Has it ever crossed your mind, as you’re staring into the bottom of yet another drink, if you have a problem with alcohol? If so, you are not alone. This is a question that many struggle with. It lingers in the back of the mind everyday. It is shrouded in confusion and self-doubt, and as humans, we struggle to see ourselves clearly. When it comes to facing painful truths it is easy to get caught in a web of denial and uncertainty. However, it is important to know, recognizing when we need help isn’t a sign of weakness, but a courageous step towards understanding and healing. Together, let’s take a look at the differences between problem drinking and alcoholism, and shed some light on the subtle, but significant differences between the two.
What Is Problem Drinking?
There are a variety of forms of alcohol abuse. Problem drinking is usually identified by a pattern of alcohol consumption that negatively impacts one’s life. Although a person may be experiencing negative consequences, they may not be physically dependent. Problem drinking is a term that is used most often to describe drinking behaviors that are concerning and potentially harmful but have not yet progressed to the level of addiction.
Recognizing Risky Behaviors Associated with Problem Drinking
1. Frequent Intoxication: If you are drinking more often and drinking larger amounts than intended.
2. Neglecting Responsibilities: If you find yourself slacking on responsibilities like work, school, or neglecting family obligations due to your drinking.
3. Risky Behaviors: Finding yourself engaged in dangerous activities while under the influence (driving while intoxicated, unsafe sex, etc.).
4. Relationship Problems: Finding yourself in conflicts with friends, family, or colleagues because of your drinking habits.
5. Mental and Emotional Impact: Feelings of guilt, shame, and anxiety about your drinking.
It is vital to recognize that problem drinking can be a precursor to alcoholism. Not everyone who drinks excessively will become an alcoholic but the likelihood is increased with problem drinking. However, these behaviors can cause significant harm to your health and overall well-being.
What is Alcoholism?
Alcohol use disorder (AUD), or alcoholism, is a chronic and devastating disease that can be characterized by the inability to control one’s own drinking, despite the negative consequences it presents. Unlike problem drinking, alcoholism involves a physical dependance on the substance which makes the condition even more severe.
Recognizing the Signs of Alcoholism
1. Cravings: If you are constantly experiencing a strong desire or compulsion to drink.
2. Loss of Control: An inability to limit drinking on any occasion or time of day.
3. Physical Dependance: Symptoms of withdrawal can include nausea, sweating, and shaking. Experiencing these symptoms when not drinking can be a clear indicator that you have a physical dependance.
4. Tolerance: If you find yourself needing more alcohol, or stronger alcohol, to achieve the same effects that you used to get with less.
5. Neglecting Activities: If you start giving up (or reducing) the frequency of important social, occupational, or recreational activities due to your drinking.
Alcoholism is a disease that typically worsens over time if left untreated. It is a progressive disease that can creep up on a person slowly and not something you just “wake up” with one day. Like problem drinking, alcoholism also comes with health consequences. However, these can be severe. Besides the obvious risks of drinking and driving to yourself and others, other common health problems alcoholism can cause are liver disease, heart problems, and increased risk for injury.
Identifying Signs: Problem Drinking or Alcoholism?
It can be challenging to understand the differences between problem drinking and alcoholism, especially because they share common features. Knowing the common features of both problems can help us identify the key differences. First, let’s examine the common features and then take a look at the important differences.
Common Features
1. Negative Impact on Life: Problem drinking and alcoholism both affect your life, and the life of those around you, in a negative way.
2. Need for Change: It doesn’t matter if you are an alcoholic or you are a problem drinker, both of these problems indicate a need for a change in alcohol usage and behaviors.
3. Potential for Progression: Alcoholism is a progressive disease and therefore, problem drinking can lead to alcohol use disorder.
Key Differences
Dependance:
- Problem Drinking: Does not typically involve physical dependence on alcohol.
- Alcoholism: Involves physical dependance and experiencing withdrawal symptoms when not drinking.
Control:
- Problem Drinking: Although there may still be some control over drinking behaviors, it is still problematic.
- Alcoholism: Alcohol consumption is often compulsive and uncontrollable.
Severity:
- Problem Drinking: Although the severity of problems are less severe than an alcoholic’s, problem drinkers can still experience significant issues due to their drinking.
- Alcoholism: This is a chronic, severe condition with long-term health consequences.
Treatment Needs:
- Problem Drinking: Can benefit from behavioral changes, counseling, and support groups.
- Alcoholism: Often requires more intensive treatment, including detox, residential programs, therapy, and long-term support.
Recognition Means Moving Forward
Now that you are equipped with a better understanding of the common features and key differences of problem drinking and alcoholism, the most important step is recognizing that you may need help. Admitting that you might need help might mean reaching out to friends, family, or healthcare professionals like an alcohol addiction treatment in Kaysville. Here you can find support groups, counseling, and many other supportive programs and guidance to finding freedom from alcohol.
It is important to note how many people struggle with problem drinking and alcoholism and remember you are never alone. It is only natural to have feelings of confusion and uncertainty about your relationship with alcohol. Never forget that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. By recognizing and acknowledging the problem and taking the steps to address it, you’re choosing a path toward a healthier, more fulfilling life. Recovery is possible and you don’t have to take the journey alone, don’t hesitate to seek help.
