Studies show that most adults in the United States report drinking alcohol at least occasionally. Alcohol is widely available and legal throughout the country. For most, it is a common, everyday substance that is part of daily life in some capacity.
While many people can include alcohol as part of a generally healthy lifestyle, some people struggle with alcohol abuse or addiction. Problematic drinking patterns and behaviors can increase the risk of addiction. Recognizing problematic drinking can help you get treatment as quickly as possible.
It can be challenging to identify problematic drinking. This article will explore two types of unhealthy drinking behaviors: binge drinking and heavy drinking. You will learn:
- The CDC’s recommendations for alcohol consumption
- What binge and heavy drinking are
- What is the difference between binge drinking and heavy drinking
- Where to find alcohol abuse treatment and support
If you or someone you love struggles with alcohol abuse or addiction, you are not alone. Contact the First Step Behavioral Specialists to learn about our treatment and recovery support programs. Reach out with questions or to schedule an intake appointment.
How Much Alcohol is Too Much?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that people abstain from alcohol or drink in moderation. But what amount of alcohol does the CDC consider “moderate”?
According to the CDC, moderate drinking is defined as:
- One or fewer alcoholic drinks per day for women
- Two or fewer alcoholic drinks per day for men
A “drink” is not any beverage containing alcohol. It is a specific measurement of alcohol. A “drink” means:
- 12 ounces of beer
- 5 ounces of wine
- 8 ounces of malt liquor
- 1.5 ounces of distilled spirits like vodka, rum, and tequila
Keeping track of your alcohol consumption can be challenging. A standard drink from a bar may contain more than one “drink.” For example, some restaurants serve large glasses of wine containing 10 to 12 ounces or more. Similarly, a standard pint of beer (16 ounces) contains more than one “drink.”
What is Heavy Drinking?
The CDC defines heavy drinking as drinking more than recommended over the course of a week. This means:
- For women, drinking 8 or more alcoholic drinks per week
- For men, drinking 15 or more alcoholic drinks per week
According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse (NIDA), excessive alcohol consumption can lead to serious, sometimes life-threatening consequences. It can cause significant short and long-term physical and mental health problems, including:
- Higher risk of stroke, heart disease, and other cardiovascular problems
- Chronic high blood pressure
- Increased risk for certain cancers, including colon, throat, breast, and stomach
- Higher risk of being the victim of a crime, including physical or sexual assault
- Increased risk of accidents and other injuries
People who drink heavily may develop alcohol addiction (also referred to by the term “alcoholism”). Alcohol dependence can be challenging to overcome. People with alcohol addiction typically require comprehensive treatment and ongoing support to avoid relapse.
What is Binge Drinking?
Binge drinking is a dangerous pattern of excessive alcohol consumption. The CDC defines binge drinking as:
- Four or more drinks on a single occasion for women
- Five or more drinks on a single occasion for men
Binge drinking can increase a person’s blood alcohol concentration (BAC) to 0.08 in a short period. People with an elevated BAC face immediate risk of harm from accidents, exposure to heat and cold, drowning, and other incidents. People who are intoxicated may also drive, have unprotected sex, or exhibit other risky behaviors.
Binge Drinking vs Heavy Drinking: What are the Differences?
Problematic drinking behaviors, including binge drinking and heavy drinking, can have hazardous consequences. But what are the differences between these problematic patterns?
Short-term effects
The short-term effects of heavy drinking may be less severe than the risks associated with binge drinking. People who engage in binge drinking face higher rates of:
- Violence
- Accidents
- Suicide
- Homicide
- Sexual and physical assault
- Sexually transmitted infections
- Unintended pregnancies
People who binge drink may also have a higher risk of overdose from alcohol or from combining alcohol and other substances.
Long-term effects
Heavy drinking is more likely to have long-term effects. While binge drinking is immediately dangerous, it is not associated with the long-term risks of heavy drinking.
Binge drinking frequently may meet the criteria for heavy drinking. However, a single binge is not as likely to have long-term health consequences as a pattern of heavy drinking.
If you are concerned about your own drinking or a loved one, seek treatment as soon as possible. Alcohol abuse can lead to addiction or other serious complications. Getting timely treatment can help you safely stop drinking and begin your recovery journey.
Find Treatment Now
If you or a loved one needs treatment for alcohol abuse or addiction, you are not alone. Take the first step of your recovery journey by reaching out to the First Step Behavioral Health team. Learn about our programs, find support, or schedule an appointment by contacting our intake team today.
References:
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): About Moderate Alcohol Use
- CDC: What is Excessive Drinking?
- National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA): Alcohol
- National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA): Alcohol’s Effects on Health
