Frequently Asked Questions About Alcohol Problems

Not everyone who has an alcohol problem is an alcoholic. There are varying degrees or levels of alcohol problems. You do not have to drink every day or even regularly to have a drinking problem.

These frequently asked questions and their answers explain more about the nature of alcohol problems:

What Is an Alcohol Problem?
Alcohol problems can range from mild to severe and even life-threatening.

What Are the Different Types of Alcohol Problems?
Alcohol problems occur along a continuum of severity.

What Are the Symptoms of an Alcohol Problem?
What is the difference between abuse and dependence?

How Is an Alcohol Problem Diagnosed?
Diagnosis of alcohol problems involves more than looking at behavior.

Who Develops Alcohol Problems?
How prevalent are alcohol problems in the United States?

What Are the Treatments for Alcohol Problems?
There are a wide range of treatments available for alcohol problems, just as there are different levels of problems.