|
Alcohol abuse
differs from alcoholism in that it
does not include an extremely strong
craving for alcohol, loss of control
over drinking, or physical
dependence. Alcohol abuse is defined
as a pattern of drinking that
results in one or more of the
following situations within a
12-month period:
- Failure to
fulfill major work, school, or
home responsibilities;
- Drinking in
situations that are physically
dangerous, such as while driving
a car or operating machinery;
- Having
recurring alcohol-related legal
problems, such as being arrested
for driving under the influence
of alcohol or for physically
hurting someone while drunk; and
- Continued
drinking despite having ongoing
relationship problems that are
caused or worsened by the
drinking.
Although alcohol
abuse is basically different from
alcoholism, many effects of alcohol
abuse are also experienced by
alcoholics. |
