Countless people think binge drinking and alcoholism are identical. They aren’t. In fact, they differ in most ways. The one thing the two share in common is they can do damage if the person continues on the same path.
What is Binge Drinking?
Binge drinking is when a man has five or more drinks within two hours. For women, only four drinks within this period qualify as binge drinking. Often, they do this because they want to get drunk. College kids are a good example of people who often binge drink. They aren’t the only ones, though. Older adults might also binge drink.
What is Alcoholism?
In contrast, alcoholism involves a physical and/or psychological dependence on alcohol characterized by a strong craving or compulsion to drink. Alcoholics drink heavily on a regular basis, often to cope with stress or avoid withdrawal symptoms. They prioritize drinking over other obligations and may develop a tolerance, needing more alcohol to achieve the same effects. Alcoholism can be progressive, with drinking patterns and behaviors worsening. Alcoholics need help to overcome their addiction and often turn to a 12 step program for this help.
The Dangers of Binge Drinking
Binge drinking might seem harmless. However, it can lead to alcohol poisoning, risky behavior, and more. Regular episodes may damage the liver, brain, heart, and more. However, it does not necessarily cause the same level of bodily dependence and related damage as alcoholism.
Regular Binge Drinking
Binge drinkers often exhibit their pattern of heavy drinking in social contexts, such as parties or bars. They aren’t trying to get drunk, although many times that is exactly what happens. Their only goal is to have fun.
Many binge drinkers don’t require alcohol to function normally. Alcoholics, on the other hand, will often try to conceal their drinking and drink alone. They may do things like hide their drinks in other containers. They depend on alcohol to cope with everyday life due to their addiction and can exhibit withdrawal symptoms like tremors, anxiety, and nausea when trying to reduce consumption.
Key Differences
While occasional binge drinking does not mean someone has alcoholism, repeated binge episodes can potentially lead to alcohol dependence down the road. People who engage in frequent heavy episodic drinking put themselves at higher risk over time. However, not everyone who binge drinks will inevitably develop alcoholism. The difference lies in addiction or a compulsive physiological and psychological need for alcohol.
Binge drinking and alcoholism also have different psychological profiles. Binge drinkers are seeking excitement, fun, and social acceptance. Alcoholics, on the other hand, are frequently driven by emotional pain, loneliness, and the need to self-medicate with alcohol. Binge drinkers may be reckless at times, but alcoholics exhibit a loss of control around drinking due to their dependence.
Binge drinking refers to consuming a large quantity of alcohol in a limited timeframe without necessarily having an addiction. It can be harmful if done regularly but does not entail the same level of physical, psychological, and social dysfunction as alcoholism. Many people engage in binge drinking occasionally.
Alcoholics physiologically need alcohol to feel normal and require treatment to break their dependence and compulsions. Recognizing the distinct differences between binge drinking and alcoholism can help address them using appropriate solutions that match the nature of the problem. But in both cases, seeking help early is advised if drinking is causing a negative impact on health and well-being.
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