The Different Types of Alcohol Problems

The Different Types of Alcohol Problems Addiction Alcohol Use Print The Different Types of Alcohol Problems By Buddy T facebook twitter Buddy T is an anonymous writer and founding member of the Online Al-Anon Outreach Committee with decades of experience writing about alcoholism. Learn about our editorial policy Buddy T Medically reviewed by Medically reviewed by Steven Gans, MD on July 23, 2016 Steven Gans, MD is board-certified in psychiatry and is an active supervisor, teacher, and mentor at Massachusetts General Hospital. Learn about our Medical Review Board Steven Gans, MD Updated on October 18, 2019 Peter Dazeley / Getty Images More in Addiction Alcohol Use Binge Drinking Withdrawal and Relapse Children of Alcoholics Drunk Driving Addictive Behaviors Drug Use Nicotine Use Coping and Recovery When we talk about someone having an alcohol problem, it does not necessarily mean that they are an alcoholic. Problems with alcohol can range from occasionally drinking at harmful levels to full-blown alcoholism, or alcohol dependence. Not everyone who has an alcohol use disorder is an alcoholic, and not everyone who could benefit from treatment is an alcoholic. You dont have to exhibit all of the symptoms to have a drinking problem. Under the diagnosis guidelines in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSMâ€"5), published by the American Psychiatric Association, there are 11 symptoms of alcohol use disorders. If someone displays only 2-3 of these symptoms they can be diagnosed with a mild alcohol use disorder. Drinkers who exhibit 4-5 of the symptoms are considered to have a moderate alcohol use disorder, and those with 6 or more symptoms, are diagnosed with a severe alcohol use disorder. Alcohol Abuse and Dependence The designation of mild, moderate, or severe alcohol use disorders is the terminology used in official medical diagnoses. The three main types of alcohol problems are probably more commonly described as: Binge drinkingAlcohol abuseAlcohol dependence (alcoholism) Binge Drinking One of the most common alcohol problems is binge drinking, which is simply drinking a harmful amount of alcohol in any one drinking session. Binge drinking is officially defined as drinking 5 or more standard drinks at one sitting for males (4 for females). Why is drinking 5 or more drinks considered a problem? Scientific research has shown that alcohol consumption at that level can do real harm to your health. There are many different ways that binge drinking can cause serious health problems. Therefore, by definition, if you engage in binge drinking, even occasionally, you have an alcohol problem. You may not have a severe problem, or be an alcoholic, but your drinking is considered hazardous. College Binge Drinking The greatest amount of research into binge drinking has revolved around the drinking habits on college campuses, where it is a common practice among 18-21-year-olds. Research shows that students who binge drink are: More likely to damage propertyHave problems with law enforcementMiss more classesExperience more hangoversBecome injured Research also indicates that students on campuses with higher binge drinking rates experience more physical assaults and unwanted sexual advances. Alcohol Abuse Going out with friends and having a few too many on occasion is an alcohol problem, but it is very common among young people. When those drinking bouts begin to cause you real problems in your life, and you continue to drink in spite of the negative consequences, is when your drinking becomes alcohol abuse. It is considered alcohol abuse if you continue to drink in spite of: Poor performance at school or workNeglect of your responsibilitiesTrouble with the lawDrinking while driving If your drinking has caused you problems in other areas of your lifeâ€"social, legal or personal problemsâ€"and you continue to drink despite those reoccurring problems, then your level of alcohol consumption has become abusive. Because alcoholism is considered a progressive disease, if you do not get help for your alcohol problem at this stage, you could be headed for much more severe problems. Alcohol Dependence Alcohol abuse can turn into alcohol dependence very quickly and usually does so along a predictable path. Not only do you continue to drink despite growing problems in your life, but continue after your alcohol consumption begins to affect you physically. People who are alcohol dependent: Continue to drink despite physical or psychological problemsBegin to crave alcohol when not drinkingDevelop a tolerance for the effects of alcoholHave withdrawal symptoms when not drinking Once someone reaches the alcohol-dependentâ€"or severe alcohol use disorderâ€"stage, it is much more difficult for them to try to get and stay sober, because they have developed a physical addiction to and psychological dependence upon alcohol. In short, they have become alcoholics. It is much easier to quit drinking before reaching the alcohol dependence stage, but unfortunately, many drinkers do not reach out for help until their drinking causes them overwhelming negative consequences, a phenomenon known as hitting bottom. Do You Have an Alcohol Problem? Answering questions about having an alcohol abuse problem will give you an idea if your drinking patterns are safe, risky or harmful. Be honest with yourself. Only you will see the results of your test and you can only benefit if your answers are accurate.