For years, terms like “alcohol abuse,” “alcohol dependence,” “alcoholism,” and “alcohol use disorder” have often been used interchangeably to describe this condition. As shown in the schematic, AUD and other mental health disorders occur across a spectrum from lower to higher levels of severity. For patients in the middle, with up to a moderate level of severity of AUD or the psychiatric disorder or both, a decision to refer should be based on the level of comfort and clinical judgment of the provider. Medications approved by the US Food and Drug Administration, such as naltrexone, acamprosate, and disulfiram, can assist individuals in reducing or stopping alcohol consumption and preventing relapse.
- The main difference between AUD and alcoholism is clinical terminology and diagnosis.
- A person with alcoholism may spend a lot of time thinking about drinking or how to hide their drinking.
- Alcohol use disorder can include periods of being drunk (alcohol intoxication) and symptoms of withdrawal.
- Understanding the effects of alcohol abuse versus alcoholism is crucial in recognizing the severity and implications of each condition.
- Someone engaging in alcohol abuse may regularly consume excessive amounts of alcohol but might not show signs of physical dependence or withdrawal symptoms (National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, 2021).
Alcohol Abuse Symptoms
Prompt diagnosis and treatment of alcoholism or alcohol abuse lowers the risk of adverse effects on your physical and mental health and developing serious problems in relationships and everyday life. Both conditions can lead to an increased risk of co-occurring mental health disorders, necessitating treatment that addresses both substance use and mental health simultaneously. Addressing alcohol abuse and alcoholism involves recognizing the problem, https://ecosoberhouse.com/ seeking professional help, and often going through a program of detoxification and rehabilitation. Treatment plans might include cognitive-behavioral therapy, medication to manage withdrawal symptoms, and support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous. A healthcare provider can offer the most appropriate treatment options tailored to individual needs. Alcohol use disorder (AUD) encompasses alcohol abuse, alcoholism and alcohol dependence.
A model of care for co-occurring AUD and other mental health disorders
Drinking alcohol inherently carries a certain level of risk to one’s own health as well as the health of others. These risks are minimized to a certain extent by things such as laws, like those designed to curb people from drinking under the influence, as well as health guidelines developed by doctors and researchers. After World War I, the Army and Veterans Administration broadened the nomenclature to include disorders affecting veterans. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) initially developed out of a need to collect statistical information about mental disorders in the United States. The first attempt to collect information on mental health began in the 1840 census.
Mental health disorders that commonly co-occur with AUD
Medications also can help deter drinking during times when individuals may be at greater risk of a return to drinking (e.g., divorce, death of a family member). One size does not fit all and a treatment approach that may work for one person may not work for another. Treatment can be outpatient and/or inpatient and be provided by specialty programs, therapists, and health care providers.
One in eight Americans meets the criteria for an alcohol abuse disorder. “Alcoholism,” on the other hand, is a term used colloquially to describe alcohol dependence, or a physical reliance on alcohol that can cause withdrawal symptoms when you try to quit (1). But as of 2013, alcoholism is no longer considered a diagnostic term used by medical professionals (2). Instead, doctors use the term AUD, relying on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) to diagnose it.
What’s the Difference Between Binge Drinking and Alcohol Use Disorder?
- Second, AUD may undermine a person’s psychological mechanisms to cope with traumatic events, by disrupting arousal, sleep, and cognition, thus increasing the likelihood of developing PTSD.
- Continue reading to learn the differences between problem drinking vs. alcoholism, how problem drinking can lead to addiction, the definition of alcoholism, how to cut back or seek treatment if necessary.
- But regardless of your genetic makeup, excessive drinking can also lead to a self-perpetuating cycle of alcohol abuse, triggering physiological changes that cause a dependence to form.
- Recovery and rehabilitation offer hope and the potential for reversing some of the damage caused by alcohol, but early intervention is key to preventing the most severe health consequences.
- Alcohol use disorder is a diagnosable condition characterized by excessive drinking that becomes uncontrollable and/or negatively impacts a person’s life or health.
If you have a concern that you have AUD, you can see a health professional for consultation. For some people, alcohol misuse results from psychological or social factors. Others use alcohol to cope with psychological issues or stress in their daily lives.
Support Groups
Groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) provide support for people who are recovering. Regard Healthcare offers 100% confidential substance abuse assessment and treatment placement tailored to your individual needs. The term “Alcoholic” distinguish between alcohol abuse and alcoholism is often used in regards to the Alcoholics Anonymous program. Regardless of the path you choose for treatment, the VOASW is here to support you. If you’re struggling with alcohol use and need someone to talk to, contact us today.
