The consumption of alcohol is being a common practice in most cultures though when it is taken to a high level, it may result into the development of dangerous habits that influence both health and lifestyle. There are two frequently employed terms as far as problematic drinking is concerned and these are binge drinking and alcoholism (alcohol use disorder). Although they might be synonymous, they are not synonymous. The various differences between binge drinking and alcoholism are important in becoming aware of dangerous habits and understanding when to find help.
In our blog we will deconstruct what is binge drinking, what is alcohol use disorder, the risks of the same and the available treatment.
What’s Binge Drinking?
Binge drinking can be described as the excessive usage of alcohol within a time span, and the results are usually a blood alcohol percentage (BAC) of 0.08 percent or more. For most adults, this means:
- Men: 5 or more in the approximate two hours.
- Women: 4 or more drinks in an approximate of 2 hours.
Contrary to alcohol dependence on a daily basis, binge drinking is normally intermittent. Most individuals are binge drinkers and they do not consume daily, but when they take it, they take too much in a single sitting.
Generally, the causes of binge drinking include a feeling that one is under social pressure, to relieve stress, to have a party, or to get drunk within a short period. But still, despite the occasional binge drinking, there is a high risk that is associated with health.
What’s Alcohol Use Disorder?
Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a chronic severity of alcoholism, which is an inability to control or stop its use despite harmful effects. In contrast to binge drinking, which is usually a situation, AUD is a chronic situation that involves the normal life.
Signs of AUD may include:
- Strong cravings for alcohol
- Failure to contain the intake of alcohol.
- Tolerance (which needs more in order to experience the same effect) builds up.
- Shaking, sweating, anxiety, nausea as a result of not drinking alcohol (alcohol withdrawal).
- Consumption despite relationship, work, and health problems.
To put it anther way around, it is all a matter of control and dependence: although a binge drinker could drink too much here and there, an alcoholic is addicted to alcohol and cannot easily live without this substance.
What are the Risks?
Binge drinking and alcoholism have dire effects. Their awareness of their risks would assist in determining the time when casual drinking becomes harmful.
Risks of Binge Drinking
- Immediate Health Dangers
- Immediate Health Dangers
- Alcohol poisoning (a life-threatening disorder as a result of excessive drinking in a short period of time)
- Incidents of accidents, injuries or dangerous behavior because of poor judgment.
- Long-Term Effects
- Long-Term Effects
- Damage of the liver with recurring episodes.
- High blood pressure and increased risk of heart disease.
- Social and Legal Problems
- Social and Legal Problems
- Driving under the influence, arrest or run-ins.
- Strain of relationships as a result of careless actions.
Risks of Alcohol Use Disorder
- Physical Health Complications
- Complications of Physical Health.
- Chronic hepatic disease, cirrhosis or pancreatitis.
- High blood pressure and heart problems.
- Psychological and Emotional Struggles
- Emotional and Psychological Dilemmas.
- Extreme alcohol withdrawal symptoms in case of quitting
- Deterioration of depression and anxiety.
- Lifestyle and Relationship Damage
- Damage to lifestyle and Relationship.
- Loss of job and economic situation.
- Poor family and social relationships.
- Loneliness and poor quality of life.
Although it is possible to binge drink and think it is not a serious problem, the constant instances can lead to the development of full alcoholism.
Treatment
The way it is treated is determined by whether an individual is facing a binge drinking disorder or alcohol use disorder.
For Binge Drinking
- Behavioral therapies: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a behavioral therapy that can be applied to find triggers and more adaptive coping skills.
- Lifestyle changes: Putting boundaries, not exposing oneself to risky situations, and discovering other stress relievers.
- Support groups: Accountability can be achieved by discussing with those who have the same struggle.
For Alcohol Use Disorder
- Medical detox: A safe method of alcohol withdrawal treatment.
- Medication-assisted Therapy Naltrexone or acamprosate, can be used to relieve the cravings.
- Inpatient/Outpatient rehab: These are to provide treatment, education, and relapse prevention strategies.
- Long-term support: Recovery needs continuous dedication by way of aftercare, therapy and support groups.
In case of binge drinking or alcoholism, alcohol addiction treatment can be sought at an early stage to avoid the damage in the long run in case of you or a loved one.
Conclusion
In the binge drinking vs alcoholism, the distinction is in the frequency and dependency. Whether one is a binge drinker or alcoholic, it is not necessarily that he or she experiences many cravings in a day, yet both addicts can become a nightmare. Although binge drinking has direct effects such as alcohol poisoning, alcoholism is a chronic disorder and long-lasting issue that should be treated in some form of structure.
You may be an occasional binge drinker or you may be struggling with alcohol dependence, a student can help you. With proper treatment and early intervention of alcohol addiction, it can be achieved and a healthier future can be guaranteed.
Take the First Step Toward Recovery
As long as you or someone you care about is having trouble with binge drinking or fighting alcoholism, do not hesitate before it is too late. We provide top-notch medical detox, personal attention, and support at all times at Valiant Detox and Assessment Center to help you get permanent recovery.
Struggling with binge drinking or alcoholism? Don’t wait until it’s too late get the help you deserve today. Valiant Detox and Assessment Center offers expert medical detox, personalised care, and 24/7 support for lasting recovery.
FAQs
1. What is the difference between drinking a lot and alcoholism?
Drinking a lot means taking high quantities of alcohol at times (e.g. binge drinking). Alcoholism or alcohol use disorder is a long-term dependence in which consumption of alcohol becomes uncontrollable and chronic.
2. What classifies you as a binge drinker?
Five or more (5) drinks or four drinks (4) or more drinks in approximately 2 hours can be termed as binge drinking.
3. What is the difference between binge drinking and intense drinking?
The state of binge drinking is characterized by the rapid appearance of a BAC of 0.08 percent. Intense drinking is defined as drinking twice the very dangerous binge threshold.
4. What is the 1/2/3 rule for alcohol?
This recommendation states that people should not exceed 1, 2 or 3 drinks a day, respectively (men, women, and no more than 3 drinks in one occasion).
5. What is the two finger rule for alcohol?
The two-finger rule is an unofficial method of 100ml of liquid measurement by pouring until two fingers on the glass are filled.
