Physical Dependency: The Factor That Separates Problem Drinkers From Alcoholics

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Physical Dependency: The Factor That Separates Problem Drinkers From Alcoholics

Not many people know the differences between being an alcoholic and being a problem drinker. In fact, many people thought they meant the same thing. But there are some clear differences between the two that need to be discussed so that people have a better understanding of what they or a loved one might be going through.

What Is A Problem Drinker?

If you’re taking an alcoholic quiz, then you might first want to know what a problem drinker is. A problem drinker is someone who is struggling with alcohol use disorder. They have an unhealthy relationship with alcohol but they’re not necessarily addicted to it. It is a pattern of alcohol use that results in negative consequences. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism defines problem drinking as being in one of two forms: heavy drinking (having 4 or more drinks per day) or binge drinking (having 5 or more drinks per day).

What Is An Alcoholic?

An alcoholic is someone who has a physical dependence on alcohol. It is an addiction, like smoking or substance abuse. While some alcoholics may drink more than others, they all still have a physical dependence on alcohol. A person will start to experience withdrawal symptoms if they go without a drink. These symptoms can range from mild to life-threatening, depending on the extent of the addiction.

Can Problem Drinking Lead To Addiction?

Over time, problem drinking can develop into addiction. The body has adapted to the presence of alcohol, increasing the need for the individual to drink so that they can feel “normal” or minimize their withdrawal symptoms.

How To Cut Back On Alcohol

Whether you’re a problem drinker or an alcoholic, there are definitely steps you can take to cut back on your alcohol use in order to protect your health, as well as the relationships you have with others.

1. Create a plan: decide how much you want to drink in advance and stop when you’ve hit that amount.

2. Have a budget: decide that you’re only going to spend a certain amount on alcohol, whether that’s per week or per occasion.

3. Have dry days: plan for a few dry days throughout the week to get your body accustomed to being without alcohol; then try not to drink on consecutive days.

4. Practice HALT (Hungry, Angry, Lonely, Tired). These are often triggering emotions for drinking; if you can recognize these emotions before you start, you can stop yourself from resorting to drinking to deal with them. Engage in some other activity like exercising or having a conversation with a friend about how you’re feeling.

5. Learn to say no: teach yourself to say no when someone offers you a drink.

If you notice that your consumption of alcohol is starting to interfere with the other normal functions of your life, then it’s time to speak to your healthcare provider to develop a plan. You might be surprised that just a simple conversation with your doctor might make it easy for you to quit or cut back on your drinking entirely.