The DSM-V categorizes the intensity of a patient’s AUD as either mild, moderate, or severe, depending on the amount of symptoms they experience. This was done because healthcare officials wanted to reduce the stigma around the condition, which can alcoholism cause feelings of guilt and shame, preventing a person from seeking help. Knowing the difference between these terms is a great starting point for understanding how substance use disorders work. In this piece, we’ll outline the meaning of these labels and explore how they’ve evolved over time. Motivational Interviewing is a client-centered approach that addresses ambivalence about drinking.

Alcohol use disorder and mental health

They become intoxicated on a regular basis–daily, every weekend or in binges–and often need the substance for normal daily functioning. “Studies of U.S. military treatment programs show that completion of the full aftercare program is the strongest predictor of treatment success” (Wright State). However, because of the intensity of alcohol dependence, treatment may often need to be longer, perhaps the difference of ninety days for alcohol abuse to a year or more for alcohol dependence. Some individuals attend support groups that, for the those who are dependent on the substance, is a lifelong commitment in order to stay on the right track.

Addiction 101: Understanding Substance Use Disorders

Dr. Hoffman is the Co-Founder and Chief Medical Officer of AddictionHelp.com and ensures the website’s medical content and messaging quality. Hosted by therapist Amy Morin, LCSW, this episode of The Verywell Mind Podcast shares strategies for coping with alcohol cravings and other addictions, featuring addiction specialist John Umhau, MD. Research has shown that what is the difference between alcohol abuse and alcoholism the terminology used does, in fact, influence how people with a substance use disorder view themselves as well as how others view them. People who have a dependence on alcohol exhibit some or all of the following characteristics. There is no obligation to enter treatment and you can opt out at any time.

New 2025 Minnesota sober-housing law threatens housing for people in recovery

The main difference between AUD and alcoholism is clinical terminology and diagnosis. A doctor won’t diagnose you with alcoholism, but you may hear this term used in non-clinical settings to describe the symptoms and effects of alcohol use disorder. These two terms were once used interchangeably, but this changed in 2013, when the DSM-5 recognized AUD as the official diagnosable condition. This along with ethanol’s dehydrating effects and impact on brain chemistry leads to a host of medical, psychiatric, behavioral, and social harms connected to alcohol abuse or addiction. Our recovery center welcomes anyone who’s struggling with alcohol to overcome their addiction.

• This doesn’t count as the average number of drinks per day throughout the week.
• Personalized treatment plans, which may include a combination of pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy, are essential for addressing the complex nature of alcoholism.
• What’s more, many people simply don’t digest alcohol easily, so a lower tolerance for alcohol doesn’t always relate to body size or gender.
• Without realizing it, you could take risks that could put yourself or others in harm’s way.
• They will continue to drink even when faced with serious health, family, work or legal problems.

Withdrawal symptoms emerge when someone who is dependent on alcohol suddenly reduces or stops drinking. Symptoms can range from mild (anxiety, sweating, nausea) to severe (tremors, seizures, confusion). These symptoms make it challenging to quit without help, as the body and mind have adapted to functioning with alcohol, making medical support often essential for safe recovery.

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Alcoholism is no longer diagnosed but is instead an everyday term used to describe symptoms of AUD (7). Medical detox uses medications to relieve alcohol withdrawal symptoms like anxiety, tremors, insomnia, and seizures. Holistic detox relies on nutrition therapy, supplements, acupuncture, exercise therapy, and other non-pharmacological therapies to aid your body’s natural detoxification. With around-the-clock monitoring and supportive care, we ensure your comfort and safety during this pivotal transition. When you’ve been addicted to alcohol for a long time and stop drinking, you’re likely to experience terrible withdrawal symptoms.

• Instead, doctors use the term AUD, relying on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) to diagnose it.
• Support systems, including peer support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous, are critical for ongoing recovery, providing a sense of community and accountability.
• Alcohol addiction is progressive, and without treatment, it gets worse over time, but if you see potentially problematic things, you can get help.
• There are three categories of alcohol use disorder—mild, moderate, and severe.
• Consuming more than four drinks for women or five or more drinks for men in under 2 hours causes immediate impairment, raising risks of car crashes, falls, assaults, burns, and other trauma.

Finding a Live-In Rehab Center in Central Florida

If you are a medical doctor, clinician, or other professional in a field related to this topic and find errors or inaccuracies within this content, please contact us at

• This is why so many people with alcohol dependency end up homeless, separated from family, unemployed, and eventually die from their addiction.
• Genetic factors include having a family history of alcoholism, while psychological factors include having an addictive personality or having mental health issues such as depression or anxiety.
• Both alcohol abuse and alcoholism can have harsh long-term effects on your body.
• Our team of professionals works with patients to address the underlying causes of the disorder, promote sobriety, and develop life skills that support recovery.

Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms: Detox, Timeline & Treatment

The symptoms of alcohol dependence can vary but may include physical symptoms such as tremors, sweating, and seizures, as well as psychological symptoms such as anxiety, depression, and irritability. People with alcohol dependence may also experience social and legal problems, such as relationship issues and driving under the influence. On the other hand, alcoholism is a chronic disease that is characterized by a physical and psychological dependence on alcohol. It is a progressive disease that can lead to severe health problems and even death if left untreated.