The Difference Between Alcoholism and Alcohol Dependence

A person who drinks to excess may have a drinking problem, although he or she may not necessarily be addicted to alcohol. There is a key difference between alcoholism and dependence on alcohol. With alcoholism, in which a person is addicted to alcohol, the person needs to drink more and more alcohol to get the same effects because his or her tolerance to the substance has increased. When that person stops drinking, he or she will experience physical and psychological symptoms of withdrawal.

As you’ll learn by watching this video, alcohol dependence does not lead to symptoms of withdrawal. However, there can be significant personal, health, and social consequences as a result of the drinking problem.

If you think you could have a problem with alcohol, turn to the addiction specialists of Las Encinas Hospital. Pasadena area residents can call our substance abuse treatment program at (888) 348-2165 or browse through our blog to learn more about addiction treatment.