Do you understand the differences and potential risks between a social drinker, an alcoholic, and an alcohol abuser? Do you fit anywhere? After reading this post, you will understand.
Most people who drink alcohol can do it with little to no difficulty. When issues do arise, they can get worse very quickly. For many individuals, the drinking problem is one that worsens with time.
We shall soon examine the three types of drinkers described, but there is also a fourth group that merits attention: abstainers. I have worked as an addictions therapist for years, and nobody has ever been able to convince me to change my mind on the fact that drinking alcohol responsibly means never drinking at all. Being a realist, I understand that doesn’t apply to everyone, so it’s crucial to be on the lookout for any issues.
the social alcoholic
A sociable drinker occasionally indulges in alcohol, and when they do, nothing goes wrong or bad happens. The effects of drinking don’t really surprise you. When they drink, friends and relatives don’t criticize their actions. As an illustration, there are neither fights nor wildly fluctuating emotional moods.
A social drinker does not frequently think about alcohol or let it fill their thoughts. Last but not least, drinking doesn’t go that far; you don’t lose control or need to set limits.
Those who abuse alcohol
Alcohol abusers experience episodes of binge drinking, which may be frequent or only sporadic. This could include driving while intoxicated or getting into potentially unsafe situations. DUIs are a frequent indicator of alcohol misuse. The alcoholic starts to neglect their responsibilities at home and at work.
Drinking becomes more and more of a focus as it becomes necessary for its effects. The family and friends of the drinkers begin to complain at this point, but it is handled. Limits on drinking must now be established, but they may be upheld. From a social drinker, we have increased the stakes, but things are still occasionally under control at this stage.
Alcoholism or Alcohol Addiction:
The fact that alcohol addiction is not influenced by the amount or frequency of alcohol consumption is one aspect that many find puzzling. For instance, a person who drinks regularly may or may not have an addiction. Drinking 12 beers as opposed to 2 beers is not always a sign of addiction. Addicts frequently exhibit a lack of self-control or a capacity to establish and adhere to boundaries. Drinking now occurs more frequently and takes up more time. A warning sign is an increase in tolerance to alcohol as well as withdrawal symptoms from drinking.
The drinker may desire to stop now or may have attempted to stop before without success. Despite the issues and unfavorable effects that keep happening, they keep drinking. Repeated DUI offenses or drinking while a doctor warns against it are two examples. Giving up essential tasks and responsibilities; prioritizing alcohol over family. Alcoholism is an illness of isolation; the sufferer will alienate friends and family in order to continue drinking. The deceptive thing about this stage is that denial dominates it. The drinker is unable to admit that alcohol use is to blame for their troubles.
And hopefully that will assist to explain some discrepancies in drinking habits. There are more resources and assistance available if you or someone you care about is progressing down the drinking path described.
