7 Key Differences Between Alcoholism and Problem Drinking

Even though both groups of drinkers have an unhealthy relationship with alcohol, problem drinkers and alcoholics aren't the same. Understanding the key differences between the two can help you better comprehend your loved one's struggle with alcohol and help you get them the treatment they need. Here are 7 distinct differences between problem drinkers and alcoholics.

1. Alcoholics Are Physically and Mentally Dependent Upon Alcohol

Unlike problem drinkers, alcoholics are physically and mentally dependent on alcohol. If your loved one is dependent on alcohol, they have an attachment to the substance that has taken over their regular routine. This means that they no longer have control over how much they consume. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), dependence also means that your loved one may need to drink more than they used to in order to get "buzzed" or feel the effects of alcohol. Typically, alcohol-dependent individuals drink every day.

2. Problem Drinkers Can Abstain from Alcohol

Problem drinkers can go days, weeks, or months without drinking. Some drink a lot often, but others may drink occasionally. The primary issue with problem drinkers is that their drinking causes issues in their lives. If your loved one is a problem drinker, they may say and do things that hurt you, others, or themselves when they have been drinking. Learn more about the warning signs of alcoholism to better understand the spectrum of alcohol misuse.

3. Most Alcoholics Drink Every Day to Avoid Withdrawal Symptoms

If your loved one is struggling with alcoholism, they may not be able to resist drinking for a long period of time. In fact, most alcoholics drink every day. When they don't drink or try to quit, they experience withdrawal symptoms which may include:

• Body tremors
• Racing heart
• Insomnia
• Sweating
• Irritability
• Headache
• Nausea and vomiting

These withdrawal symptoms can be dangerous and even life-threatening in severe cases. The U.S. National Library of Medicine recommends seeking medical supervision during alcohol withdrawal.

4. Most Problem Drinkers Don't Experience Withdrawal Symptoms

Most problem drinkers don't experience withdrawal symptoms when they abstain from alcohol. When they're not drinking, their lives seemingly go on as normal. Unfortunately, problem drinkers usually exhibit harmful and unwanted behavior when they start drinking again.

5. Alcoholics Continue to Drink Despite Consequences

Individuals grappling with alcoholism don't stop drinking even when they face consequences. Typically, they are unable to stop drinking even after losing their job or home, for example. They may also continue to drink even after encountering social, financial, and legal problems. This is because alcoholics are dependent on alcohol and can no longer control their drinking. Understanding how alcohol affects the brain can help explain why this happens.

6. Problem Drinkers Can Self-Correct Their Alcohol Consumption

In contrast, problem drinkers can self-correct their drinking habits. Negative consequences like DUIs and warnings at work can help prompt problem drinkers to reduce their alcohol consumption or give up drinking altogether. Also, most problem drinkers can change their drinking habits on their own when they become aware of the problems that drinking has caused in their lives. For tips on reducing alcohol consumption, read our guide on how to stop drinking alcohol.

7. Alcoholics Need Professional Treatment to Change Their Drinking Habits

Alcoholics, on the other hand, need professional treatment to stop drinking. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), treatment typically involves:

• Detox, or eliminating alcohol from the body under medical supervision
• Behavioral therapy and cognitive behavioral approaches
• Individual and group counseling sessions
• Peer support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous
• Aftercare support and ongoing recovery planning
• Sober living education and transitional housing

Get Sober at Soba Recovery

Here at Soba Recovery, we believe that professional treatment can help individuals dealing with addiction live a substance-free life. That's why we offer a wide range of recovery services at our Arizona and Texas facilities, including:

• Medical Detoxification - Safe, supervised detox with 24/7 medical care
• Residential Inpatient Treatment - Comprehensive care in a supportive environment
• Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) - Intensive day treatment with flexibility
• Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) - Structured treatment while maintaining daily life
• Sober Living Homes - Transitional housing for continued recovery
• Dual Diagnosis Treatment - Addressing co-occurring mental health disorders

Don't spend another day struggling with alcohol addiction. Take action today. Contact us if you or a loved one are struggling with alcoholism. You can also call us directly at 1-866-445-8636 to speak with an admissions counselor. Freedom awaits and we can help you get there.

“Recovery is possible. With the right treatment and support, individuals struggling with alcoholism can achieve lasting sobriety and rebuild their lives.”