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What Are Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism

Many adults drink alcohol in the form of beer, wine, or liquor. People drink alcohol to relax, celebrate, and socialize. Alcohol affects people in different ways, and people have different relationships with alcohol. Many people can enjoy a glass of wine with food, or drink moderate amounts of alcohol in social settings, without any problems. Having one or fewer drinks per day for women and two or fewer drinks per day for men is defined as moderate drinking (CDC, 2013).

But drinking alcohol too much or too often, or being unable to control alcohol consumption, can cause or indicate alcohol abuse or alcohol dependence (also called alcoholism). 

The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism says that about 18 million people in the U.S. struggle with what it terms “alcohol use disorders” (NIAAA). These disorders can be disruptive and life threatening.

Alcohol Abuse

People who abuse alcohol may not have a physical dependence on alcohol. But they are more focused on intoxication than on safely enjoying alcoholic beverages. Abuse can affect relationships and lead to failure to meet obligations at home, work, or school. People who abuse alcohol often have legal or financial troubles related to their drinking. Long-term alcohol abuse may lead to alcoholism.