Drinking recreationally from time to time can quickly shift into problematic drinking habits, but it’s not always clear when a line has been crossed from a casual drink or two to a full-blown addiction. That’s why it’s important to understand the distinction between binge drinking vs. alcoholism — and to know where to turn for help if you or a loved one is showing signs of physical or emotional dependence or addiction. Left untreated, alcoholism can ruin relationships and cause major damage that can even lead to death. If you’re wondering about problematic alcohol use or alcohol addiction and how to know when something has become a problem, the team at WhiteSands Treatment is here to help.

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What Is the Root Cause of Binge Drinking?

There are several different reasons why someone might begin binge drinking, according to HelpGuide. Various factors or motivations can include stress because heavy drinking is a common but unhealthy way of trying to numb or cope with feelings like depression or anxiety. It could also be prompted by an attempt to relax or cope with losses or painful feelings. Some people begin binge drinking because they’re bored or lonely, thinking it will help them feel better or make the time pass. There’s also the issue of not understanding alcohol tolerance, especially among younger drinkers who don’t know their own limits. Social anxiety and peer pressure can also lead to binge drinking in an attempt to feel more confident or comfortable around others or to try to fit in with peers.

So, what is the difference between binge drinking vs. alcoholism? Let’s start by understanding these terms. Binge drinking is when someone consumes several drinks in a short period. The exact amount that classifies as binge drinking will depend on the person’s sex and age, but typical guidance says it’s binge drinking if a woman has four or more drinks over a two-hour period, while five or more drinks over two hours qualifies for a man. The amount of alcohol also matters here, with one drink equaling 12 ounces of beer, 5 ounces of wine, or 1.5 ounces of liquor. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism considers an episode of binge drinking to happen when someone drinks enough in a short period to raise their blood alcohol concentration to 0.08 percent or higher. 

 

Is Binge Drinking Worse Than Daily Drinking?

One thing to keep in mind as you try to understand the differences between drinking vs. alcoholism is to remember that even if it doesn’t qualify as alcohol use disorder, there are several physical effects of binge drinking. This can include alcohol poisoning, which can cause hypothermia, vomiting, confusion, seizures, and irregular or slowed breathing. Binge drinking can also make people feel sick and lack coordination, which can lead to injuries or accidents. Another risk of drinking too much is vomiting while sleeping, which can be deadly if someone chokes on their vomit. Binge drinking can also raise the risk of things stroke, high blood pressure, liver disease, and neurological damage.

While binge drinking is quite common, especially among young adults and college students, it’s also fairly prevalent among older adults. In 2023, 12% of people 65 and older reported binge drinking in the past month, according to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. Drinking any amount can put people at risk of problems. Still, the institute says binge drinking greatly increases the risk of things that are especially risky, such as blackouts and overdoses, while also making poor decisions like unsafe sex or driving a car while intoxicated more likely. But is occasional binge drinking worse than daily drinking? The answer will entirely depend on the amount that is consumed during daily drinking and binges. What is known is that even one binge-drinking episode can compromise our immune system, and over time, repeated episodes can contribute to certain cancers. About 178,000 people died from excessive alcohol use in the United States between 2020 and 2021 — and one-third of those deaths happened because of binge drinking or drinking too much on one occasion.

 

Is Drinking Every Weekend Bad?

Much like when considering if binge drinking is worse than daily drinking, the answer to the question of whether drinking every weekend is bad will largely depend on how much you drink on weekends. For example, WebMD says it’s not equal to compare someone who has seven drinks in one night and then doesn’t drink the rest of the week with another person who has one glass of wine or a single beer each evening of the week. The totals might add up to the same, but drinking large quantities at once regularly can quickly become a problematic relationship with alcohol. Binge drinking vs. alcoholism aren’t exactly the same, but someone who often binge drinks is definitely at risk of developing an alcohol addiction.

 

 

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How Do I Stop Being a Binge Drinker?

There are many possible health consequences of regular binge drinking, including alcohol poisoning or overdose, diseases like high blood pressure or stroke, weight gain, higher risks of cancer, impaired memory, impulsivity, and even worsening mental health conditions like anxiety or depression. It’s important to try changing your drinking behaviors, such as setting a limit of one or two beverages you’ll have during a night out or choosing to have a bottle between each drink.

If you understand the difference between binge drinking vs. alcoholism but still find yourself regularly drinking several beverages at a time, it could be time to examine your relationship with alcohol. In Florida, WhiteSands Treatment can be a resource if you’re wondering how to stop binge drinking. Our network of alcohol rehab facilities knows what it takes to help people of all ages and from different walks of life learn how to quit drinking and resist the temptation to pick up the bottle again.

 

Drinking vs. Alcoholism: When to Turn to WhiteSands Treatment for Help

While there are differences between binge drinking vs. alcoholism, regularly drinking several beverages at a time can quickly become an alcohol addiction problem. If you see the signs of addiction in yourself or your loved ones, help is available from compassionate, effective alcohol rehab treatment facilities like WhiteSands Treatment. Our staff knows that overcoming addiction once and for all requires a mix of treatment programs, therapies, group counseling sessions, and alternative or holistic treatment options. We can also help you address a co-occurring mental health disorder, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or bipolar disorder while treating your addiction. Alcohol addiction can make your life and health much worse, but it can be treated, and we can help. Call WhiteSands Treatment today at 877-855-3470, and let’s discuss how we can support you on the road to recovery.

 

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If you or a loved one needs help with abuse and/or treatment, please call the WhiteSands Treatment at (877) 855-3470. Our addiction specialists can assess your recovery needs and help you get the addiction treatment that provides the best chance for your long-term recovery.

About the Author

Jackie has been involved in the substance abuse and addiction treatment sector for over five years and this is something that she is truly eager about. She has a passion for writing and continuously works to create informative pieces that not only educate and inform the public about the disease of addiction but also provide solutions for those who struggle with drug and alcohol abuse.