I see your question as: what difference is there between alcohol abuse and alcohol dependance.

I know alcoholism as a condition of someone that most likely drinks everyday and will suffer serious and potentially life threatening withdraws if they stop abruptly on their own. It is highly recommended that an alcoholic consult a Dr. before they stop drinking as like entering a recovery stage.

Alcohol abuse can be just as damaging to ones mind/body as the alcoholic suffers. Also the alcohol abuser can have just as many troubles with the law, family, employers as the alcoholic. The difference could be between the severity of withdraw.

I have anxiety, depression and a host of other problems that I once self-medicated with street drugs as with alcohol. Today I'm living active addiction free, no liquor and drugs. I'm doing most all the things that I used to have drug-up for to do.

Maybe its time MyUserName to consider living life free from the influence of alcohol. As it is now, you may very well be on the path to developing some serious consequences to your health and enjoyment of life.