Alcohol abuse is different from alcoholism. Alcohol abuse is a pattern of drinking that can be treated and cured. Alcoholism is a disease that can be treated, but there is no current cure.

Nearly 14 million people in the U.S. alone - 7.4% of Americans - abuse alcohol or are alcoholic. Five times more men than women become alcohol dependent.

Alcohol problems are now called Alcohol Use Disorders, and include both abuse and dependence. The problems associated with alcohol use are well known. Alcohol is associated with auto accidents, increased violence, loss of jobs, and loss of lives. What makes it possible for most people to have a couple of glasses of wine, beer or hard liquor at a party and stop, while others go on to have serious problems with alcohol?

Alcohol abuse is a pattern otherwise known as "problem drinking." The behavioral warning signs of alcohol abuse are:

* Drinking excessive amounts of alcohol frequently (The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism has established two drinks per day for men and one drink a day for women as the limits to safe drinking)
* Drinking when it is dangerous (such as driving)
* Frequent excessive drinking (known as binge drinking)
* Interpersonal difficulties with family, friends, or co-workers
* Legal problems related to drinking.

Alcohol abuse may initially be diagnosed in young people who recently began drinking. However, they may also be involved with other drugs, without alcohol being the primary substance they are using. Although some alcohol users abuse alcohol without becoming alcohol-dependent alcoholics, over time abuse may progress to incurable alcoholism.