Alcohol abuse can be a tricky term to use, considering that 'abuse' can have different meanings to different people. However, it is often understood as referring to the excessive use of alcohol, and causing problems or negative consequences.

Alcoholism or alcohol dependence is a diagnosable disease characterized by several factors including a strong craving for alcohol, continued use despite harm or personal injury, the inability to limit drinking, physical illness when drinking stops, and the need to increase the amount drunk in order to feel the effects (4). Alcohol abuse is a pattern of drinking that results in harm to one’s health, interpersonal relationships or ability to work.

Alcoholism, which is also known as "alcohol dependence syndrome," is a disease that is characterized by the following elements: Physical dependence: The occurrence of withdrawal symptoms, such as nausea, sweating, shakiness, and anxiety, when alcohol use is stopped after a period of heavy drinking. These symptoms are usually relieved by drinking alcohol or by taking another sedative drug.

Alcoholism, alcohol dependence, alcohol addiction are synonymous. It is a diagnosable disease characterized by several factors including a strong craving for alcohol, continued use despite harm or personal injury, the inability to limit drinking, physical illness when drinking stops, and the need to increase the amount drunk in order to feel the effects.1 Alcohol abuse is a pattern of drinking that results in harm to one's health, interpersonal relationships or ability to work.

The two disorders have many symptoms in common (see Alcoholism), so the line is difficult to draw. However, most experts agree that alcoholism is a disease marked by a physical dependence on alcohol. Alcoholics have a greater tolerance for alcohol than other people and must consume more to get high as the disease progresses; they eventually develop a physical craving for alcohol and suffer withdrawal symptoms such as nausea, sweating, shakiness, and anxiety when they stop drinking.

bull;The National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (NCADD) is an independent volunteer organization that provides free information and referrals for counseling and support; 244 East 58th Street, Fourth Floor, New York, NY 10022. Call the group's 24-hour "hope-line" at 800/622-2255 to be referred to a local NCADD affiliate, or visit their Web site. bull;Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) has over 100,000 chapters worldwide.

Alcohol abuse is characterized by recurrent alcohol-related problems, including problems with relationships, job performance, or both; the use of alcohol in hazardous situations (e.g., while driving a car); or some combination of these (DSM IV, 1994).

Yes, alcohol dependence (alcoholism) is a disease. Alcohol dependence alters parts of the brain from its normal healthy state, this is called disease.1 There now exists undisputable evidence provided by brain imagery scans that show differences in the brains of people dependent on alcohol vs. people who are not.1 Any ongoing debate about whether or not alcoholism is a disease results from a misunderstanding of the definition of both alcoholism and disease.2 (See Glossary.

Research shows that the risk for developing alcoholism does indeed run in families. The genes a person inherits partially explain this pattern, but lifestyle is also a factor. Currently, researchers are working to discover the actual genes that put people at risk for alcoholism. Friends, the amount of stress in life, and how readily available alcohol is also are factors that may increase risk for alcoholism.1 But remember: Risk is not destiny.

The two disorders have many symptoms in common (see Alcohol Abuse), so the line between them is often tough to draw. However, most experts say the element of physical dependence is not found in alcohol abusers, who are also less likely to have the high tolerance for drink found in alcoholics. Alcohol abusers may progress to becoming alcoholics, but not necessarily.

Alcohol dependence (alcoholism) can be treated. Alcohol dependence treatment programs use both counseling and medications to help a person stop drinking. Treatment has helped many people stop drinking and rebuild their lives.1 Alcohol dependence treatment works for many people. But like other chronic illnesses, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and asthma, there are varying levels of success when it comes to treatment. Some people stop drinking and remain abstinent.

None. The symptoms of the disease, restlessness, irritability, and discontent, are relieved by the ingestion of alcohol and other mood altering substances. Compulsive use occurs as suffers attempt to treat the symptoms.

For most people, the consumption of alcohol is nothing more than pleasant activity that takes place at some type of social activity. Generally speaking, two drinks per day for men and one for women does not produce any harmful effects. There are thousands of drug rehab or drug treatment programs available throughout the United States. They term themselves drug rehab, drug treatment, addiction treatment facility, free standing addiction treatment, detox and a host of other names.

Teens use alcohol and other drugs for many reasons. They may do it because they want to fit in socially, they like the way drugs or alcohol makes them feel, or they want to feel more grown up. Teens tend to be risk-takers, and they may take drugs or drink alcohol because it seems exciting. Teens who are at the biggest risk for developing serious alcohol or drug problems are those with family members who have problems with alcohol or other drugs.

Depending on the drug of abuse, some of the educational seminars and group sessions may vary, but essentially the drug treatment as offered centers around addiction recovery, regardless of the drug of use and abuse. Every patient entering into a ChooseHelp.com rehab will undergo a comprehensive pre assessment period, and addictions professionals will design a recovery plan tailored to the needs of the individual.

It is our experience that most private health insurance plans do provide for substance abuse treatment. In most cases, an 800 number will be located on the reverse side of your card which you can call and receive benefit information. Please keep in mind, that although they will provide you with benefit information, it does not mean you can access all of those benefits.

bull;Mood swings. Someone who abuses alcohol may have an explosive temper or become unusually aggressive. bull;Drinking as a crutch. If someone is drinking more frequently in order to relax, to escape problems, or to feel "normal," these may be signs of alcohol abuse. bull;Lack of control. Alcohol abusers will keep drinking until they become very drunk. Often, drinking bouts result in temporary blackouts and an inability to remember events that happened while drinking.

Although it's considered largely a psychological problem, alcohol abuse is more common among children of problem drinkers, which suggests that there may be a genetic predisposition to abuse alcohol. Environmental factors, such as growing up in a household of heavy drinkers, may also dispose someone to alcohol abuse. In addition, your personality and life experiences play a large role in predicting whether you abuse alcohol or not.

No. As a matter of fact, the opposite is true. Without treatment, kids usually self-medicate themselves with alcohol or marijuana.

It is important to understand that there are no quick fixes when it comes to teen drug addiction. The average length of stay in residential treatment is thirty days. During the course of treatment program participants, families and treatment providers working together, may determine that a longer stay is required. Prior to admission however, there is no way to determine if longer term treatment is warranted.

Alcoholism is a primary, chronic disease with genetic, psychosocial and environmental factors influencing its development and manifestations. The disease is often progressive and fatal. It is characterized by continuous or periodic: impaired control over drinking, preoccupation with the drug alcohol, use of alcohol use despite adverse consequences, and distortions in thinking, most notably denial (ASAM, 2001).

No. It is a popular misconception that cirrhosis only affects people who drink too much alcohol over the years. In fact there are many children with liver disorders. Item 2a listening ear, whether you need one phone call or long term support. We can ring back, write to you or, if you prefer arrange someone to meet you.