Have you ever had a drink in your hand and suddenly wondered if you should be drinking as much as you are? You may have been on a binge drinking spree or simply be drinking more than usual for no apparent reason. You may also wonder, at this point, if you are just drinking more or if you are addicted to alcohol.
You need to understand the difference between binge drinking and addiction. Even if you believe you are not addicted, you must know the warning signs so you can get help when you need it.
Binge Drinking
If you are a binge drinker, it means you are drinking a large amount of alcohol over a short period – usually within two hours. This means five or more drinks for men and, for women, four or more drinks. If your blood alcohol concentration is 0.08% or higher, it typically points to binge drinking.
If you binge drink, you most likely drink sporadically. This means you will drink more at an event, over the weekend, or at picnics and parties. Your drinking, therefore, relates to your activities, such as barbequing, fishing, etc.
Binge drinking comes with hangovers, a lot of regret, and embarrassment. You may also not feel like drinking again right away. But eventually, you will.
When you binge drink, you don’t drink every day, but it still means risking your health and well-being. Drinking too much impairs your judgment, can lead to accidents, and can result in illnesses and diseases.
Alcohol Addiction
Alcohol addiction, or alcohol use disorder (AUD), is not the same as binge drinking. AUD is a chronic disease that means you will not be able to stop drinking even if you know you should. You will also keep drinking despite the negative consequences your drinking brings. This is because AUD involves physical and psychological dependence on alcohol.
If you have a constant strong desire to drink, you may have an addiction. This is especially true if your cravings come at inappropriate times.
If you cannot stop drinking or reduce the amount of alcohol you drink once you have started, you may be suffering from AUD.
Should you need more alcohol to achieve the same effect, or if you experience tremors and nausea when you do not drink, you are likely to have an addiction.
If you are on this level of drinking, it has probably already become the focus of your life. You may care less about relationships, work, and your health than you do about getting your next drink.
The Fine Line Between Binge Drinking and Addiction
Every time you drink too much, you get closer to addiction. That is the reality of your situation. While the transition from binge drinking to addiction is not always clear, the risk is always there. Unfortunately, you may already be addicted.
The line is often blurry but may involve:
- Binge drinking. You may only drink occasionally, but always too much.
- Addiction. You are no longer satisfied with the occasional drinking and have started craving alcohol at inappropriate times.
- Binge drinking. You usually only drink at a party, celebration, wedding, etc.
- Addiction. You now drink because you cannot escape your cravings. You want to drink when you are alone and while you are with other people. You also want to avoid family events, etc., in favour of drinking.
- Binge drinking. You can still stay away from alcohol without significant mental or physical stress.
- Addiction. You can no longer go without alcohol, even though it causes you harm each time you drink.
- Binge drinking. You usually have a hangover, a headache, and nothing more.
- Addiction. Your drinking is causing strain in your relationships and impacts your health and mental well-being. It is also causing problems with your finances and your career.
- Binge drinking. You may not rely on alcohol to get you through emotional or stressful periods in your life.
- Addiction. Whenever you are stressed, anxious, angry, or depressed, you turn to drinking.
Signs You Are Crossing the Line
If you are still unsure of whether your binge drinking has become a real problem, look out for the following signs that you are crossing the line.
- You are binge drinking far more often than usual.
- You have taken to drinking while alone at home.
- You spend a lot of time thinking about your next drink or alcohol in general.
- You are no longer reliable, according to your family, friends, and boss.
- You drink a lot more to get a ‘buzz.’
- You feel irritated, aggressive, anxious, or physically ill when you do not drink.
- You have tried to cut back on your drinking but have not succeeded.
If any of these signs apply to you, it is time to re-examine your relationship with alcohol and reach out for help.
Why Getting Help Is Important
Even if you believe you are just binge drinking and not addicted, It is important to understand that you can still suffer severe consequences.
For instance, constant binge drinking increases your risk of liver disease, heart problems, and mental health disorders.
If you keep drinking, it will erode trust in your relationships, especially if you bail on your family and friends in favour of alcohol. You could get into a drunk driving accident or a fight, which will lead to legal troubles. This will result in financial difficulties and even career setbacks.
If you get help when needed, you can prevent these outcomes and give yourself a chance to recover.
HARP Can Help You
If you decide you need help, HARP is here to guide you. HARP (Hills & Ranges Private) will provide an in-depth assessment to help you understand your situation. The HARP team will use this assessment to determine your treatment plan.
If you need detoxing, HARP partners with reputable detox facilities to get you through the process. When you are sober, you will receive all the therapeutic interventions you need in a safe and private setting.
In addition to counselling and evidence-based treatments, you will also have access to complementary therapies. These include mindfulness, yoga, a day spa, a fitness centre, a swimming pool, etc.
HARP’s goal is to help all patients heal holistically. The facility also provides several aftercare resources that will allow you to stay sober.
If you are ready to get help, take the following HARP quiz: On a scale of 0 to alcoholic, where am I?
Then, take the first step, contact HARP, and get your life back on track.
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