REATMENT OF ALCOHOL PROBLEMS: ALCOHOL ABUSEAlcohol abuse is similar to alcohol dependence (alcoholism) except for the absence of physical dependence, that is withdrawal and/or tolerance. Practically speaking, alcohol abuse can be considered to be present when there is a pattern of alcohol problems and the sense that alcoholism is “just around the corner.” Alcohol abuse may be present in an individual even if loss of control is unclear because there may have been no efforts to control or moderate alcohol use. If physical dependence and loss of control have not occurred, then moderation of drinking practices from a physiological standpoint is possible. However, depending upon the person’s social situation and life circumstances, this may still represent a monumental feat. Consider the college student who is heavily into the partying and drinking set. Changing drinking patterns will require marked changes in the student’s circle of friends, daily routine, and choices of recreational activities. To achieve this magnitude of change will require the client be engaged in more than a Dutch uncle talk!To do this, to our minds, requires that the individual be engaged in some formal alcohol treatment, which involves alcohol education, individual counseling, and participation in a group with others in the same situation. Monitoring the individual’s efforts to moderate alcohol use and avoid future problems is imperative. Through this process, in a number of cases, evidence may mount that there is loss of control, or preoccupation with drinking. Therefore abstinence and alcoholism treatment is now needed. In essence, if efforts to address alcohol abuse are unsuccessful, the diagnosis of alcoholism can now be made.*95\331\2*