Alcohol abuse refers to any behavioral use of alcohol that can be described as harmful. Harmful use implies alcohol use that causes either physical or mental damage. Alcohol dependence is an inability to function without alcohol. These behaviors include exhibiting withdrawal symptoms during abstinence, increasingly high tolerance to liquor, and an inordinate desire to consume it.

Alcohol abusers typically can abstain from alcohol use but have chosen not to. They can usually be helped with a brief intervention, including education concerning the dangers of binge drinking and alcohol poisoning and its potential effect son health. College students who drink regularly are high at risk for potential alcohol abuse behavior. Abusers typically drink despite recurrent social, interpersonal, and legal problems as a result of alcohol use.

Many alcohol abusers are able to quit after certain periods, some without any outside help. They simply make up their minds to stop or modify their drinking behaviors. Some past heavy drinkers merely “grow up” and change their behaviors. Others may have a particularly affecting experience and swear off. It doesn’t justify the behavior though. Alcohol abusers are prime candidates for developing full-blown alcohol dependence.

Alcohol dependents or alocholics have developed a need for getting drunk. Treatment varies depending on each individual situation and can include medication, therapy, support groups and hospital confinement.