Alcohol abuse or problem drinking differs from alcoholism as it does not include a loss of control over drinking,  an extremely strong craving for alcohol or physical dependence. It is a prototype of excessive drinking. Alcohol abuse affects on adverse health and social consequences to the drinker and often to those who are around the drinker. The person using alcohol in a destructive way has the ability to change his or her drinking habits.  Alcohol abuse is defined as a pattern of drinking that results in one or more of the following situations within a 12-month period:
• failure to fulfill major work, school or home responsibilities; 
• drinking in situations that are physically dangerous such as while driving a car or operating machinery; 
• having recurring alcohol-related legal problems such as being arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol or for physically hurting someone while drunk; 
• continued drinking despite having ongoing relationship problems that are caused or worsened by the drinking.
Although alcohol abuse is basically different from alcoholism, many effects of alcohol abuse are also experienced by alcoholics.
  People with an alcohol abuse problem usually:
• use alcohol to help them change the way they feel about themselves or some aspects of their lives;
• experience some problems associated with their alcohol use but use those experiences to set appropriate limits on how much and how often they drink;
• seldom, if ever, repeat the alcohol-related behaviors that have caused them problems in the past;
• get complaints about their alcohol use and accept those complaints as expressions of concern for their well-being;
• drink alone or in secret;
• do not remember conversations or commitments—sometimes referred to as "blacking out";
• make a ritual of having drinks before with or after dinner and become annoyed when this ritual is disturbed or questioned;
• lose interest in activities and hobbies that used to bring pleasure;
• become irritated when usual drinking time nears, especially if alcohol isn't available;
• keep alcohol in unlikely places: at home, at work or in the car; 
 • gulp drinks, order doubles, become intoxicated intentionally to feel good or drink to feel "normal";
 • have legal problems or problems with relationships, employment or finances.
  These additional symptoms indicate that an alcohol abuse problem has developed into an addiction to alcohol:
• craving – a strong need, or urge to drink;
• loss of control – not being able to stop drinking once drinking has begun;
• physical dependence – withdrawal symptoms such as nausea, sweating, shakiness and anxiety after stopping drinking;
• tolerance – the need to drink greater amounts of alcohol to get "high."