by Steve Martin

Created on: February 28, 2007   Last Updated: April 18, 2007

Alcoholics need a drink. They can't cope without one. They will tend to drink every day and have serious problems if they are unable to get a drink (and, of course, serious problems if they do).

Alcohol abuse is different. This is an issue which is getting a lot of attention from the media in the UK at the minute. An example of alcohol abuse is the teenager who gets hopelessly drunk on a Friday night. This individual may not be an alcoholic. They may be able to go a long time without having - or wanting - a drink. However, when they do get drunk they are abusing alcohol. They are not enjoying one or two drinks; they are not using alcohol ina social way - they are drinking to get drunk. This can lead to severe problems.

On a typical weekend, 70% of admissions to a hospital Accident & Emergency Unit are drunks. An incredibly high proportion of crime - particularly violent crime - is caused by drunkenness. People who are unable to protect themselves or behave with restraint are also much more likely to become victims of crime.

Alcohol abuse can also lead to health problems in a more general sense. And, of course, alcohol abuse can be the first step on the road to alcoholism.

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