adminStudies show that 84% of Americans above the age of 18 drink alcohol, and it’s expected this number will grow in the future. This means you’re most likely around drinkers and people who suffer from problem drinking.
But how do you know if they have an alcohol abuse problem? What is the difference between being a problem drinker vs having alcoholism?
In this article, we will explore the differences between problem drinking vs alcoholism. Learn what symptoms are the same and what can lead to a diagnosis.
Read on!
Frequency and Quantity of Consumption
Problem drinking and alcoholism are two distinct issues. Problem drinking refers to the consumption of alcohol that might lead to times when the person’s life is adversely affected. It is important to recognize that occasional alcohol consumption in modest amounts may not fall into the definition of problem drinking. But problem drinking leads to the point of having negative effects on:
- one’s life
- relationships
- school
Alcoholism, on the other hand, is a chronic disorder that requires medical attention. It is characterized by:
- cravings
- inability to control drinking
- physical dependence
It is also characterized by frequent and large amounts of alcohol to achieve the desired effect. The frequency and quantity of consumption of alcohol are key indicators that demonstrate the difference between problem drinking and alcohol use disorder.
Problem drinking may be occasional with small amounts, while alcohol use disorder would be frequent with large amounts of alcohol. Knowing the difference between the two is important to recognize when someone may need professional help to get better.
Control Over Drinking
One of the key differences between problem drinking and alcoholism is the amount of control or influence a person has over his/her drinking habits. Problem drinking is when a person’s consumption of alcohol becomes frequent or excessive. It also begins to negatively impact their life.
An alcoholic, on the other hand, has a very limited amount of control or influence over his/her drinking habits. Despite being aware of the consequences, an alcoholic cannot resist the need to drink. Control over drinking is essential in avoiding the dangers of alcoholism.
Moderate drinking means setting limits for yourself and sticking to them. Having some control over when and how much alcohol is consumed is important. This helps avoid problems associated with problem drinking.
Tolerance
Tolerance can be a difficult concept to recognize and understand. Problem drinkers can usually identify when their daily drinking has begun to affect their lives negatively.
This could be due to such things as personal relationships becoming strained or having lost control of events. In most of these cases, the person’s tolerance and dependence on alcohol have grown. However, he/she is not considered an alcoholic.
In contrast, an alcoholic will have a greater alcohol tolerance. They have become physically, psychologically, and emotionally dependent on alcohol. This increased tolerance and the inability to stop drinking, even when major risks are taken, is what separates the two issues.
Withdrawal Symptoms
Problem drinkers usually consume alcohol within safe limits, while alcoholics consume too much alcohol too often. This leads to alcohol-related problems. It’s important to be able to recognize the difference between the two, as well as the withdrawal symptoms that might arise.
Withdrawal symptoms for problem drinkers tend to be mild and can include:
- sleep disturbances
- anxiety
- nervousness
Alcoholics, on the other hand, may experience withdrawal symptoms that are much more severe such as:
- nausea
- vomiting
- seizures
- hallucinations
It is crucial to understand the difference between problem drinking and alcoholism, as well as the withdrawal symptoms that may arise in those with either issue. Those struggling with alcoholism should seek medical help immediately to help them safely get through the difficult withdrawal process.
Social Consequences
Recognizing the difference in social consequences can take a variety of forms, depending on the severity of the issue. Social consequences in the case of problem drinking will typically consist of social issues such as:
- deteriorating relationships with family
- staying away from friends
- alienated work colleagues
- a decline in overall social status
With alcoholism, social consequences, however, become much more severe. Individuals with alcoholism would face consequences such as:
- legal problems
- dangerous
- potentially fatal health conditions
- financial ruin
- increased risk of interpersonal violence
- unemployment
- homelessness
Overall, recognizing the difference between problem drinking and alcoholism will go a long way in helping individuals identify and confront any potential issues before the social consequences become dangerously severe.
Motivation to Change
Recognizing the difference between problem drinking and alcoholism can help give motivation to change. Problem drinking is usually considered to be causing harm in social or work settings. Alcoholism is on a whole different level and is considered a chronic and progressive condition.
People who have a problem with drinking need to understand that finding help and going for a detox from alcohol is the only way to break the cycle of problem drinking. Alcoholism is more difficult to treat. However, upon recognizing the difference between problem drinking and alcoholism, someone may be more willing to seek help.
Motivation to change with problem drinking is often related to social issues. People may realize that going to work alcohol-impaired is not acceptable and can lead to job loss. They may recognize that relationships are being affected by alcohol.
Alcohol addiction professionals can help a person with problem drinking. They can help identify and address motivators. They can also help utilize techniques such as positive reinforcement to instill healthier behaviors. With alcoholism, the motivation to change is often deeply rooted. It requires someone to work with a professional to dig deeper.
Physical Health Effects
Both have the potential to cause physical health effects. However, the severity with which they do so can differ. Generally, problem drinking can lead to:
- liver damage
- higher risk of cancer
- weakened immune system
- stop proper digestion
For alcoholics, due to the dependency on alcohol, the physical health effects only get worse and can include:
- permanent brain damage
- alcoholism-related heart damage
- nutritional deficiencies
- weakened immune system
This will then make one more prone to infections. Recognizing the problem and seeking help to quit can make a huge difference in how severe the physical health effects are.
Mental Health Impact
The mental health impact of problem drinking and alcoholism differ in their severity. This is because alcoholism tends to create long-term, even permanent mental health impacts. Problem drinking, on the other hand, can have both short-term and long-term concerns.
The mental health impact for problem drinkers can include:
- anxiety
- depression
- trauma
- memory loss
This can be difficult to diagnose due to the shame associated with drinking. Alcoholism, on the other hand, can create more severe mental health impacts such as:
- hallucinations
- delusions
- learning disabilities
- personality changes
- suicidal thoughts
It is important to recognize the difference between problem drinking and alcoholism, as well as to understand the associated mental health impacts, to begin addressing and treating both conditions.
Functioning in Daily Life
Functioning in daily life is affected by both forms of alcohol abuse, as it causes difficulty managing income, relationships, and responsibilities. A person who is classified to have a problem with alcohol drinks heavily. However, they can still perhaps:
- work
- attend family events
- manage their finances adequately
However, an alcoholic is unable to manage these same tasks without some difficulty due to alcohol dependence. This individual will prioritize alcohol over work or other obligations. Thus leading to absenteeism and other chronic issues.
To live a healthy life, it is important to be aware of how alcohol affects their ability to engage in their personal and professional life and take appropriate measures to try to limit the effects of any alcohol-related issues.
Treatment Needs
Problem drinking is often treated differently than alcoholism. Problem drinking often involves behavioral modification or therapy aimed at modifying or stopping dangerous drinking habits. Treatment strategies for alcoholism tend to involve more intensive interventions such as psychological counseling and medical care.
Psychological Counseling for Alcoholism
Psychological counseling for alcoholism is key for treatment and is used to support those with alcohol dependence. Psychological counseling can help individuals recognize the underlying issues that have caused their unhealthy relationship with alcohol. It can help individuals understand what drinking behaviors are:
- problematic
- dangerous
- in need of change
It can also help individuals develop coping skills, engage in healthier behaviors, and establish support systems. With alcoholism, counseling can help individuals address deeper emotional issues. In general, psychological counseling for alcoholism focuses on the underlying issues that need to be addressed and helps individuals ease into a healthier lifestyle.
Medical Care for Alcoholism
Medical care for alcoholism can differ depending on the individual patient’s needs and treatment goals. Generally, medical care for alcoholism includes:
- cognitive behavioral therapy
- medical monitoring
- medications
- supplements
All of which are useful in helping manage cravings or block the effects of alcohol. The goal of medical care for those with alcoholism is to help them gain control over their drinking and improve their physical, mental, and emotional health.
An individual’s medical and mental health must be assessed. This helps in determining the best way to address the problem at hand. Recognizing the difference between problem drinking and alcoholism is essential. This helps to ensure that those suffering receive proper treatment and care.
Know How Problem Drinking Vs Alcoholism is Different
Problem drinking vs Alcoholism is an important topic of discussion, as the two are very different. It is important to recognize the warning signs and to seek help if issues arise.
It is imperative to reach out to family, friends, or even a specialist for advice and guidance. Don’t wait – seek help today!
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