Problem Drinking vs. Alcoholism: How to Tell the Difference

“I know I drink too much sometimes, but I’m not an alcoholic.”

Maybe you’ve said that after hearing someone describe losing their job, getting a DUI, or drinking first thing in the morning.

You still work. You take care of your family. You pay your bills. You’ve even gone weeks or months without drinking.

You may be right that your situation looks very different. But when you’re trying to understand problem drinking vs. alcoholism, comparing yourself to someone with more severe consequences can leave you asking the wrong question.

Instead of “Am I as bad as that person?” try this:

“What happens when I decide to change my drinking?”

That answer can tell you much more about the pattern you’re dealing with.

What Is the Difference Between Problem Drinking and Alcohol Use Disorder?

“Problem drinking” is a broad, everyday term for drinking that creates problems or increases risk. It isn’t a separate diagnosis that automat...