substance abuse disorder

substance abuse disorder

n.

Any of a category of disorders in which pathological behavioral changes are associated with the regular use of substances that affect the central nervous system.

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Patient discussion about substance abuse disorder.

Q. Can anybody tell me the point where I should be worried that I've become an alcoholoic? What is the definition of an alcoholist?

A. Since you are asking the question I think you already know the answer. No one asks this question out of the blue. Being an alcoholic is different for everyone. But if it has disrupted your life or the lives of those around you in any way, I would say yeah, you might want to talk to someone about quitting or at minimum controlling your drinking. But if you are truly an alcoholic you can never drink again. Not one sip. You will learn that one drink is too many and a thousand is never enough. If this question is for someone else, all you can do is be supportive of them whatever their decision is.