Alcoholism and alcohol abuse while in the same family are actually two different afflictions. A person with an alcohol abuse problem is many times called a "functioning alcoholic" and they suffer from many of the health related issues as alcoholics as a result of excessive drinking.

Alcohol abusers are extremely clever is appearing to be normal and you might find it hard to pick one out amongst the crowd. They are very good at setting their own limits on the amount of alcohol they consume, but that consumption is way more than what an average social drinker would drink.

Alcoholics on the other hand do not have the ability any longer to put a limit on their alcohol intake. Their alcohol addiction is both physical and mental. Alcohol controls their very existence leading to both their mental and physical health being compromised. With alcoholism, the addict cannot stop themselves from drinking throughout the day as they find they need to in order to keep their addiction at bay.

Getting to the stage of being alcohol free will take a different path as far as assistance is concerned for each of the previously mentioned cases. Alcohol abusers will need more emotional and psychological assistance but an alcoholic will suffer much more physically and will need help on that side of things as he is taken off alcohol.

Recent studies carried out in universities seem to suggest that the increase in domestic violence acts could be related to alcoholism, although others have stated that the relation with alcohol may be misleading to the facts.

What we really can't ascertain is whether these domestic violence occurrences are the result of alcoholism or does the domestic violence causes the abuse of alcohol? Whatever the case may be, the fundamental fact is that alcohol is present and domestic violence is being experienced in too many family homes and many times on a daily basis. Any person in the situation can be the alcoholic or all involved can be addicted.

An alcoholic often wears blinders to the issues around them and do not see the truths of the situation. The first step for the alcoholic and their family is to admit that there is a problem because once the problem is admitted it can be dealt with. One idea to work toward this is to have a "family" style discussion toward a more positive future but limit alcohol being the only focus as it can lead to a violent end.

If you recognize these problems in yourself or your family or even in someone else you might know, take action to beak the cycles. There are many organizations and associations that are ready to give the crucial support necessary to anyone who is ready to come to terms with their condition. You will find a lot of further guidance associated to this subject on the following link at StopDrinking. You can do this and provide yourself with a much brighter tomorrow.