When it comes to describing an unhealthy relationship with alcohol, there are several terms that are often used interchangeably: alcoholism, alcohol addiction, alcohol use disorder, and alcohol dependence. These terms are all very similar, but the specific meaning of alcohol dependence is slightly different. What is alcohol dependence, and how does it compare to the other terms?
If alcohol is leading to problems in your life but you’re struggling to quit, you may need the help of an addiction treatment program. For alcohol rehab near San Antonio, call Hill Country at 1.844.675.1628.
What Is Alcohol Dependence?
Alcohol dependence refers to a condition where a person becomes physically or psychologically reliant on alcohol. This means that when a person is alcohol dependent but refrains from drinking for a period of time, they’re likely to experience physical symptoms like:
- Tremors
- Anxiety
- Sweating
- Nausea
- Insomnia
- Irritability
Psychological dependence means people may have difficulty functioning in their day-to-day lives without alcohol. Since alcohol may serve as a coping mechanism during stressful situations or when facing difficult emotions, it may now feel impossible to endure those scenarios without drinking.
What Is the Difference Between Alcohol Dependence and Alcohol Addiction?
Alcohol dependence and alcohol addiction are fairly similar, and it can be a bit confusing to tell the difference between the two. The main difference between dependence and addiction is that dependence involves the body becoming adapted to a substance and experiencing withdrawal symptoms or psychological discomfort when not using the substance.
With addiction, changes in the brain have taken place that keep the person using the substance even after they experience consequences due to drinking like:
- Alcohol poisoning
- Hangovers
- Trouble at work or school
- Relationship problems
- Sexual or physical assault
- Injuries
- Physical or mental health issues
- Driving while intoxicated (DWI)
When a person has developed an alcohol addiction, drinking becomes a focal point in their life, and they continue to drink even after encountering the above adverse effects. They may want to quit, but addiction is a powerful chronic disorder that often requires professional help.
Alcohol Use Disorder: A New Way to Look at Dependence and Addiction
The American Psychiatric Association’s fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) introduced the term “alcohol use disorder.” What is unique about this term is that it does not separate alcohol abuse from alcohol dependence or addiction. Instead, problematic drinking behaviors are placed into three categories: mild, moderate, and severe alcohol use disorder.
The diagnostic criteria include questions about one’s drinking patterns in the prior year, such as:
- Have you tried to cut back on or quit drinking more than once but could not?
- Have you continued drinking despite it causing problems with friends or family?
- Have you had times when you drank more or longer than you intended?
- Have you cut back on activities you used to enjoy in order to drink?
- Have you gotten into situations more than once while drinking that increased the risk of getting hurt, such as operating machinery, driving, or having unsafe sex?
- Have you continued drinking even though it made you feel depressed or anxious or caused a memory blackout?
- Have you had to drink more than you used to in order to get the same intoxicating effects?
- Have you noticed withdrawal symptoms when the effects of alcohol were wearing off, such as shakiness, nausea, sweating, or a racing heart?
A person answering yes to two or three of the diagnostic questions would be considered to have a mild alcohol use disorder. Answering yes to four or five of the questions would indicate a moderate alcohol use disorder. And answering yes to six or more of the questions would give the person a diagnosis of having a severe alcohol use disorder.
Reach Out to Hill Country for Alcohol Rehab Near San Antonio
If you are ready to give up alcohol for good, the next step is to contact Hill Country at 1.844.675.1628. Our residential and outpatient treatment options ensure that you have the right level of care for your recovery needs. Call today or fill out our online form to get started.
Let’s work together to change your life.