www.facebook.com twitter.com juni2424.blogspot.ca Alcoholism and alcohol abuse Alcohol dependence; Alcohol abuse; Problem drinking; Drinking problem Last reviewed: March 20, 2011. Alcoholism (alcohol dependence) and alcohol abuse are two different forms of problem drinking. • Alcoholism is when you have signs of physical addiction to alcohol and continues to drink, despite problems with physical health, mental health, and social, family, or job responsibilities. Alcohol may control your life and relationships. • Alcohol abuse is when your drinking leads to problems, but not physical addiction. Causes, incidence, and risk factors There is no known cause of alcohol abuse or alcoholism. Research suggests that certain genes may increase the risk of alcoholism, but which genes and how they work are not known. How much you drink can influence your chances of becoming dependent. Those at risk for developing alcoholism include: • Men who have 15 or more drinks a week • Women who have 12 or more drinks a week • Anyone who has five or more drinks per occasion at least once a week One drink is defined as a 12-ounce bottle of beer, a 5-ounce glass of wine, or a 1 1/2-ounce shot of liquor. You have an increased risk for alcohol abuse and dependence if you have a parent with alcoholism. You may also be more likely to abuse alcohol or become dependent if you: • Are a young adult under peer pressure • Have depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders, or schizophrenia • Have easy …
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