The inability to limit one's drinking on any given occasion.
Alcohol abuse is a pattern of problem drinking that can have major health and societal consequences.
Problem drinkers are prone to violence, automobile accidents, and other problems. However, alcohol dependence, or alcoholism, refers to a disease that is characterized by abnormal alcohol-seeking behavior, or lack of control over drinking. While alcohol abuse is basically different from alcoholism, it is important to note that many effects of alcohol abuse are also experienced by alcoholics. While the problem drinker or alcohol abuser may not be addicted to alcohol, he or she shares many of the same risks to health and life. Quality of life, in particular, is diminished, severely.