How to Differentiate Between Excessive Drinking and Alcoholism

Alcoholism can often be a challenging condition to recognize, especially when it involves people you know and care about. Understanding the difference between someone who drinks too much and someone who is truly an alcoholic is crucial for providing the appropriate support and assistance.

Signs of Excessive Drinking

Excessive drinking, often referred to as habitual or recreational use, can manifest in several ways. You might notice bottles and cans scattered around your home, mornings in which the individual has trouble waking up without a drink, or planning to secure alcohol before engaging in any activities. Additionally, there may be visible signs such as:

Lots of bottles and empty drinks on tables Frequent visits to bars or restaurants with an increased presence of waiters Frequent stops at bars Carrying hip flasks or having an alcoholic smell on breath Irresponsible behavior leading to missed commitments or responsibilities Emotional outbursts

The Signs of Alcoholism

While excessive drinking may be concerning, the symptoms of alcoholism are more severe and can include:

Shaking or detox symptoms (though these often appear later in the addiction) Job loss or inability to hold down a stable position Living in disadvantaged conditions Alienating loved ones Driving away friends and family Mental and physical health issues

The key difference between excessive drinking and alcoholism lies in the psychological dependency. Alcoholics often use drinking as a coping mechanism to deal with life's challenges or their own emotions. They may develop a habit of needing a drink in response to stressful events or even for no apparent reason. This psychological dependence often leads to a physical addiction as well.

Challenging the Perception of Alcoholism

It's crucial to understand that simply taking alcohol away from an alcoholic does not address the underlying emotional and psychological issues. Many alcoholics do not seek treatment because the habitual use of alcohol provides a temporary relief from emotional pain, making it difficult for them to face their problems squarely. However, there are cases where individuals do seek help upon hitting rock bottom and making a commitment to stop drinking.

Slowing Emotional Growth: Abstaining from alcohol without addressing emotional problems can sometimes lead to more significant issues. Without a crutch, individuals may find it harder to handle life's challenges, thus potentially becoming more 'screwed up.' Coping Mechanism: If an alcoholic stops drinking but refuses to address their emotional issues, they may continue to blame others or themselves for their problems, making the situation worse.

Defining Alcoholism

A straightforward definition of alcoholism is that it involves drinking to a degree that has a negative impact on the individual, and this behavior is repeated over time. This repetitive negative impact indicates an addiction to alcohol.

Conclusion

Differentiating between excessive drinking and alcoholism requires careful observation and understanding. Supporting an individual through professional treatment or counseling can help them address both the psychological and physical aspects of their dependency. Recognizing the signs and seeking help can make a significant difference in a person's journey to recovery.