Did you know alcohol is the most commonly used addictive substance in the United States? According to the 2023 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), 28.9 million people ages 12+ had an alcohol use disorder that year. Millions more currently engage in risky behaviors such as binge drinking that can potentially lead to alcohol abuse disorder. Unfortunately, the person struggling with alcohol misuse is not the only person negatively affected, as this behavior burdens family, friends and even children. The mainstream media often does not shed light on the gravity of alcohol abuse and instead publicizes it as acceptable social behavior which can skew the definition of alcoholism. Although there is a fine line between having a drinking problem and having an alcohol addiction, both are unhealthy behaviors that result in difficulties in social relationships and emotional well-being, work or career difficulties, finances, family and other areas.

What is a drinking problem?

Having a “drinking problem” is different from having an alcohol addiction due to one main delineating factor, the ability to take a step back and quit. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), excessive drinking is categorized by heavy drinking, binge drinking, underage consumption, and women who drink during pregnancy. By gender, heavy drinking for men is defined as more than five drinks in one sitting and more than 15 drinks per week. For women, it is four drinks in one sitting and more than eight drinks in one week. These individuals may be classified as “almost alcoholic.” They are still able to take a step back and assess their situation and make proper adjustments.

What is the definition of alcoholism?

Alcoholism is defined by alcohol dependence, which is the body’s physical inability to stop drinking and the presence of alcohol cravings. Individuals with an alcohol addiction may go to extreme measures such as stealing, lying, hiding alcohol, drinking household cleaners that contain alcohol and other unhealthy behaviors to obtain alcohol due to cravings and the fear of withdrawal. In the absence of alcohol, these individuals can experience alcohol withdrawals, which are characterized by agitation, tremors, hot flashes, increased heart rate and blood pressure, nausea and vomiting, and seizures. Withdrawing from alcohol can be lethal, and therefore, individuals should seek professional help when trying to quit their drinking habit.

  • The inability to control alcohol intake after starting to drink
  • Obsessive thoughts about alcohol
  • Behaving in ways, while drunk, that is uncharacteristic of their sober personality
  • Repeating unwanted drinking patterns
  • Surrounding themselves socially with heavy drinkers
  • Getting drunk before actually arriving at parties/bars (pre-gaming)
  • An increasing sense of denial that their heavy drinking is a problem because they can succeed professionally and personally
  • Setting drinking limits and not being able to adhere to them
  • Driving under the influence
  • Always having to finish an alcoholic beverage or even another person’s unfinished beverage
  • Drinking daily
  • Binge drinking
  • Using alcohol as a reward
  • Having chronic blackouts (memory lapse due to excessive drinking)
  • Feeling guilt and shame about their drunken behaviors
  • Taking breaks from drinking and then increasing alcohol consumption when they resume drinking after some time
  • Other people have expressed concern over negative drunken behavior
  • Engaging in risky sexual behavior when intoxicated
  • Not being able to imagine their life without alcohol

 

Seeking help

Many individuals with an alcohol problem use alcohol as a negative coping mechanism or as a way to cover up feelings of depression, anxiety, and low-self esteem. An alcohol problem can quickly turn into an alcohol addiction without any forewarning. Whether you or a loved one have an alcohol problem or an alcohol addiction, finding treatment is essential before these behaviors spiral out of control. Therapy is beneficial to uncover the root causes of drinking and learn how to handle triggers in a healthy way.

Ready to take the first step towards a brighter future? Discover why Pinelands was named one of Newsweek’s 2024 Best Addiction Treatment Centers. We offer compassionate support and personalized solutions. And you’re never alone when you’re with us. Once you complete treatment, you’ll have unlimited free access to our virtual support system Discovery for Life™. You’ll also get Discovery365™, our exclusive AI-powered app that uses breakthrough technology to intervene when you need extra support.

Believe it or not, you’ve always had the power within yourself to overcome life’s challenges. Pinelands is here to help you learn how to lead a more authentic life. Contact us today.