Is binge drinking a sign of alcoholism?

You see it everywhere—celebrity-endorsed brands, commercials and advertisements reflecting a lifestyle as much as a drink. According to a new study, not only has the prevalence of drinking increased, but also have incidences of high-risk drinking such as binge drinking and alcohol use disorder (AUD). So, in this drinking culture, how do you know when that someone simply “tied one on” or has an addiction?  

What is “Binge Drinking?”

Binge drinking is a pattern of drinking that brings a person’s blood alcohol concentration to 0.08 g/dL or above. This translates roughly, to five or more drinks for men, and four or more for women, consumed within two hours. While alcohol addiction is not any one thing, action or behavior, binge drinking, even with days or weeks between binges, can be one of the warning signs of alcohol abuse. 

Addiction is a complex brain disease, and only a trained counselor can determine if someone is alcohol dependent. Addiction counselors and treatment providers can identify a pattern of behaviors, help address the underlying causes that trigger abuse, and help develop the life skills and positive behaviors that replace them. Fortunately, Rosecrance is dedicated to people in recovery by providing evidence-based treatment for substance use disorders and a variety of behavioral health programs and services. 

If you or a loved one are showing signs of substance use disorder, take the first step toward recovery and call us at 866.928.5278.