Alcohol abuse is any pattern of drinking in an individual which may be harmful to their health. While moderate amounts of alcohol consumption (defined as two drinks per day for men, and one drink per day for women) are common and may even confer slight health benefits, alcohol abuse occurs when a person consumes excessive amounts of alcohol regularly or over a short period of time. Alcohol abuse often persists despite social, professional, and legal consequences that may occur due to a person's drinking.
Alcohol abuse is different from alcohol dependence, which is commonly known as addiction. While alcohol abuse frequently occurs as a consequence of alcohol dependence and addiction, the causes of alcohol abuse are complex, and alcohol abuse can likewise occur without the presence of alcohol dependence. Mental illness, abuse, poor economic and social conditions, and peer pressure are all major factors that can contribute to the development of alcohol abuse, as well as genetics and the potential for alcohol dependence, so it is important to take an individual's entire history into account when determining the root cause of their alcohol abuse.