Medically Reviewed by Annamarie Coy, BA, ICPR, MATS
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For many people, alcohol is enjoyed in social gatherings and celebrations. However, some people can develop an unhealthy relationship with it.
If you cannot stop drinking or constantly need to drink, you might have a drinking problem. Unhealthy alcohol use can lead to alcohol use disorders (AUD) and alcohol dependence.1
It’s essential to recognize a drinking problem early to prevent negative consequences. Alcohol use disorder can lead to long-term health problems and complications.
Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a chronic relapsing of the brain. It develops with alcohol abuse or a dependency on alcohol. It encompasses all alcohol problems, including binge drinking, alcohol abuse, and alcoholism.
Various factors can influence an unhealthy relationship with alcohol. These include:2
It’s important to understand the difference between drinking problems and alcoholism. This way, if you or someone you know is struggling with too much drinking, you can get the appropriate help.
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Problem drinking is considered the use of alcohol in such a way that it negatively impacts one's health and, ultimately, their life. However, their body isn’t physically dependent on alcohol.
Problem drinking occurs when you start drinking too much — often for the wrong reasons. While many people drink a glass of wine or a beer to enjoy in social situations, others may drink it to escape or self-medicate.
You may be a problem drinker if you’re drinking to avoid reality or reduce stress or suffering.
If you or someone you know may be a problem drinker, here are some signs to look out for:
Problem drinking is risky because it can quickly escalate to alcohol misuse and alcoholism. If you or someone you know is problem drinking, it may be time for an intervention.
Seeking out therapy can also help unpack the causes of problem drinking.
The NIAAA defines binge drinking as a pattern of drinking that elevates your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) level to 0.08 g/dL.3
However, BAC levels are different for everyone since your BAC level depends on several factors.
It’s important to note that not all binge drinkers are alcohol misusers. While binge drinkers have control over their excessive drinking, alcohol abusers continue to drink despite the consequences.
Alcohol misusers will keep drinking even if they face alcohol-induced health problems. They’ll also keep drinking even if they experience social, occupational, and legal consequences (DUI).
The biggest sign of binge drinking is drinking a large amount of alcohol in a short amount of time. This might be one night or for several days, commonly known as a “bender.”
Binge drinking is risky because it can lead to alcohol intoxication (poisoning). Alcohol poisoning is serious and can even be fatal. It can affect your breathing, heart rate, gag reflex, and body temperature.
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While binge drinking refers to consuming alcohol heavily in a set timeframe, heavy drinking is worse. Heavy drinking is defined as a pattern of binge drinking that happens frequently. In other words, heavy drinkers have made a habit out of binge drinking.
SAMHSA defines heavy alcohol use as binge drinking on 5 or more days in the past month.
If someone binge drinks rather regularly, this is a sign of heavy drinking.
Binge drinking, especially often, is risky. It can lead to alcohol poisoning, which can be deadly. Heavy drinking can also lead to alcohol misuse, ultimately resulting in alcoholism.
Heavy drinking can also take a toll on your social life, your work performance, and your loved ones. Drinking problems usually don’t only affect the drinker.
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Not all binge drinkers are alcoholics. About a third of American adults are considered excessive drinkers, but only 10 percent are alcoholics.4
While alcoholics have an alcohol addiction, heavy drinkers have an easier time quitting. They have not yet developed an alcohol dependence.
If you’re worried that you or someone you know is becoming an alcoholic, you’re not alone. An estimated 28.6 million adults ages 18 and older had AUD in 2021.5
Here are some signs that problem drinking is turning into alcoholism:
If you or someone you know is struggling with alcohol addiction, reach out for professional help as soon as possible.
If you, a loved one, or someone you know is suffering from AUD or substance use, help is available:
A drinking problem is typically defined as an unhealthy relationship with alcohol. This form of alcohol misuse can quickly lead to alcoholism or alcohol use disorders (AUD) if you’re not careful.
Although there are different types of alcoholics, alcoholic personalities, and tolerances, the health effects are the same, especially in the long run. This is why seeking professional help is very important.
Fortunately, many physical and mental side effects of alcohol use can be reversed. Treatment programs and support groups can help you achieve sobriety and break free from alcohol dependence.
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