Alcohol abuse is a general term for any level of risk, from increased drinking to alcohol dependence. Alcohol abuse can cause physical or mental health damage, even in the absence of addiction, so it is normal for your friend to be concerned that your sister may be living in alcohol abuse.
In this case, to find out if your friend's sister is living with alcohol abuse, the best thing to do is to see if she has:
- Strong desire or compulsion to drink;
- Difficulties in controlling alcohol intake in relation to its onset, termination, or amount;
- Psychological change when alcohol use is stopped or reduced, or alcohol is used to relieve or prevent symptoms of psychological change.
- Evidence of tolerance as increasing doses to achieve the same effects as previous lower doses;
- Progressive loss of interest in previously performed activities or other sources of pleasure due to alcohol use;
- Continued use even with clear evidence of harmful consequences.
After noticing these factors, your friend should talk to his sister, ask her what's going on, present the dangers that alcohol brings to her life, and ask if she wants professional help to quit this addiction.
