Problem Drinking Defined
The term problem drinker refers to those individuals who are having difficulties in their life as a result of their alcohol intake. In some definitions the term problem drinking is used to refer to people who have not yet developed full blown alcoholism, but it most usually refers to all types of alcohol abuse. There is a stigma associated with the word alcoholism, and there are many individuals who prefer the term problem drinking when referring to their difficulties.
Types of Alcohol Problems
Alcohol problems can vary in severity. The most common patterns of alcohol abuse include:
* Binge drinking refers to a situation where people drink an excessive amount of alcohol in a short period of time. This is a particularly dangerous pattern of alcohol consumption, and it is common in most western countries – particularly among young people.
* Alcohol abuse refers to a situation where the individual is starting to get into trouble as a result of their drinking, but they are not physically or psychologically dependent.
* The heavy drinker is someone who regularly consumes more than the safe levels of alcohol intake. This individual may be able to do this without having noticeable problems in their life, but they are almost certainly damaging their health.
* Alcohol dependence/ alcoholism is where the individual has experienced physical or mental changes that reinforce the drinking habit.
It is also possible to divide alcohol consumption into four levels which would include:
* Social drinking – the individual sticks to the recommended levels for safe drinking- 2 drinks per day for adult men, 1 drink per day for adult women, and 1 drink per day for those over 65 years of age ( here a drink is a standard beer, a shot of spirits, or a standard glass of wine).
* Heavy drinking is where the individual drinks above the recommended level for safe alcohol consumption.
* Problem drinking is where the individual begins to experience difficulties in their life because of their alcohol intake, but they persist with the behavior.
* Dependence means that the individual has developed a physical or psychological dependence on alcohol – usually both.