Chances are, if you and your party-loving friends have spent time at outdoor venues or special events, you have seen some crazy incidences involving drunkenness. Whether your friends have had too much to drink or some other patrons are stumbling around while laughing, you can easily identify a drunken person from a tipsy person. However, one additional question may pop into your mind: how can I tell the difference between an alcohol abuser or someone who is chemically dependent on alcohol? On the surface, you may have a hard time determining if your friend falls into one of these categories. Here is a closer look at how you can tell.
What Is an Alcohol Abuser?
According to the Diagnostic Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition (DSM-IV), alcohol abusers are individuals who continue to consume alcohol regardless of social stigmas and interpersonal problems stemming from this habit. In the case of harmful use, these men and women will drink amounts of alcohol that damage their psychological and physical wellbeing. In many cases, alcohol abusers can heal through a brief intervention and education about the dangers of alcoholism and drunkenness.
What about Alcohol-Dependent People?
Overall, people who suffer from alcohol dependence will exhibit the same behavior as an alcohol abuser, in that they cannot break away from alcohol. However, certain criteria differentiate dependent people:
- Adhering to one specific brand or a certain type of alcoholic drink;
- Only choosing to go to special events or location where alcohol is served;
- Severe tolerance for alcohol (for example, drinking three cocktails with little to no effect);
- Experiencing symptoms of withdrawal after a period of abstinence;
- Being fully aware of a compulsion to consume alcohol; and/or
- Inability to quit drinking after multiple attempts at doing so.
Seeking Treatment for Alcohol Abuse or Alcoholism
Alcohol withdrawal can easily be one of the most frightening aspects of healing. During the course of the recovery process, you will suffer from minor to severe symptoms that may include night sweats, hallucinations, fevers, anxiety, sadness, and even delirium tremens, but always remember that you can find the strength to overcome these problems. However, you must always seek medical attention when you have decided to cut ties with alcohol, as the withdrawal process can be notoriously dangerous. Never attempt to do this without the supervision of a trained specialist.
If you are suffering from a severe case of alcoholism or alcohol abuse or have a friend or loved one who is coping with this illness, get in touch with Asana Recovery today. Our professional team of counselors and healthcare experts will help you endure the painful process of alcohol withdrawal and detox and guide you along the rocky road of rehabilitation. Soon enough, you will experience a faster and much more efficient recovery.
If you want to find out more about our residential treatment or supervised detoxification/withdrawal programs or enroll in one of these programs today, we are ready and waiting to speak with you at your leisure and your disclosure. Call Asana now at (949) 438-4504 to learn how you can overcome your mental illness and take an extra step toward becoming a healthier person.
