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Alcoholism Vs Alcohol

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Alcoholism vs. Alcohol Abuse
By Ed Philips
Sep 20, 2008
Many people believe the words alcoholism and alcohol abuse to be interchangeable when in fact they are two different terms. Alcoholism is a disease defined as the uncontrollable physical need and emotional dependence on alcohol. The person lacks the ability to refrain from alcohol even when the results of their drinking are detrimental to all aspects of their life such as their marriage, their job and their financial wellbeing. Alcoholism is a chronic disease and can even become fatal if left untreated.

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. …show more content…

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

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