what is the difference of chronic alcoholic from periodic or cyclic alcoholic?

Question

types of alcoholism disease in elderly

Answer 1

CHRONIC ALCOHOLIC

The craving that an alcohol-dependent person feels for alcohol can be as strong as the need for food or water. An alcohol-dependent person will continue to drink despite serious family, health, or legal problems..

This subtype mainly includes men, has the highest divorce rate, and frequently includes users of illicit drugs

Alcohol dependence, alcoholism, alcohol addiction

Alcohol Dependence (DSM-IV Criteria) 4

1)A maladaptive pattern of alcohol use, leading to clinically significant impairment or distress, as manifested by three or more of the following seven criteria, occurring at any time in the same 12-month period:

2) Tolerance, as defined by either of the following:
A need for markedly increased amounts of alcohol to achieve intoxication or desired effect.
3) Markedly diminished effect with continued use of the same amount of alcohol.
4) Withdrawal, as defined by either of the following:
The characteristic withdrawal syndrome for alcohol
5) Alcohol is taken to relieve or avoid withdrawal symptoms.
6) Alcohol is often taken in larger amounts or over a longer period than was intended.
7) There is a persistent desire or there are unsuccessful efforts to cut down or control alcohol use.
8) A great deal of time is spent in activities necessary to obtain alcohol, use alcohol or recover from its effects.
I9) mportant social, occupational, or recreational activities are given up or reduced because of alcohol use.
10) Alcohol use is continued despite knowledge of having a persistent or recurrent physical or psychological problem that is likely to have been caused or exacerbated by the alcohol (e.g., continued drinking despite recognition that an ulcer was made worse by alcohol consumption




PERIODIC OR CYCLIC ALCOHOLIC

The functional subtype accounts for about 19% of U.S. alcoholics. They're generally middle-aged, working adults who tend to have stable relationships, more education, and higher incomes than other alcoholics. They tend to drink every other day, often consuming five or more drinks on drinking days.


Do not have a family hx of alcoholism.

Alcohol abuse, harmful alcohol use, alcohol misuse

Alcohol Abuse (DSM-IV Criteria):

A A maladaptive pattern of alcohol abuse leading to clinically significant impairment or distress, as manifested by one or more of the following, occurring within a 12-month period:


1) Recurrent alcohol use resulting in failure to fulfill major role obligations at work, school, or home (e.g., repeated absences or poor work performance related to substance use; substance-related absences, suspensions or expulsions from school; or neglect of children or household).
2) Recurrent alcohol use in situations in which it is physically hazardous (e.g., driving an automobile or operating a machine).
3) Recurrent alcohol-related legal problems (e.g., arrests for alcohol-related disorderly conduct).
4) Continued alcohol use despite persistent or recurrent social or interpersonal problems caused or exacerbated by the effects of the alcohol (e.g., arguments with spouse about consequences of intoxication or physical fights).

B. These symptoms must never have met the criteria for alcohol dependence.

Answer 2

we used to say that the only difference between an alcoholic and a drunk is that the drunk doesn't have to attend all those damn meetings.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alcoholic