Alcohol Misuse & Binge Drinking: How it Differs from Alcohol Addiction

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Binge Drinking & Misuse Harms Your Health

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Many people drink alcohol, and many people consume more than the recommended limits. We explore what is meant by alcohol misuse and binge drinking, and explain how they can sometimes lead to alcohol addiction.

What is Alcohol Misuse?

Alcohol misuse, also known as alcohol abuse, is when someone drinks alcohol in a way which could be harmful. This might mean regularly drinking more than the recommended limit of 14 units of alcohol per week (with one unit being half a pint of beer or cider, or a single measure of spirit). It also includes binge drinking, where large quantities of alcohol are consumed in a short amount of time. 1

There are various risks involved with ongoing alcohol misuse. In the short-term it may lead to accidents, injuries, violent incidents, and risky behaviour. Longer-term alcohol misuse can lead to dependency and serious health issues such as an increased chance of developing heart disease, stroke, and cancer.

In England and Scotland, nearly a quarter (24%) of adults report drinking more than the recommended amount of alcohol. This can result in significant harm, with heavy drinking responsible for over 280,000 hospital admissions in 20202,3.

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How is Alcohol Misuse Different to Alcohol Addiction?

Alcohol misuse, including binge drinking, can be considered in terms of being at the lower end of the alcohol use disorder spectrum. Key differences include:

  • Control

    A person who misuses alcohol usually still has some control over when and how much they drink, even if they drink excessively at times. Someone who binge drinks may consume a lot of alcohol in a short space of time, such as on a night out. However, they don’t necessarily feel the need to drink every day, and are able to stop drinking for days or weeks at a time.

    In contrast, a person who is dependent on alcohol often experiences a loss of control over their drinking and experiences a physiological need for alcohol to avoid withdrawal symptoms or function “normally.”

  • Physical Dependence

    Alcohol addiction causes a physical and psychological need for alcohol. People who are dependent may experience withdrawal symptoms such as tremors, anxiety or nausea when they don’t drink, whereas people who misuse may not experience these symptoms despite engaging in high-risk drinking 4.

  • Impact on Daily Life

    Alcohol misuse, binge drinking, and alcohol dependence all impact a person’s life.

    People who binge drink or misuse alcohol may still function well in many areas of their life, whereas someone who has developed a dependency often prioritises their drinking over everything else, leading to problems at work, home, and with their physical health.

    A person who is dependent on alcohol will usually drink daily or as often as they can, feeling a constant need to drink. Their drinking is more consistent and less tied to social occasions or specific events.

Can Binge Drinking Lead to Addiction?

There is a fine line between alcohol misuse and dependence. What may start as occasional binging can gradually lead to physical dependence as tolerance builds in the body.

Alcohol use disorder usually starts with occasional misuse, which gradually becomes more regular, leading to dependency and a situation where alcohol becomes central to an individual’s life.

Recognising that alcohol consumption is increasing is key. Knowing the signs that indicate a shift from occasional binge drinking to dependence can help you or a loved one get help at the right time. Look out for5:

Increased frequency and quantity: drinking more often or needing more alcohol to get the same effect.

Preoccupation: repeatedly thinking about drinking, or planning your day around drinking opportunities.

Loss of control: being unable to stop drinking once you start, or consistently drinking more than you intended, suggests alcohol might be controlling your behaviour.

Alcohol withdrawal symptoms: shaking, sweating, anxiety or nausea when not drinking. You may notice that you need to drink just to avoid withdrawal symptoms like these.

Neglecting responsibilities: if alcohol is starting to dominate your life and you are neglecting work, family or social obligations because of it, this could indicate a problem.

Addressing Concerns About Your Alcohol Use

If you are concerned about your alcohol use, and feel that your consumption might be moving towards the dependency end of the spectrum, take a step back and assess your situation.

  • Reflect honestly on your drinking and how it’s affecting your life.
  • Contact friends or family who can help you understand the extent of the problem.
  • Seek professional help.

The Benefits of Getting Help Early

Reaching out for help early on can prevent more serious problems later. Early intervention can1:

  • Prevent dependence – spotting and addressing the problem early can help to prevent dependence developing.
  • Improve health – reducing or stopping problem drinking can improve health and wellbeing.
  • Protect relationships – early action can limit the strain that heavy drinking can put on family, friends and colleagues.

How We Can Help

Recognising that you may be developing a more severe problem with alcohol is a positive start, but it can be difficult to plan your next steps. At CATCH Recovery we offer a range of treatment options to help people who are concerned about their alcohol use.

More information about alcohol use disorder can be found here. If you would like an assessment, you can speak with a member of our team by calling 0808 231 5884.

FAQs

  • What are the risk factors for alcohol addiction?

    There are several risk factors for alcohol use disorder including:6

    • Genetic factors
    • Pre-existing mental health problems such as depression or anxiety
    • Previous traumatic experiences
    • Stressful events, such as pressure at work or family issues
    • Starting drinking from an early age
    • A lack of support or social networks

     

  • People in my family have had addiction problems. Does this mean I will also become alcohol dependent?

    Addiction is complex. There are many risk factors, and a family history of substance misuse is one of these. However, it is by no means an inevitability.

  • How will I know if my alcohol use is becoming problematic?

    Some warning signs you may notice:

    • Drinking alcohol more frequently and in greater amounts
    • Craving alcohol
    • Struggling to function without alcohol
    • Getting symptoms of alcohol withdrawal

    These can be early signs of developing an alcohol addiction. If you would like some help assessing these signs, contact our team for support.

  • How does misusing alcohol affect health?

    Short-term episodes of alcohol abuse can cause damage to organ systems, while alcohol intoxication can lead to lower inhibition and a greater likelihood of risky behaviour.

    Long-term misuse can result in alcohol dependence and multiple health issues, including liver disease, high blood pressure, diabetes and a risk of developing certain cancers, such as liver and breast cancer7.

    People with alcohol use disorder often experience negative consequences to their health.

  • How much alcohol is too much?

    This will depend on the individual. If you enjoy moderate alcohol consumption, and stay within the UK recommended limits, then you are unlikely to misuse alcohol. However, if your drinking habits exceed this, and you regularly drink heavily or binge, then you are more likely to experience the harmful effects of alcohol misuse.