There is a fine line between alcohol abuse and alcoholism. The difference involves the severity of consequences, whether or not there is withdrawal, and how often as well as how much you drink. If you are an alcohol abuser, there is a chance you can turn things around before becoming a full blown alcoholic.

According to The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, moderate drinking is up to 1 drink per day for women and up to 2 drinks per day for men. The CDC defines alcohol abuse as binge drinking or heavy drinking. Binge drinking is defined as 4 or more drinks during a single occasion for women and 5 or more drinks in a single occasion for men.  Heavy drinking is defined as 8 or more drinks per week for women and 15 or more drinks per week for men.

Alcohol abusers begin to see consequences from their drinking. These may include:

• trouble with the law while intoxicated (driving under the influence, assault)
• relationship problems relating to drinking (missing a child’s school pick up because of drinking)
• missing work for hangovers
• taking high risk actions (high risk sexual behavior, working in a healthcare setting while intoxicated, etc ) while intoxicated

Many cross the fine line between alcohol abuser and alcoholic without knowing it. There are numerous signs that differentiate alcohol abuse from alcoholism. One sign of alcoholism, also known as severe alcohol use disorder, includes an inability to limit drinking. Drinking limitations could include saying you’ll only have one, then not being able to stop. Another indicator is continuing to drink despite personal or professional problems. These may include legal problems or problems at work. Having an increased tolerance for alcohol is an additional sign. Needing to drink more to get the same effect indicates increased tolerance. If you want a drink so badly you can’t think of anything else that is also a sign of alcoholism. This is called obsession. Another indicator to look for is if your drinking is attached to emotions. These may be needing to drink after a stressful day or needing to drink to celebrate. Those who have crossed the line from alcohol abuse to alcoholism also experience withdrawal and will drink to avoid the symptoms. Symptoms of withdrawal from alcohol include anxiety, tremors, sweating, insomnia, nausea, depression, fatigue, headache, and irritability.

It’s a slippery slope from alcohol abuse to alcoholism. The severity of your symptoms can be a useful indicator of which side of the line you are on.

The Kimberly Center is a place for healing. We welcome you to our treatment programs for substance dependence and abuse where the number one goal is restoring your or your loved one to live a healthier, happier, and more productive life. A life free from substance dependence and destructive behaviors waits. Call us now for information on our programs of treatment and start your journey today: 855-452-3683