Social Drinking vs. Binge Drinking

Table of Contents

What is Binge Drinking?

Have you ever questioned whether you or someone you know might have a drinking problem? While there isn’t a single definitive answer, there are ways to identify the characteristics of alcoholics, social drinkers, and binge drinkers. Recognizing these traits and warning signs is crucial if you suspect that you or someone you care about may have an alcohol use disorder or addiction.

Moderate drinking is generally defined by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services as one drink per day for women and up to two drinks per day for men. This provides a baseline for what is considered healthy alcohol consumption, as stated by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. However, this does not necessarily clarify what constitutes alcoholism.

What Are Social Drinkers?

The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) defines social drinkers as those who consume alcohol in low-risk patterns. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, this means drinking no more than two drinks per day for men and one drink per day for women, totaling no more than 14 drinks per week for men and seven drinks per week for women. It’s always better for one’s health to drink less rather than more.

But what exactly counts as a drink? A useful guideline is that one drink is equivalent to 12 ounces of beer (about 5% alcohol content), 8 ounces of malt liquor (about 7% alcohol content), 5 ounces of wine (about 12% alcohol content), or 1.5 ounces of 80-proof spirits (about 40% alcohol content), such as whiskey, vodka, rum, or gin.

Social drinking is challenging to define because cultural and environmental norms can vary widely in their acceptance of different levels of intoxication. However, for clarity, social drinking can be described as consuming alcohol within safe limits and not becoming so intoxicated that it leads to impairment. Some traits that typically characterize social drinkers include:

They don’t feel the need to constantly monitor their alcohol intake.

They don’t spend an excessive amount of time thinking about alcohol.

They don’t rely on alcohol to have a good time.

They rarely or never encounter problems related to their alcohol consumption.

They only drink on occasion.

They don’t regret their actions or words while under the influence of alcohol.

Diagnosing social drinking can be difficult because individuals who might be struggling with alcoholism often deny the severity of their addiction. The shift from social drinking to binge drinking can happen gradually, with the person often unaware or unwilling to acknowledge the change. It’s only when they are compelled to confront the issue that the extent of the problem becomes evident.

What Are Binge Drinkers?

Binge drinkers are often seen as being in a transitional phase between social drinking and full-blown alcoholism. They are generally defined as individuals who exceed the healthy drinking limits set by the NIAAA. Some signs that someone might be a binge drinker include:

Neglecting work or home responsibilities

Feeling like they can only enjoy themselves by getting drunk

Having a DUI or other legal issues related to drinking

Continuing to drink despite negative consequences

Engaging in dangerous or harmful situations due to alcohol use

While binge drinkers may still function to some extent in their daily lives, their continued alcohol consumption is often unsustainable. If this pattern persists, their bodies may adapt to the high levels of alcohol in their bloodstream, increasing the likelihood of ongoing abuse as they experience withdrawal symptoms when alcohol is absent. This is a key factor in the development of chemical addiction.

Binge drinkers face significant risks similar to those encountered by chronic alcoholics. Alcohol is inherently toxic and can damage the body even in small amounts. Binge drinking increases the risk of developing high blood pressure, certain cancers, and exposure to dangerous situations.

What Are Alcoholics?

A woman with brown hair holds a glass of wine while covering her mouth with the other hand, looking as if she’s made a mistake.

Determining whether you or someone you know has an alcohol use disorder isn’t as simple as counting the number of drinks consumed each week. Unhealthy alcohol use includes any drinking that jeopardizes your health or safety or leads to other alcohol-related problems. This can involve binge drinking or relying on alcohol to cope with daily life. If you find it difficult to limit your alcohol intake or can’t resist the urge to drink, there’s a strong likelihood that you have an alcohol use disorder and may need help.

Alcoholism can also be defined by frequent heavy drinking that raises Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) above 0.08 during a session, more than five times a week. According to the NIAAA, about 72% of people experience a phase of heavy drinking, typically between the ages of 18-24, that they eventually outgrow. While most people move beyond this stage, alcoholics tend to continue or even escalate their drinking patterns.

High-Functioning Alcoholics are individuals who manage to separate their addiction from their daily responsibilities to some extent. They often downplay their alcoholism by labeling it as a hobby, occasional indulgence, or just heavy drinking. Many high-functioning alcoholics develop a tolerance to alcohol, hide their intoxication, and still manage to complete daily tasks. However, alcoholism is defined by a person’s relationship with alcohol, not by how that relationship appears to others. Here are some telltale signs of alcoholism to watch for if you suspect you or a loved one might be struggling:

Using alcohol as a reward for accomplishments or stress relief.

Drinking every day.

Leading a double life that separates binge drinking from work or home life.

Consuming five or more drinks in one sitting two or more times a week.

Having difficulty imagining life without alcohol.

Experiencing chronic blackouts and being unable to recall what happened.

Alternating between feelings of guilt and shame about drunken behavior.

Behaving differently when drinking.

Preferring the company of other drinkers over family or friends.

Failing to stop drinking despite multiple attempts.

Regularly getting drunk before attending parties or bars (“pre-gaming”).

Breaking personal limits on the number of drinks consumed in one sitting.

Driving while intoxicated, even without getting arrested.

Losing control over alcohol consumption after the first few drinks.

Hearing concerns from family or friends about drinking patterns and negative behavior.

Engaging in risky sexual behavior while under the influence.

Constantly thinking about the next drink, how much you’ve drunk, and when you last drank.

Feeling compelled to finish any alcoholic beverage.

When to Get Help for a Drinking Problem

Deciding to seek help for alcohol addiction can be a difficult decision. Many individuals with alcohol use disorder are reluctant to admit they have a problem. If you find it hard to control the number of drinks you consume in one sitting or frequently exceed your own limits, it may be time to seek help. Often, close family members or friends will recognize the issue and may be able to encourage you to explore treatment options. An intervention can help someone acknowledge that alcohol has taken control of their life or has become a central focus. It’s important to listen to trusted friends and loved ones and consider speaking with someone who has faced a drinking problem and found recovery. For those who drink daily, medical detox treatment may be necessary.

Next Steps

Alcohol rehab centers near you can quickly and discreetly provide an appropriate detoxification and rehabilitation treatment program, whether you prefer to stay close to home or seek treatment elsewhere. If you’re concerned about your own or a loved one’s relationship with alcohol, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. At Sunrise Recovery’s treatment centers, we are committed to helping individuals break free from the grip of substance dependence and abuse.