Definition of Alcohol Abuse:
A maladaptive pattern of alcohol use leading to clinically
significant impairment or distress, as manifested by one (or
more) of the following, occurring within a 12-month period
Use results in a failure to fulfill major role obligations at work, school, or home
Use in physically hazardous situations
Alcohol-related legal problems
Use despite recurrent social or interpersonal problems
The symptoms have met the criteria for alcohol dependence