Alcoholism vs. Binge Drinking: What’s the Difference?

Alcohol is a socially consumed drug among people in various parts of the world, and uncontrolled consumption may result in severe health and life-related issues. Binge drinking and alcoholism are two different situations, which are sometimes confused by many. The knowledge of the difference could be used to detect dangerous drinking patterns that could need expert assistance.

What is Binge Drinking?

Binge drinking occurs when one drinks heavily and in a short duration of time and is in a state of intoxication as a result. According to National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), binge drinking is considered to be the level of drinking that causes your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) to exceed 0.08 percent.

In men, this is normally five or more drinks in two hours and in women it is four or more drinks in two hours.

Although binge drinking may not necessarily result in alcohol dependence, it may still have severe effects including accidents, alcohol poisoning, blackouts, and long-term health effects.

What is Alcoholism

Alcoholism or alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a persistent disorder in which an individual is unable to regulate or even quit drinking even after it has been shown to impact his or her health, relationship, and everyday living.

As opposed to binge drinking, alcoholism is associated with physical dependence as well as psychological addiction. With time, the body becomes tolerant and more alcohol is needed in order to get the same effects. On attempting to reduce or quit drinking, an individual might get addicted to the drug due to withdrawal symptoms that include:

• Tremors or shaking
• Nausea and sweating
• Anxiety and restlessness
• Stiff desires to consume alcohol.

Alcoholism may have dire consequences on the physical health, emotional stability and functioning of a person in day-to-day life.

Key Differences Between Binge Drinking and Alcoholism

 Mostly, binge drinking is done on occasional occasions; mostly during socialization or weekends. Binge drinkers usually have some power over how and when to drink. They can skip days or weeks without alcohol and they do not necessarily have withdrawal symptoms.

Alcoholism on the other hand is a chronic disease in which an individual feels he needs to drink always. Alcohol becomes addictive behavior and the efforts to quit many times prove futile since there is the urge and addiction. Whereas binge drinking results in short term risks including intoxication and accidents, alcoholism results in long term risks which include liver disease, depression and impairment of the brain.

The Risks of Binge Drinking and Alcoholism

Binge drinking is very dangerous as well as alcoholism.

Short-Term Risks of Binge Drinking

• Accidents and injury risks.
• Alcoholic drunkenness and electricity failures.
• Unsafe behavior brought about by poor judgment.
• Temporary memory loss
  
  

Long-Term Risks of Alcoholism

• Damage of the liver, such as cirrhosis.
• High blood pressure and heart disease.
• Increased cancer risk
• Depression and anxiety disorders.
• Social isolation and relationship problems.

Although the frequency of binge drinking may not be considered to be serious, a recurrence of such acts might become a precursor to the development of alcoholism in the long run.

When to Seek Help

It is important to know when the consumption of alcohol has become problematic. You are to consult a professional in case you or a person you care about:

• Consumes more and/or bigger beverages than planned.
• Seems like addiction or withdrawal symptoms.
• Abandons duties due to alcohol.
• Drinks secretly or alone
• Suffers relationship/work issues as a result of alcohol use.

In case any of such signs are known, calling to seek help can help to avoid further damage and begin the recovery process.

Alcohol Addiction Treatment Options at Solutions Healthcare

Solutions Healthcare in Florida offers a tailor-made, caring and understanding treatment to people who have a problem with alcohol misuse be it the binge drinking or full-fledged alcoholism. The members of our team develop individualized treatment schedules that facilitate lifetime sobriety.

Detoxification

With medical detox, we assist patients to overcome the withdrawal symptoms safely under the supervision of the professionals ready to continue with the treatment.

Inpatient Rehabilitation

Inpatient programs offer the 24/7 support in the organizing, healing environment with a therapy, medical care and emotional direction.

Outpatient Treatment

Our outpatient programs are flexible alternatively in that patients can use them to attend therapy sessions without compromising with personal and professional activities.

Behavioral Therapy

Some of the well tested approaches we employ include Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) to make people recognize triggers, alter unhealthy habits, and find healthier coping mechanisms.

Support Groups

Such programs as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) provide the community-based support, encouragement and accountability in the process of recovery.

Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)

In other people, certain medications can be used to decrease the cravings and prevent the relapse with the usage of counseling and therapy.