Glossary / Lexicon

Alcohol abuse refers to diagnosis given to someone who uses alcohol in dangerous situations, fails to meet obligations at work or at home due to alcohol use, and has recurrent legal or social problems as a result of alcohol use. Alcohol abuse is characterized by one or more of the following as a result of alcohol use: (1) failure to fulfill major role obligations; . (2) recurrent physically hazardous use; . (3) recurrent alcohol-related legal problems; or (4) continued use despite persistent alcohol-related social or interpersonal problems.