A large number of world’s population die from alcohol-related health problems each year. Medically, drinking alcohol in moderation poses health benefits. But excessive and regular drinking has hazardous consequences. It is very important to understand the alcohol abuse and alcohol dependence because they have different symptoms and require different treatments.
What is alcohol dependence and alcohol abuse?
Alcohol dependence is a condition in which a person is psychologically and physically dependent on alcohol to help them relieve stress. They lose their ability to quit drinking. If the person quit drinking for a short period, they experience withdrawal symptoms like insomnia, tremors, and mood swings. Other symptoms may include increased amounts of alcohol intake, craving to drink, and drinking to relieve hangovers.
Withdrawal symptoms are the important and distinct characteristics of alcohol dependence. You can log onto https://detoxtorehab.com/phases-alcohol-withdrawal to learn more about different phases of alcohol withdrawal. Detox to Rehab aims at building a community of proactive and supportive individuals to help individuals overcome their addictions. They have various addiction treatment plans.
Alcohol abuse refers to the condition in which a person continues to use alcohol excessively and frequently regardless of their social, personal, health, and professional problems. The person with alcohol abuse does not show any withdrawal symptoms. They develop excessive drinking habits without having any physical cravings.
Alcohol Dependence vs. Alcohol Abuse
Alcohol dependence is the inability to quit alcohol. The person is physically dependent on alcohol. Alcohol abuse is a practice of drinking that creates irresponsibility in the person to perform social, personal, or professional activities. The person consumes alcohol, without any physical compulsion, to hide from their reality or problems.
Alcohol dependence usually increases the drinker’s alcoholic tolerance to exhibit withdrawal symptoms and difficulty in quitting alcohol. They continue to drink excessively without worrying about its consequences. They lose control over their alcohol use and consistently drink more than the intended amount.