Classification of Alcohol Related Disorders
Alcohol related disorders can be subdivided into 3 categories:
- Excessive consumption.
- Alcohol misuse and.
- Alcohol dependence.
Excessive consumption refers to a daily or weekly intake of alcohol exceeding a specified limit [21 units for men, 14 units for women].
Alcohol misuse describes drinking that causes mental, physical or social harm to an individual.
Alcohol dependence describes people who have excessive alcohol consumption and who exhibit a number of the following features:
- Tolerance: the need to drink more to achieve the same level of intoxication
- Withdrawal symptoms [for further information refer to clinical details]
- Persistent desire or repeated unsuccessful attempts to cut down
- A great deal of time is spent in activities necessary to obtain alcohol
- Important social, occupational or recreational activities are given up
Other terms that may be used include:
Alcoholism and alcoholic - these terms broadly equate to “alcohol related disorder.” Although commonly used, they should be avoided, as they tend to characterise the person in terms of the alcohol problem i.e. stereotype them.
Problem drinker refers to a person who has an alcohol related disorder or disability. It’s meaning is essentially similar to alcohol misuse but can include people who are dependent on alcohol.
Alcohol abuse - although alcohol abuse appears in medical classifications, the term “ misuse” is preferred as “abuse” is considered to have disparaging overtones.
