A 33-year-old member asked:
What are the dsm criteria for substance dependence and alcohol abuse?
1 doctor answer • 1 doctor weighed in
Dr. Andrew Berryanswered
Clinical Psychology 16 years experience
Addiction: Alcohol/drugs can be robustly abused by someone but as long as the person is not addicted to it, and doesn't miss it after putting it down, the diagnosis is alcohol abuse. If, however, the person feels either physically or psychologically addicted/dependent on it and either cannot go a day without it, or binge drinks uncontrollably the diagnosis is alcohol dependence.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.1k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
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A 41-year-old member asked:
How are alcohol abuse and dependence different?
1 doctor answer • 1 doctor weighed in
Dr. Brian Lynchanswered
Family Medicine 40 years experience
Drinking : Dependence is usually considered that you will have physical withdrawal symptoms if you stop drinking. Dependence and addiction are synonymous. Abuse is frequent or even occasional excessive drinking which is considered more than five drinks within two hours.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.6k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Last updated Mar 9, 2015
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