How Alcohol Abuse is a Tricky Term to Use?

In alcohol abuse, the intake of alcohol can occur often and in big quantities but may not often result to alcohol dependency.

Alcoholism, on the other hand, is characterized by physical and psychological dependence, the lack of control over the frequency and amount of drinking, along with the strong craving to drink. Alcoholism is also marked with tolerance, a state where the amount of alcohol needed by the body to get the feeling of high continually increase.

Alcoholism is also Chronic. There are certain research studies that show the tendency of alcoholism or alcohol abuse to occur in families. It seems that a gene exists that predisposes an individual toward addiction to substances such as alcohol.

Alcohol abuse does not depend on sex, race or nationality. However, certain generalities exist. More men, for example, have alcohol health problems than women.

Young people, who start drinking alcohol earlier, say at the age of 13 or 14, compared to people who start drinking when they are already adults.

Alcohol is not bad, provided it is taken in moderate amounts, 1 to 2 drinks a day for men and less for women and people who are older. This type of alcohol drinking is possible if you do not have the proclivity toward addiction.

People taking medicine are advised to stay away from alcoholic drinks.

There is no drug that will cure alcohol abuse. However, it can be treated, although the effectiveness of alcohol treatments is highly dependent upon an individual's willingness to avoid or control alcohol intake and the frequency of exposure to circumstances that lead to alcohol use.