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Do you know what the fundamental difference is between alcohol dependence and alcohol abuse?
In modern society, alcohol consumption has become a part of the daily life of many people. However, when we talk about alcohol consumption, it is necessary to distinguish between the two different concepts of "alcohol dependence" and "alcohol abuse". Alcohol dependence has been reclassified as alcohol use disorder under the latest version of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), a shift that helps professionals more accurately identify and treat related problems.
Definition and Diagnosis
Alcohol dependence is mainly manifested as an individual's physiological or psychological dependence on alcohol. In DSM-IV, a person can be diagnosed with alcohol dependence if they meet three or more of the following seven criteria within a 12-month period:
Tolerance
Withdrawal symptoms or clinically defined alcohol withdrawal syndrome
Use for a longer period or in greater quantities than originally intended
Persistent cravings or unsuccessful efforts to reduce alcohol use
Spending a lot of time obtaining alcohol or recovering from the effects of alcohol
Social, occupational, and recreational activities abandoned or curtailed because of alcohol use
Continuing to use alcohol despite knowing about the harms associated with it
Other alcohol-related diseases
Not all patients who meet diagnostic criteria for alcohol dependence experience physical dependence. According to professional definitions, the core of alcohol dependence lies in the presence of tolerance and withdrawal symptoms, while alcohol abuse refers to situations where these physiological symptoms are not achieved. Many medical definitions accept that alcohol dependence refers specifically to alcohol, whereas alcohol abuse may involve a variety of addictive substances. This makes it possible for alcohol-dependent patients to relearn to control their drinking behavior through social learning, while alcohol abusers usually have to abstain completely.
Screening Tools
To effectively identify alcohol use disorder, healthcare professionals now commonly use the AUDIT (Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test). This screening tool is considered one of the most accurate ways to identify potential alcohol abuse. At the same time, the CAGE questionnaire is also a widely used screening method. These screening tools help doctors make an initial assessment of their patients’ drinking habits and further guide their treatment plans.
Withdrawal symptomsWhen people with alcohol dependence suddenly stop drinking or reduce their drinking, they often experience withdrawal symptoms, which may range from mild to severe, depending on the individual's drinking habits and physiological and psychological factors. Some common withdrawal symptoms include:
Minor:
nausea
vomiting
Increased heart rate
Increased blood pressure
Fatigue
Body aches/tremors
Anxiety/irritability/depression/insomniaSevere:
vomiting
Hypertensive crisis
Seizures/tremors
Hallucinations/delusions
Dehydration
Fever/chills
Mood swings
Loss of appetite
Treatment methods
Treatment for alcohol dependence can be divided into two categories - for those with severe alcohol dependence and for those at risk of becoming dependent. Treatment plans often combine a variety of approaches, including re-entry therapy, support groups, psychotherapy, and setting short-term goals. The Twelve-Step Program is a popular faith-based process that is particularly effective for people seeking to stop drinking.
EpidemiologyAccording to statistics, about 12% of American adults have faced alcohol dependence problems, while the UK National Health Service estimates that about 9% of men and 4% of women show signs of alcohol dependence.
Genetic factors
Some studies suggest there may be genetic risk factors for alcohol dependence, which make some people more susceptible to alcohol dependence.
Conclusion
Ultimately, understanding alcohol dependence and abuse is not only about medical diagnosis, but also about psychosocial factors. Are people able to accurately identify their alcohol use and seek appropriate help?
