You might be familiar with the terms alcoholism and binge drinking. On the surface, both the terms appear similar because they involve excessive drinking. Therefore, many people use the two words interchangeably, but they are not the same. People struggling with alcoholism are most likely to indulge in binge drinking often. But, someone binge drinking may not be suffering from alcohol use disorder. However, it does not mean that binge drinking is harmless. It can have serious health consequences, and you may have to enter an alcohol rehab in Pulaski, Tennessee.
Below, we have listed six critical differences between binge drinking and alcoholism!
Physical dependence:
Binge drinkers aren’t dependent on alcohol. They do not necessarily need to consume alcohol to feel normal despite engaging in heavy drinking. They can even go without alcohol for weeks and months. Alcoholics cannot as they are physically dependent on it and experience cravings to drink all the time. They will experience difficulty functioning normally without drinking; therefore, they drink alcohol daily.
Frequency of alcohol consumption:
The most significant factor health experts consider to differentiate between alcoholism and binge drinking is the frequency of alcohol consumption. Binge drinks will consume alcohol in breaks. On the other hand, alcoholics constantly consume alcohol, rarely gaps. In fact, they are likely to have a ritualized drinking habit and can go to any length to maintain that ritual.
Type of environment alcohol consumption:
Studying the drinking environment can help you determine if it is binge drinking or alcoholism. An alcoholic will most likely drink alone or in secret. On the other hand, binge drinkers will consume alcohol in a completely different environment. They will drink in the later afternoon or evening in a lively and social atmosphere.
Ability to stop:
Binge drinkers find it easier to cut down on alcohol consumption, but people with an alcohol use disorder cannot stop drinking despite facing severe emotional, physical, and psychological consequences. Remember, both alcoholism and binge drinking are self-destructive forms of alcohol misuse.
The dangers and risks:
Binge drinking risks include:
- Unintended injuries
- Sexual dysfunction
- Alcohol poisoning
- Unintended pregnancies
- Sexually transmitted diseases
Risks associated with alcoholism include:
- Depression
- Malnutrition
- Heart disease
- Neurological damage
- Liver disease
- Seizures
- Diabetes
Treatment Facility:
Usually, short one-to-one therapy sessions effectively treat binge drinking problems. On the other hand, the right treatment plan for alcoholism will involve a medical detox and an alcohol rehab program in Tennessee. However, remember that short interventions may result in a long-term change for a binge drinker, but they may not effectively treat alcohol use disorder.
About Genesis Medical Detox/A Tennessee Detox
The differences as mentioned above must have helped you distinguish between binge drinking and alcoholism. At Genesis Medical Detox, we offer reliable and comprehensive programs for the best detox in Tennessee. Our clients choose us for our team of expert healthcare professionals qualified to provide the best care you need. You can reach out to us at 844-895-0537 or fill out our online contact form to know more.
