What are the Characteristics of Alcohol Abuse?
Posted: Thursday, March 06, 2008
by Samantha James
Alcohol abuse is a pattern of very heavy drinking that is not characterized by the incessant craving for alcohol experienced by alcoholics or the physical dependence, or the all but total loss of control. But if the person in the abuse stage continues to drink, alcoholism is right around the corner. It is probably rare for the person in the alcohol abuse stage to avoid crossing over into alcoholism. There is also strong evidence that alcoholism is inherited.
- Continuing to drink in the face of relationship problems that were caused or worsened under the effects of alcohol.
- Legal problems such as assault or drunk driving.
- Drinking in situations that are physically dangerous.
- Failure to assume responsibility for work, home or school.
Alcoholism or alcohol addiction has the above characteristics plus:
- The overwhelming need or compulsion to drink.
- Alcohol has become the priority in the drinkers life.
- Physical dependence on alcohol: Withdrawal enters the picture in the form of nausea, sweating, shaking, and anxiety when the alcoholic stops drinking. These symptoms can only be relieved by more alcohol or some form of tranquilizer.
- No control: Unable to stop drinking once they have begun.
- Increase tolerance: It is necessary to drink more to achieve the same high.
Alcoholism is all about the all encompassing need for alcohol. Alcoholism is extremely powerful, which is why willpower alone is almost never enough to achieve abstinence.
Do you think you have a drinking problem? You can get help here: http://HowIStoppedDrinking.org
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Top-level comments on this article: (3 total)Very helpful article, concise and well laid out.
Thanks, but as you know, those who should the most, wont pay attention. There is a solution.What is the solution?Thats a term they use in AA. The solution is not drinking at all, of course. Their program makes it easier- not easy- easier.Right, of course. :-) Alcoholism breaks my heart... I know so many with the problem, but getting them to a meeting - well, it would probably be easier to wait until they passed out and pull their teeth than get them there. It's so sad.
Thank you for your response. :-)You're right. A desperate "bottom" must be hit first. Even reaching Step One: admitting there is a problem, doesn't guarantee anything. I knew for 20 years before I decided it had to stop.Unfortunately, "bottom" has been death in several people I have known... that's the fear I encounter... how do you make the ones realize before they hit their bottom - when their bottom is death?
I know quite a few people right now, who need help, but I have no idea how to do it... and I don't think I can handle losing another one. :-/I know many too. Sorry to say: you can't make them realize, expecially if you dont' have the illness.. That's where Step 12 sometimes helps: Help another alcoholic.
There must be a paradign shift. There must be a spiritual development. To achieve both, one must be sober first-the tough part. 30 days opens eyes. 90 days changes minds. But even those who do 90 meetings in 90 days often fail. 9 out of 10 who seek personal councelling relapse. Almost 7 out of 10 who do AA relapse. Sad, sad statistics. I failed twice and stayed drunk over 30 yrs.Wow, that is just heartbreaking. I'm sorry that you lost 30 years of your life, but I am glad you are sober now and can speak to others - and possibly help them.
Thank you for taking the time... maybe one day, someone will figure out how to help the lost souls that we are unable to reach. :-(
Im impressed
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