I Drink Every Night. Am I an Alcoholic?
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It starts slowly. First you might find yourself going out every weekend and having a couple of drinks. Then you start planning your Fridays and Saturdays in advance, making sure that wherever you end up going, there’ll be booze there. Soon, your weekends are starting on Thursdays, Tequila Tuesday becomes a thing — and before you know it, alcohol is part of your daily routine.
Many of us have found ourselves in this position, and, inevitably, at some point someone (often our own inner voice) asks the dreaded question: I drink every night — am I an alcoholic?
The term “alcoholic” has a lot of baggage, and the term isn’t always clearly defined. That why many professionals are shifting to alcohol use disorder (AUD) instead. Clinically speaking, AUD refers to a chronic brain-based disorder characterized by an impaired ability to stop or control alcohol use despite negative social, occupational, or health consequences.
What is considered alcoholism (or AUD) by doctors and scientists? According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), here’s the criteria a doctor would use:
To make an AUD diagnosis, doctors usually look for a certain number of the above signs:
Here’s the key takeaway from all this: AUD exists on a spectrum. It's not a matter of "having it" or "not having it", but rather, "to what extent?" Knowing where we stand can be the first step towards seeking help or making a change.
Based on the definition, simply drinking every night doesn't necessarily mean someone has AUD. But if there are negative consequences tied to it and an inability to cut down, it's worth exploring further.
Several other factors are at play when it comes to nightly drinking. Here are a few common ones:
It depends on the amount. That said, the most recent guidelines say that no amount of alcohol is actually “safe,” so a better answer is that it’s very likely harmful to some extent, but might be a matter of degree.
Moderate alcohol consumption is defined differently worldwide, but often it's considered to be up to one drink per day for women and up to two drinks for men as it is in the U.S.
If we’re talking about chronic heavy drinking, however, the facts are undeniable — it can lead to numerous health issues, including liver disease, cardiovascular issues, and an increased risk of accidents. Moreover, if drinking causes distress or harm in any area of our life, it's a sign to reassess.
Chronic heavy drinking poses several health risks:
Finally, it's important to recognize that not all alcoholic drinks are created equal. The type of alcohol — whether it’s beer, wine, or hard liquor — can influence both the quantity and the effects on our health when it comes to daily drinking. Let's explore these distinctions:
Alright, knowledge in hand, what's next? If you're thinking of cutting back or quitting, here are seven science-backed steps:
"I drink every night, am I an alcoholic?" is a brave question to ask. While nightly drinking alone can’t serve as an AUD diagnosis, it's important to look at the broader context. How is it affecting your life, health, and relationships? With understanding and actionable steps, you can navigate your relationship with alcohol in a way that aligns with your well-being. Remember, each day is an opportunity, and it's never too late to make a change!
1. Why might someone drink alcohol daily?
Reasons range from seeking neurochemical rewards and stress relief, adhering to routines, social influences, emotional coping, to misconceptions about sleep benefits.
2. Is daily drinking harmful?
The occasional drink might not pose significant risks, but consistent daily consumption, especially in larger quantities, has a spectrum of potential health implications, both physically and mentally.
3. How does alcohol stimulate pleasure?
Alcohol triggers the release of dopamine, our primary pleasure neurotransmitter. This creates a sense of reward and joy, leading our brain to associate pleasure with alcohol consumption.
4. Does drinking alcohol actually reduce stress?
While alcohol can offer a temporary sense of relief from stress due to its depressant nature, this is short-lived. Relying on it for stress relief can lead to increased tolerance and potential dependence.
5. Is drinking wine daily better than beer or hard liquor?
Each type of alcoholic beverage has its own set of considerations, and overconsumption of any type has its drawbacks.
6. What's the risk with using alcohol to help me sleep?
While alcohol might induce drowsiness and help you fall asleep faster initially, it often disrupts sleep patterns and reduces sleep quality. Relying on it for better sleep can be counterproductive in the long run.
7. How can I identify if I might have an alcohol use disorder (AUD)?
AUD is diagnosed based on specific criteria like an inability to limit drinking, spending a lot of time drinking or feeling sick from aftereffects, and continued alcohol use despite problems it causes, among others. If you're concerned, it's essential to seek guidance from a healthcare professional.
Although it isn’t a treatment for alcohol use disorder (AUD), the Reframe app can help you cut back on drinking gradually, with the science-backed knowledge to empower you 100% of the way. Our proven program has helped millions of people around the world drink less and live more. And we want to help you get there, too!
The Reframe app equips you with the knowledge and skills you need to not only survive drinking less, but to thrive while you navigate the journey. Our daily research-backed readings teach you the neuroscience of alcohol, and our in-app Toolkit provides the resources and activities you need to navigate each challenge.
You’ll meet millions of fellow Reframers in our 24/7 Forum chat and daily Zoom check-in meetings. Receive encouragement from people worldwide who know exactly what you’re going through! You’ll also have the opportunity to connect with our licensed Reframe coaches for more personalized guidance.
Plus, we’re always introducing new features to optimize your in-app experience. We recently launched our in-app chatbot, Melody, powered by the world’s most powerful AI technology. Melody is here to help as you adjust to a life with less (or no) alcohol.
And that’s not all! Every month, we launch fun challenges, like Dry/Damp January, Mental Health May, and Outdoorsy June. You won’t want to miss out on the chance to participate alongside fellow Reframers (or solo if that’s more your thing!).
The Reframe app is free for 7 days, so you don’t have anything to lose by trying it. Are you ready to feel empowered and discover life beyond alcohol? Then download our app through the App Store or Google Play today!
Reframe supports you in reducing alcohol consumption and enhancing your well-being.