While binge drinking isn’t the same as alcohol abuse, it can be a precursor to developing an addiction. So where is the line between social drinking, binge drinking, alcohol addiction, or an alcohol use disorder? Let’s find out.
What Is Binge Drinking?
Binge drinking is a subcategory of excessive drinking that could indicate alcohol abuse and alcoholism. Some categories include heavy drinking, pregnant women who drink, or anyone who regularly drinks but is under 21.
The CDC defines excessive drinking based on a standardized formula. This formula calculates the ratio of alcohol amounts consumed to their frequency of use based on biological gender. The CDC’s formula classifies drinking behaviors into two primary categories: excessive and heavy drinking.[1]
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Heavy Drinking
For men, heavy drinking is fifteen or more drinks a week, and eight or more drinks per week for women. When using this definition, subjects that drink heavily are not considered to suffer from alcohol abuse and alcoholism.
Excessive Drinking
For men, excessive drinking is consuming five or more drinks per occasion or within two hours. For women, this number drops to four or more drinks per occasion or within two hours.[1] This classification is more in line with the common understanding of binge drinking. Too much alcohol at once and too frequently in your daily life.
How Common Is Binge Drinking?
A recent National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) reported that approximately 60 million U.S. residents over twelve admitted to binge drinking in the past month. The most affected groups include teens, young adults, older adults, and women.[2]
Alcoholism: Defined
Alcoholism or Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) refers to a drinking habit that is out of control. AUD can only be diagnosed based on the parameters laid out by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5).
The DSM-5 manual indicates there must be more than two of the following symptoms present for mild AUD and six or more present for severe AUD:[3]
- Time is consumed by drinking or hangovers
- Thoughts are consumed by drinking
- Drinking more than you planned
- Enduring safety risks due to drinking
- Alcohol use impairs your ability to fulfill obligations
- An inability to drink less
- Drinking despite relational, academic, or career issues
- Lack of interest in hobbies due to drinking schedule
- Developing an alcohol tolerance, requiring more alcohol
- Experiencing alcohol withdrawal symptoms when the effects wear off
- Inability to stop drinking despite feeling depressed or anxious
How Binge Drinking Can Lead To Alcoholism
While binge drinking and alcoholism differ, one behavior can increase the risk of developing the other. Binge drinking habits can lead to emotional issues, social problems, physical health concerns, and professional challenges – each one rippling out into other areas of life until more than just your drinking is out of control.
An addiction of any kind is an inability to control the use of a substance or behavior. When binge drinking becomes a standard characteristic of your life and schedule, the line begins to blur between socially “letting loose” and an alcohol use disorder.
Signs That Drinking Is Leading To Alcohol Addiction
There are some common indicators that dependence or alcohol addiction is beginning to take shape in your life or the life of a loved one. If you experience cravings, cannot complete standard tasks, or have pulled back from social relationships, these are subtle indicators that it’s time to see professional help.
When binge drinking or consuming alcohol becomes a priority over other areas of life, this can lead to depression, anxiety, relational difficulties, and financial strain.
When To Get Help For Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism
If you or a loved one are experiencing any or all of the signs of alcohol abuse or are consumed by thoughts of your next binge drinking event, now is the time to seek holistic professional treatment. Your best chance of success is a supported healing journey that intervenes on behalf of your body, mind, spirit, and well-being.
What Does Alcohol Rehab Look Like?
In some cases, alcohol treatment begins with a medically-assisted detox program. This allows your body to evacuate harmful substances while managing symptoms under the care of a medical doctor. After detox, an intensive outpatient program (IOP) will help you maintain sobriety and learn valuable coping skills to help you navigate the rest of your life without relying on alcohol.
Frequently Asked Questions About Binge Drinking And Addiction
Does binge drinking mean you’re an alcoholic?
Not necessarily. This is still a harmful habit that may require treatment, but it is not the same as alcoholism and alcohol addiction. Take a moment to evaluate your experiences and reflect on the impact of your drinking habits. If needed, seek professional help as soon as possible to reset the trajectory of your life.
What are the four types of drinking?
The four types of drinking are:
- Social drinking
- Peer pressure drinking
- Drinking for pleasure
- Drinking to cope with life or circumstances
What happens to your body when you go on a drinking binge?
The effects of alcohol include irregular heart rate, high blood pressure, and in severe cases, heart failure. Alcohol also impacts your kidneys and liver function and reduces brain function, leading to reckless and risky behaviors. When consumed excessively, these symptoms can increase and become serious health concerns.
Is mental illness associated with binge drinking?
While everyone’s genetic makeup differs, binge drinking and alcohol addiction is associated with several psychiatric disorders, including depression, anxiety, psychosis, and antisocial behavior.
Holistic Solutions For Binge Drinking Treatment
It’s essential to seek professional help before it becomes a more severe problem. If you’re struggling with alcohol use, heavy drinking, binge drinking, or believe you may have an alcohol use disorder, there is help and compassion available at Desert Cove Recovery. Call today to learn more about how we can help.
Sources:
[1] https://www.cdc.gov/alcohol/fact-sheets/alcohol-use.htm [2] https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/brochures-and-fact-sheets/binge-drinking [3] https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/sites/default/files/DSMfact.pdf [4] https://pubs.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/arh26-2/90-98.htm#
