Alcoholism and alcohol abuse are two separate conditions. Alcohol abuse is when someone drinks too much and has problems in their life because of the drinking, but they do have some control over it. This often leads to alcoholism, which is more severe and more dangerous. An alcoholic has no control over their drinking and has lost the power to quit. Alcoholism is the point where drinking is considered an addiction and a disease.

The line between these two conditions can be a little blurry for those who don’t know exactly what to look out for. They share many of the same symptoms. The basic difference is that with alcoholism, the individual is dependent on drinking. It has become their main focus in life. They can’t stop, whether they want to or not. They might have symptoms of withdrawal if they don’t consume enough alcohol.

There are some specific symptoms to watch for in someone suspected of having alcoholism. The individual has built up a high tolerance and can drink large amounts of alcohol. They might have certain times of the day when they absolutely must drink. They have lost interest in things they enjoy and tend to black out. Alcoholics have an overwhelming desire to drink and become angry when they aren’t able to.

Treatment programs for alcoholism and alcohol abuse may vary. Alcoholics generally need long-term care at a residential rehab facility to recover successfully. Shorter term or outpatient programs make it more likely for a severe drinker to relapse. An individual with an alcohol abuse problem may be able to benefit from one of the less intense outpatient programs, especially if the abuse has not lasted for a long period of time. The best rehabilitation plan varies a lot from person to person, so it’s best to seek professional advice.

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