Stop Drinking Now Alcoholism vs. Alcohol Abuse

Alcoholism is a disease involving uncontrollable physical dependence and emotional reliance on alcohol. The sufferer is unable to stay away from drink even when faced with dire consequences in all areas of his life - marriage, work, financial health. It is a chronic disease and often progresses to the point, if untreated, it becomes fatal.

Alcohol abuse on the other hand, still refers to an alcohol related problem but is considered to be a less serious level than that of an alcoholic. The alcohol abuser may drink to excess and suffer both health and social problems as a result, but they never lose complete control over alcohol as compared to the inability to do so in the alcoholic.

Do not be fooled by alcohol abuse however, while not as severe as alcoholism, abuse is still not a safe way to indulge in alcohol. The National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence says 18 million Americans abuse alcohol. Alcohol is a factor in almost half of all traffic fatalities in the United States. It makes no difference to the families of those victims that the driver was an alcohol abuser or an alcoholic. Alcohol should not have even played a role in the accident.

Although it's not always easy to diagnose the true alcoholic, there are indications that can be recognized. Not everyone suffering from alcoholism suffers all these symptoms. In addition, because they tend to be secretive about it, it will be difficult to discover in another. Here's what to watch for:

1. Keeping drinking secret from friends and family; drinking alone a lot; hiding the alcohol in unusual places.

2. Being unable to stop drinking once started.

3) Experience full or partial "blackouts," in which memory of events while drinking isn't complete.

4. Becoming annoyed when a regular drinking ritual, like having a drink after dinner, is interrupted.

5) Leaving behind previous hobbies and pleasurable activities.

6. Drinking becomes a compulsion or a need.

7. The more time without a drink, bad temper and irritability is displayed.

8. Gulping strong drinks to reach the drunk feeling as rapidly as possible.

9) Tolerance levels are set requiring larger amounts of alcohol to achieve the needed feeling.

10. Relationships, work, financial troubles increase, sometimes involving legal actions.

11. When no alcohol has been consumed for a while for whatever reason, experiencing symptoms of physical withdrawal - shaking, sweating, and nausea.

If you are an alcohol abuser and have not yet reached the stage of true alcoholism, you may suffer some of the same symptoms with the exclusion of the compulsion to drink and the physical withdrawal symptoms that accompany the lack of alcohol. Alcoholism is more likely to be the case when there is a built-up tolerance to alcohol and there is the inability to stop drinking is present.

Have you ever wondered if your own alcohol consumption has crossed the line into either alcohol abuse or alcoholism? Ask yourself the following:

- When you wake up in the morning, what is the first thing on your mind? If a drink is in the top spots, you might have a problem.

- Do you feel guilty about your habit, especially to the point that you hide it from others? People who care about you such as family and friends, or those who depend on you such as a boss?

- Do you often think about how you should cut back on the amount of drinking you do? Have you made failed promises to stop?

- Do you get irritated when others mention or, disapprove of your special relationship with alcohol?

Answering yes to any of the questions could be an indicator that you have at least alcohol abuse and perhaps even suffer from alcoholism. Seek help now!

Discover how to Stop Drinking Alcohol written by Ed Philips and get free advice to help you Quit Alcohol Today.