Alcohol abuse differs from alcoholism in that it does not include an extremely strong craving for alcohol, loss of control, or physical dependence. In addition, alcohol abuse is less likely than alcoholism to include tolerance (the need for increasing amounts of alcohol to get "high"), although it may occur.

Alcohol abuse is defined as a pattern of drinking that is accompanied by one or more of the following situations within a 12-month period:

• A pattern of drinking that results in failure to fulfill major work, school, or home responsibilities;
• Drinking in situations that are physically dangerous, such as while driving a car or operating machinery;
• Recurring alcohol-related legal problems, such as being arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol or for physically hurting someone while drunk;
• Continued drinking despite having ongoing relationship problems that are caused or worsened by the effects of alcohol.

While alcohol abuse is basically different from alcoholism (also called alcohol dependence), it is important to note that many effects of alcohol abuse are also experienced by alcoholics.

Answering the following four questions can help you find out if you or a loved one has a drinking problem:

• Have you ever felt you should cut down on your drinking?
• Have people annoyed you by criticizing your drinking?
• Have you ever felt bad or guilty about your drinking?
• Have you ever had a drink first thing in the morning to steady your nerves or to get rid of a hangover?

One "yes" answer suggests a possible alcohol problem. More than one "yes" answer means it is highly likely that a problem exists.

http://www.alcoholabuse.com/?jkId=8a8ae4cc1ee65b79011efd0e716e7414&jt=1&jadid=2734093864&js=1&jk=alcohol%20abuse&jsid=13185&jmt=1&&gclid=CIeXiu724ZgCFRENDQod4nZiZw

http://www.niaaa.nih.gov/FAQs/General-English/default.htm#whatis