to my knowledge, there is a big difference between the two. alcoholism is physically being incapable, or even unwilling, of stopping, even in the face of devastating circumstances or events. those who aren't alcoholic can stop after having 2 drinks, or would probably even stop if their doctor told them it was slowly killing them.
This. With the slight changes I made in italics.
Also, alcohol abusers, AKA "Heavy" or "Problem" drinkers are often just alcoholics in the early stages of the disease/condition.
Lastly, there is alcohol dependance. This is where the alcoholic suffers withdraw with abstinence. And I DO mean suffer.
It's confusing, because they are all closely inter-related.