Alcohol Abuse vs Alcohol Dependence | Hazelden Betty Ford (2024)

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Question: Answer: FAQs

Question:

Will you explain the difference between alcohol abuse and alcohol dependence?

Answer:

In short, alcohol abuse is too much, too often and alcohol dependence is the inability to quit. Alcohol abuse is a pattern of drinking that leads to the failure to fulfill responsibilities at work, home or school and/or repeated drinking in situations in which it is physically hazardous.

Alcohol dependence may include a drinker's increase in tolerance, withdrawal syndrome, unsuccessful attempts to cut down or even quit drinking altogether, lose control of their alcohol use and consistently drink more and for longer than intended. The cardinal features of alcohol dependence are compulsion (inability to refrain from taking that drink), loss of control over alcohol (can't quit) and continued drinking no matter what the consequences.

"Sober Days" ran in the Palm Springs daily newspaper, theDesert Sun, for several years in the 1990s-2000s. The popular Q&A column was written by Dr. James West, the Betty Ford Center's first medical director. He remained with the Betty Ford Center until 2007, when he retired at age 93.

Alcohol Abuse vs Alcohol Dependence | Hazelden Betty Ford (2024)

FAQs

What criterion distinguishes alcohol dependence from alcohol abuse? ›

Answer: In short, alcohol abuse is too much, too often and alcohol dependence is the inability to quit. Alcohol abuse is a pattern of drinking that leads to the failure to fulfill responsibilities at work, home or school and/or repeated drinking in situations in which it is physically hazardous.

What do more than 37% of alcohol abusers suffer from? ›

A study by the Journal of the American Medical Association shows that alcohol and substance abuse are closely linked with anxiety and depression. Additionally, 37% of alcohol abusers and 53% of drug abusers also have at least one serious mental illness.

What are the four characteristics of alcohol dependence? ›

continuing to drink despite negative consequences for you or your loved ones. finding it difficult to control the amount or the times when you drink. finding it difficult to stop drinking when you want to. not always being able to plan with certainty how much you are going to drink on an occasion.

What are the 6 criteria for alcohol dependence syndrome? ›

Outline of diagnostic guideline for dependence syndrome according to the ICD-10 consists of 6 items: a strong desire or sense of compulsion (strong desire), difficulties in controlling substance-taking behavior (difficulties in controlling), a physiological withdrawal state (withdrawal), evidence of tolerance ( ...

What is the difference between alcohol dependence and abuse? ›

While no longer separate diagnoses, it can be helpful to understand the differences between the two. "Dependence" refers to being unable to stop drinking without experiencing withdrawal symptoms while "abuse" refers to continuing to consume alcohol despite adverse consequences.

What are the criteria for dependence? ›

A strong desire or sense of compulsion to take the substance. An impaired capacity to control substance-taking behavior in terms of its onset, termination, or levels of use. Substance use with the intention of relieving withdrawal symptoms and with awareness that this strategy is effective.

Which of the following is characteristic of alcohol dependence? ›

Signs and symptoms may include: Being unable to limit the amount of alcohol you drink. Wanting to cut down on how much you drink or making unsuccessful attempts to do so. Spending a lot of time drinking, getting alcohol or recovering from alcohol use.

What is the mnemonic for alcohol dependence criteria? ›

These symptoms can be recalled with the mnemonic TWO 6 PACK: • Tolerance • Withdrawal • Occupational, social, or recreational ac- tivities given up or reduced • 6 • Persistent desire or unsuccessful ef- forts to cut down or control substance use • Amount of use is excessive • Continues substance use despite hav- ing ...

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