The terms alcoholism and alcohol dependency are often used interchangeably. While both indicate a physical reliance upon alcohol, alcohol dependency is characterized by a dependence upon alcohol that results in physical withdrawal symptoms while alcoholism is an addiction to alcohol characterized by marked behavioral problems due to prolonged and excessive harmful use.
This may seem like splitting hairs and it’s likely only a trained professional could be able to differentiate between alcohol dependency and alcoholism. While the marked difference is characterized by behavioral and personality patterns, in all likelihood alcohol dependency is merely a precursor to alcoholism. No one can tell when the invisible line will be crossed.
Someone experiencing alcohol dependency can be said to be physically dependent upon alcohol and will suffer withdrawal symptoms when alcohol leaves their system. These symptoms can range from mild to severe, resulting in headache, nausea, tremors, irritability, insomnia and anxiety. A higher level of dependency will result in more severe withdrawal symptoms, such as night sweats, night terrors, hallucinations, delirium tremens (DTs) and seizures.
Its important to not get too caught up in the differences between alcohol dependency and alcoholism. The best judge is not a professional but your own experience. If you are suffering serious consequences from your alcohol use that is jeopardizing your health, relationships, work, school, ...
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