What Is Considered Alcoholism and How to Identify It?

It’s estimated that more than 29 million people in the United States are suffering from alcoholism, also known as alcohol use disorder (AUD). Alcoholism is a progressive, chronic disease that destroys lives and puts a person’s health at risk. Even with this, many people aren’t sure what is considered alcoholism and how to identify it. 

What Is Alcohol Use Disorder 

Alcohol use disorder (AUD), also referred to as alcoholism, is a disease that’s characterized by an uncontrollable or compulsive need to consume alcohol. Those with alcohol use disorder are unable to control their drinking habits in the way that someone without AUD can. 

Alcoholism is a disease. With AUD, there are changes in brain function, including how pleasure and reward are perceived. Overcoming alcoholism isn’t as simple as not drinking anymore. The alterations in brain structure and chemistry from prolonged alcohol use make the disease one that’s extremely difficult to overcome. 

There isn’t a specific number of alcoholic drinks per day or week that defines alcoholism. However, those with alcoholism tend to have drinking habits that fall into the category of heavy alcohol use. 

Moderate drinking is defined as no more than two drinks per day for men, and one drink per day for women. Individuals who consume alcohol at this level generally aren’t thought to have an alcohol use disorder. 

Heavy alcohol use is defined as having four or more drinks per day, or more than eight drinks per week for women, and five or more drinks per day, or more than fifteen drinks per week for men. 

Additionally, the CDC defines heavy drinking as a person who has had five or more binge drinking episodes in the past month. Binge drinking is defined as consuming four drinks within two to three hours for women and five drinks within the same time frame for men.

Alcohol Use Disorder vs Alcohol Abuse 

The terms alcohol use disorder and alcohol abuse are often used interchangeably. However, there are differences between the two. 

Alcoholism is a chronic disease that causes changes in brain chemistry. Someone who abuses alcohol typically hasn’t yet developed a dependence on alcohol, but their use is negatively impacting their life. 

Alcohol abuse is considered drinking in excess of moderate drinking guidelines. Binge drinking is an example of alcohol abuse. Those who abuse alcohol often do so repeatedly, often to the point of experiencing negative consequences. 

Alcohol abuse may lead to disruptions at work, school, and with family life or other obligations. Someone who abuses alcohol is also more at risk of experiencing alcohol-related accidents, health consequences, and engaging in risky behaviors, such as driving while intoxicated. 

Individuals who abuse alcohol are at a greater risk of developing alcohol use disorder if their drinking behaviors and habits continue. 

Early Signs of Alcoholism 

If left untreated, heavy alcohol use or alcohol abuse can spiral into chronic alcoholism. Understanding the earliest alcohol abuse symptoms can help you or your loved one get help sooner. 

Common signs of alcoholism include:

• Developing tolerance – needing to consume more alcohol to achieve the same effect
• Drinking to the point of blacking out
• Frequent binge drinking sessions
• Choosing drinking over meeting obligations, such as work or school
• Drinking in secret 
• Frequently finding excuses to drink 
• Mood swings
• Changes in self-care 
• Changes in social group
• Experiencing symptoms of withdrawal that feel similar to a hangover when not drinking 

Risk Factors for Alcoholism 

There isn’t a single risk factor for alcohol dependency. Instead, alcoholism often forms a complex relationship between multiple risk factors that influence alcoholic behavior patterns. 

Risk factors for alcoholism fall into the categories of psychological risk factors, environmental risk factors, and biological risk factors. 

• Psychological Risk Factors: Mental health disorders, anxiety, depression, trauma, etc. 

• Environmental Risk Factors: Growing up or living in an environment where alcohol misuse is normalized, spending time around people who abuse alcohol, etc. 

• Biological Risk Factors: Genetics, having a parent or sibling with alcohol dependency.

Recovering From Alcoholism 

Understanding alcoholism and how to identify it is an important step in seeking help. Alcoholism doesn’t need to be a way of life, and it’s possible to overcome it with the help of evidence-based addiction treatment. 

Massachusetts Center for Addiction offers a full spectrum of holistic and comprehensive addiction care. When you’re ready to explore alcoholism treatment options, we’re here to help. Reach out to the Massachusetts Center for Addiction today at 844-486-0671.