Alcohol Abuse Vs. Alcohol Dependency

Alcohol Abuse

According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), alcohol abuse is defined as a pattern of drinking that result in one or more of the following situations within a 12-month period:

·         Failure to fulfill major work, school, or home responsibilities

·         Drinking in situations that are physically dangerous, such as while driving a car or operating machinery

·         Having recurring alcohol-related legal problems, such as being arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol or for physically hurting someone while drunk

·         Continued drinking despite having ongoing relationship problems that are caused or worsened by the drinking

When a person abuses alcohol s/he uses it with the sole purpose of becoming intoxicated, uses it in such a way that it leads to a pattern of negative consequences, and/or experiences harm directly related to and caused by his/her consumption of alcohol. Some examples of alcohol-related harms commonly experienced by individuals who misuse alcohol are: passing out, vomiting, getting into a fight, and/or memory lapse.  Playing drinking games, ie: Beirut, is a common form of alcohol abuse among college students.

Alcohol Dependency

When an individual becomes physically dependent on a substance s/he experience cravings and a compulsion to use it. If s/he doesn't use the substance, s/he will experience withdrawal. People who are dependent on alcohol are pre-occupied with the use of the substance, and its use becomes a daily/weekly priority. Students who are alcohol dependent often schedule only late classes, lose the ability to predict how much they are going to drink in a given evening (lack of self-control), experience frequent blackouts, sneak drinks in order to hide how much they actually consume from close friends and family, drink before going out (pre-game), and develop/maintain a high tolerance. In addition, any efforts employed to cut down on drinking are unsuccessful. Although many dependent students feel as though his/her drinking problems will cease with graduation from college, such individuals are often sadly mistaken. Dependency is a serious medical problem that requires time, diligence, and support to overcome. However, help is available.

Recovery is possible 

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Five Stars Recovery Center
102 East 2nd Street,Suite 110B
Chaska, MN 55318
952.448.6557
FAX 952.448.6047
information@fivestarsrecoverycenter.org

Serving Chaska, Shakopee, Waconia, Cologne, Norwood Young America, Eden prairie, Excelsior, Chanhassen, Jordan and Belle Plaine