What is a Standard Drink?
To understand the difference between social drinking and problematic alcohol use, it's helpful to know what constitutes a "standard drink." This is defined as containing 14 grams of pure alcohol, equivalent to:
- A 12-ounce beer (about 5% alcohol)
- An 8-ounce malt liquor (about 7% alcohol)
- A 5-ounce glass of wine (about 12% alcohol)
- 5 ounces of distilled spirits (like vodka, whiskey, gin, or rum) that is 40% alcohol by volume (80 proof)
It's important to note that bartenders often pour more than 1.5 ounces of liquor into mixed drinks or shots, and beer is commonly served in 16-ounce pint glasses.
What is a Social Drinker?
A social drinker is someone who consumes alcohol primarily in social settings. They typically drink in moderation and do not experience negative consequences from their alcohol consumption.
Key characteristics of a social drinker include:
- Drinks in social situations: Alcohol is consumed primarily with others, not alone.
- Moderation: Consumes alcohol in limited quantities.
- Control: Can easily choose to drink or not drink and can stop when desired.
- No negative consequences: Drinking does not interfere with work, relationships, or daily life.
It's important to note that the line between social drinking and problematic drinking can be blurry. If you or someone you know is concerned about their alcohol consumption, it's essential to seek professional help.
What is a Problem Drinker?
A problem drinker is someone whose alcohol consumption has started to negatively impact their life. This is a broader term than alcoholism and encompasses a range of drinking behaviors that cause issues.
Signs of problem drinking include:
- Negative consequences: Problems at work, school, or home due to alcohol use.
- Loss of control: Difficulty limiting alcohol intake, even when intending to.
- Tolerance: Needing more alcohol to feel its effects.
- Withdrawal symptoms: Experiencing physical or emotional discomfort when not drinking.
- Prioritizing alcohol: Neglecting responsibilities or relationships due to drinking.
What is Defined as an Alcoholic?
Alcoholism, also known as Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD), is a chronic and relapsing disease characterized by an impaired ability to stop or control alcohol use despite negative consequences.
Key characteristics of alcoholism include:
- Loss of control: Inability to limit alcohol intake, even with harmful consequences.
- Physical dependence: Developing tolerance and experiencing withdrawal symptoms when alcohol use is reduced or stopped.
- Compulsive drinking: Prioritizing alcohol over other responsibilities and relationships.
- Negative consequences: Experiencing significant problems in various life areas due to alcohol abuse.
It's important to note that alcoholism is a complex condition influenced by genetic, environmental, and psychological factors.
Warning Signs of Alcoholism
If you are wondering whether you or someone in your life might be an alcoholic, here are some warning signs to look for. Though this list is not all-inclusive, it does represent many of the common traits alcoholics share.
- Losing control after starting to drink
- Being preoccupied about their alcohol use – where they’re going to buy alcohol when they’re going to have their next drink, who they’re going to get drunk with
- Denying that their drinking is a problem because they are successful in other aspects of their life
- Promising to set limits on when or how much they will drink, then being unable to stick to them
- Continuing to drink despite negative consequences such as financial difficulties
- Doing things when drunk that they would never do when sober
- Drinking so much that they have “blackout” episodes when they can’t remember what they said or did
- “Rewarding” themselves with alcohol
- Using alcohol as a crutch or coping mechanism
- Feeling guilty about their drinking when they are sober
- Doing dangerous or irresponsible things when drunk, such as driving
- Others have expressed concerns about their behavior
- Finding it impossible to imagine what their life would be like without alcohol
Get Help for Alcohol Use at Beach House
If you recognize these signs of Alcohol Use Disorder, know that recovery is possible. Honesty about your relationship with alcohol is crucial. Professional help at Beach House can guide you toward healing.
AUD is a treatable condition, and with the right support, you can reclaim your life. Isolation is common but unnecessary.
Connect with us today to explore evidence-based treatment options for lasting sobriety.
