and frequency that they drink

* Rarely, a person with an alcohol abuse problem will repeat any of the behaviors that caused them problems related to alcohol abuse in the past

* A person with an alcohol abuse problem will take into consideration the concerns expressed to them from others, and realize that the person is worried about them and their well-being

Alcohol Abuse: Is it a Disease?

Alcoholism is considered to be a disease. It is chronic disease, where even if one becomes sober, the fact that they are an alcoholic, and that they had a problem with alcohol abuse, will remain with them for life, and even one drink could send them back into the downfall of alcoholism. Alcoholism usually has a pretty predictable outcome, and it has fairly obvious symptoms, such as the physical symptoms cited above. Alcoholism and alcohol abuse also have very damaging effects on the people and life surrounding the person who abuses alcohol. In many cases, alcoholics find it difficult to manage their lives, which can lead to legal problems and relationship problems that can result in the destructive breakup of marriages and families. Unfortunately, when such devastating problems with drug abuse occur, it will often lead to more drinking and alcohol abuse, and eventually even more problems. One of the most serious consequences being drunk driving, which carries the risk of accidentally killing someone else, or themselves.

Alcoholism has been the topic of a lot of research, concluding that it is an inherited disease, passed down in family genes. Research indicates that there is a much higher predisposed risk for alcoholism or alcohol abuse in some families, and not others. Research studies are still ongoing to determine the definite genes that lead to the increased risk of alcoholism and alcohol abuse. However, a person’s individual lifestyle is also a key factor in the development of alcoholism or problems with alcohol abuse. The activities of friends and how they abuse alcohol, the amount of stress in one's life, and the availability of alcohol can also play a significant role in determining one's risk for alcoholism or alcohol abuse.

Risk Factors for Developing Alcohol Abuse Problems

Experts want to make it clear and evident to all, that the risk of developing alcoholism or a problem with alcohol abuse does not mean it’s that person’s fate. Even though alcoholism and alcohol abuse may be passed down through genes in certain families, it doesn't mean that the child of an alcoholic parent will automatically become an alcoholic or abuse alcohol. The opposite is true as well: some people become alcoholics or develop a problem with alcohol abuse, even though there is no family history of alcoholism, alcohol abuse, or other family members who have a problem with alcohol abuse or alcoholism.
Currently there is no definitive cure for alcoholism or problems with alcohol abuse. The best known method of treatment for alcohol abuse is drug and alcohol rehabilitation and alcohol anonymous support groups. However, it is true that many of the effects of alcoholism and alcohol abuse will subside after one is sober for a year or two. For many, the first step in recovering from alcohol abuse or alcoholism is admitting that they need help in their rehabilitation from alcohol abuse and agreeing to attend a drug or alcohol rehabilitation center. There is always the risk of a relapse in alcohol abuse. That is why ongoing support from friends and family after sobriety has been achieved is so important.

Parents Preventing Alcohol Abuse at Home

Parents can take some steps in order to prevent their children from developing a problem alcohol abuse. Teaching your children about alcohol abuse and the possibility and dangers of alcohol abuse and addiction are good precautions and prevention methods. Always being supportive of your child’s efforts, no matter how small, in efforts to keep the lines of communication open and making sure you are listening and caring for your children’s needs are also good ways to prevent problems with alcohol abuse. It is the responsibility of parents to set examples for their children by not having a problem with drug abuse or alcohol abuse themselves. Striving to strengthen your relationship with your children and family, and creating a stable, and strong relationship with your child can reduce the risk of alcohol abuse in children.

Treatment for Alcohol Abuse

Treatments for alcohol abuse that encourage the avoidance of alcohol abuse, followed by actively participating in self-help groups and counseling in order to be prepared to remain abstinent from alcohol abuse after recovering from the initial alcohol abuse problem, are important parts of the recovery process. Apart from attending self-help groups and counseling, speaking to a counselor or doctor about various other ways of remaining free of alcohol abuse, is another good way to recover from problems with drug abuse. Try to give some time to yourself, and never give up on any current alcohol abuse treatment program too soon. Also, be sure to address any other issues that may relate to problems with alcohol abuse, such as mental health disorders. People with mental health problems other than alcohol abuse, are mush more likely to develop a problem with drug or alcohol abuse, so it’s important that a qualified professional give immediate medical treatment at any signs or symptoms of mental illness.

The most important part for anyone who needs to partake in alcohol abuse treatment is that they find an alcohol abuse treatment with ongoing care. Though it remains true that alcohol abuse treatment can assist an individual in shying away from relying on alcohol to get them through everyday life and the stressors they encounter, because the disease never goes away, the temptation to drink will always remain. Therefore an abstinence plan for future situations that may tempt an individual into drinking again is one of the things that will keep a person abstinent even after the completion of alcohol abuse treatment.