“Alcohol Use”
The consumption of alcohol beverage within some socially prescribed or ritualistic context.

“Alcohol Misuse”
Unintentional or inappropriate use of beverage alcohol resulting in the impaired physical, mental, emotional or social well being of the user.
(Three or more drinks before bed time prevents REM (dreaming) sleep, which is the part of sleep in which we recover.)

“Alcohol Abuse”
Deliberate or unintentional use of beverage alcohol which results in any degree of physical, mental, emotional, or social impairment of the user, the
user’s family, or society in general.

Legal intoxication: .08 BAC (blood alcohol concentration)

“Alcohol Dependence”
Psychological and/or physical need for beverage alcohol – characterized by compulsive use, tolerance, and physical dependence manifest by withdrawal syndrome. 10 to 11% of those who drink develop the problem of alcoholism.