It’s not uncommon to hear the terms “binge drinking” and “alcoholic” used interchangeably. Some may think that binge drinking is one behavior that defines alcoholism or that an alcoholic can be identified by binge behaviors.
But the reality is a bit more complicated. While binge drinking and alcoholism both have risks and dangers, you’ll find the two terms at different parts of the spectrum of alcohol consumption.
Understanding what each is – and how they are different – not only creates a better environment for talking about these behaviors but also ensures that the proper action is taken to help those who may be struggling with either.
What Is Binge Drinking?
Put yourself in the following scenario. It’s Friday afternoon after a long week at work, and your friends have invited you out for a happy hour at the local bar. While you don’t typically drink at home, you decide to take advantage of the lower prices and have a bit of fun.
Before you know it, the tab has arrived – and there are six drinks listed on the receipt. You can only really remember ordering one or two… so surely the bartender messed up? But then that familiar fogginess and start of a headache sets in. Yeah, you had a bit too much fun tonight.
Binge drinking can be defined as a pattern of drinking that brings an individual’s blood alcohol concentration (BAC) to a level of 0.08 grams percent or higher. While all bodies are different, this usually amounts to five or more drinks for men and four or more for women.
According to the CDC, this type of all-at-once drinking spree is quite common. Studies show that one in six US adults report binging an average of four times a month – and has its highest percentage among those ages 18-34.
What is Alcoholism?
While binge drinking is defined by sporadic bouts of drinking to impairment, alcoholism is another beast altogether.
Alcoholism is a chronic disease that is characterized by one’s inability to slow or stop drinking – despite the adverse consequences that accompany the behavior. It can take a variety of forms, but the most common signs of alcoholism are:
- Drinking more or longer than one intends to
- Repeated unsuccessful attempts to stop drinking or cut back
- Long periods of feeling “hungover” or recovering from the effects of drinking
- Sudden and strong “cravings” for alcohol or the effects
- Continued consumption of alcohol despite the impacts of the behavior on one’s relationships and professional life
- Skipping or missing important life events or social gatherings because of the need for alcohol
- A growing tolerance – and subsequent increase of use – of alcohol
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when trying to stop drinking
Naturally, alcoholism has taken on the definition of a chronic disease as it can often hinder one’s ability to live a normal and productive life. This has led to increased research and understanding of the underlying causes and risk factors associated with alcoholism.
Are Binge Drinking and Alcoholism The Same?
In short, no. While both of these behaviors are unhealthy ways of consuming alcohol, it’s important to note that binge drinking does not carry the same weight of ongoing, chronic lifestyle impacts as alcoholism.
In most cases, the focus of concern with binge drinking is the sheer amount of alcohol consumed in a given drinking session, while alcoholism focuses on the long-term impacts that consistent consumption has on a person’s life. The cravings, withdrawal symptoms, and greater risk for dangerous activity while intoxicated put alcoholism at a much higher level of risk.
However, both binge drinking and alcoholism can put the drinker and those they encounter in danger – especially if the individual is operating a vehicle or participating in other risky activities while under the influence.
What Are The Health Risks of Binge Drinking vs Alcoholism?
Both alcoholism and binge drinking come with a variety of health risks – both physical and mental. Knowing what the risks are and how to spot them is one of the first steps toward helping those struggling with alcohol find freedom.
The risks of binge drinking can include:
- Alcohol poisoning due to the amount consumed in a single drinking session
- Injuries sustained from being intoxicated – such as falls, car crashes, violence
- Liver disease, high blood pressure, and cardiovascular disease
- Unintended pregnancy or sexually transmitted diseases
The chronic nature of alcoholism means that while many of the physical and mental risks are similar, they can be far more severe:
- Liver disease can turn into liver cirrhosis – a much more serious and potentially deadly illness
- Pancreatitis as a result of alcohol use
- Vitamin and nutritional deficiencies that lead to nerve damage
- Weakened mental states, including memory loss and mental illness
- A weakened immune system
- A higher risk for cancers (liver, throat, mouth, esophagus, colon)
- Injuries due to weakness or intoxication
When Does Binge Drinking Become a Problem?
While the risks and long-term effects of binge drinking may not be at the same level as alcoholism, the behavior of binging any substance has risks that could lead to serious consequences.
Not all binge drinkers develop alcoholism, but there are signs that one’s drinking behavior is getting increasingly dangerous:
- The inconsistent drinking begins to become more consistent, and more often
- The individual finds it harder to stop drinking once they’ve begun
- Drinking behaviors begin to interfere with living a productive life and impact relationships
- The individual is beginning to engage in dangerous behaviors, or showing signs of mental struggles such as anxiety, depression, or paranoia
If you begin to recognize these patterns in yourself or a loved one, don’t wait – take the first step toward getting help for these behaviors before binge drinking turns into a much more dangerous illness.
Where To Find Help For Binge Drinking or Alcoholism
If you fear you or someone you know is suffering from the impacts of binge drinking or alcoholism, it’s essential to take the steps necessary to get support. There are resources and professionals available to help walk individuals through the recovery process with compassion and patience – ensuring that those in the grip of alcohol can find freedom.
At United Recovery Project, we work with individuals suffering from addictive behaviors and struggles to find support structures and implement recovery plans that focus on healing the whole person – not just the struggles of today.
With our team of caring professionals, you and those you love can find the help necessary to walk through recovery at any stage, and the ongoing support to stay on the right path for longer. Take the first step toward a healthier relationship with alcohol today.
Resources:
- https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/alcohol-health/overview-alcohol-consumption/moderate-binge-drinking
- https://www.cdc.gov/drinklessbeyourbest/excessivedrinking.html
- https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/12/141229092606.htm
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3625994/
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/alcohol-use-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20369243
- https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/addiction/binge-drinking
- https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/brochures-and-fact-sheets/binge-drinking
