Introduction
A difference exists between those who use alcohol and those suffering from substance use disorder. Anyone who meets two of the eleven DSM-V criteria for alcohol use disorder (AUD) has the condition (Takahashi et al., 2017). Individuals suffering from AUD drink excessively or for an extended time, while others who use alcohol do not drink abnormally.
Discussion
Patients suffering from AUD believe they cannot restrict their alcohol use; however, others who consume alcohol may alter the limit since they are not addicted to the drug. Individuals with AUD often get ill due to excessive alcohol drinking, but others who consume alcohol do not frequently experience the negative consequences of alcohol. The AUD patients’ desire to drink causes them to lose focus on their daily duties. Alcohol users do not suffer these repercussions due to their managed alcohol use. People suffering from AUD cannot manage family duties, work, or attain academic success. Individuals with AUD continue to drink despite the consequences of their relationships with loved ones. People who drink alcohol may reduce their consumption if they believe it affects their relationships with their loved ones.
Patients with AUD are less interested in things that were formerly very significant to them. People who use alcohol, on the other hand, may not lose interest in things they consider vital since they have managed their drug consumption. Despite their declining health, feelings of despair or worry, or falling into a coma as a direct consequence of their drinking (Takahashi et al., 2017), AUD patients continue to consume alcohol. These people will go to any length to get alcohol for enjoyment.
Conclusion
To conclude, individuals who use alcohol may change their drinking habits if they comprehend how it impacts their everyday lives and health. Due to increasing alcohol tolerance, AUD patients drink more and eventually have withdrawal symptoms, while those who use alcohol rarely experience one.
Reference
Takahashi, T., Lapham, G., Chavez, L. J., Lee, A. K., Williams, E. C., Richards, J. E., Greenberg, D., Rubinsky, A., Berger, D., Hawkins, E. J., Merrill, J. O., & Bradley, K. A. (2017). Comparison of DSM-IV and DSM-5 criteria for alcohol use disorders in VA primary care patients with frequent heavy drinking enrolled in a trial. Addiction Science & Clinical Practice, 12(1).