Today we know better. We know that drinking problems do not come in one form, but can take any of a number of forms. Some people who abuse alcohol start drinking heavily early in life and develop longstanding dependence. Still others engage in binges that may last for days, but are spaced weeks or months apart. Alcohol abuse refers to a problem pattern where the drinking interferes with work, school, or home life, as well as where the drinking is hazardous, such as in driving an automobile or operating machinery.
Alcohol dependence can include any or all of the above, but it is even more serious.
The person may be unable to stop or control the drinking, even after trying. Further, the rate among men is twice that among women and has a much wider range of contributing factors. A third or more of American families are directly beset by an alcohol problem at one time or another. And the costs are enormous in terms of medical expenses, work difficulties, finances, and particularly, family relationships. Or, maybe some feel like crying, while others are burned up with frustration.