Medically reviewed by Kevin Wandler, MD, Chief Medical Advisor
People often use “binge drinking” and “alcoholism” as if they mean the same thing. They are related, but they describe different things. Binge drinking is a pattern of drinking on a particular occasion. Alcoholism, which clinicians now call alcohol use disorder, is a medical condition that affects how a person relates to alcohol over time.
Understanding the difference can help you see your own drinking, or a loved one’s, more clearly. This article explains how each is defined, where they overlap, the risks binge drinking carries on its own and when to seek help.
What Binge Drinking Is
The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) defines binge drinking as a pattern of drinking that raises a person’s blood alcohol concentration to the legal limit for driving. For most adults, that happens after several drinks consumed within a couple of hours. The exact number differs for men and women, and NIAAA lists the specific thresholds on its website.
Binge drinking is often linked with college parties, but it happens at every age: at weddings, tailgates, happy hours, holidays and at home. Someone might binge drink only occasionally or on a regular basis.
Binge drinking is also different from heavy drinking, which NIAAA defines by how much a person drinks over a single day or across a week. Someone can binge on a Saturday without drinking heavily overall, and someone else can drink steadily every evening without ever binging. Both patterns raise health risks.
What Alcohol Use Disorder Is
Alcohol use disorder is a medical condition diagnosed when a pattern of drinking causes significant problems or distress. Signs include:
- Drinking more or longer than intended
- Wanting to cut down but being unable to
- Strong cravings
- Continuing to drink despite problems with health, relationships or work
- Giving up important activities because of drinking
- Building tolerance, so that it takes more alcohol to feel anything
- Withdrawal symptoms when not drinking
Alcohol use disorder ranges from mild to severe. The older word “alcoholism” is usually used to describe more severe forms. Our article on alcohol dependence explains the physical side of this condition.
The Key Differences
- Event versus pattern. Binge drinking describes how much someone drinks on one occasion. Alcohol use disorder describes a broader pattern over time.
- Control. A person who binge drinks may still be able to stop when they choose. Loss of control is a core feature of alcohol use disorder.
- Dependence. Binge drinking does not always involve physical dependence. Moderate to severe alcohol use disorder often does.
- Withdrawal. Withdrawal symptoms signal dependence and are more closely associated with alcohol use disorder.
Where They Overlap
Many people who binge drink do not have alcohol use disorder. But NIAAA notes that frequent binge drinking raises the risk of developing it. And many people with alcohol use disorder binge drink regularly. In other words, binge drinking is not a diagnosis, but it can be a warning sign and a pathway toward one.
The Risks of Binge Drinking on Its Own
Even without an alcohol use disorder, binge drinking carries serious short- and long-term risks. The CDC links binge drinking to:
- Alcohol poisoning
- Car crashes, falls, drownings and other injuries
- Violence and risky sexual behavior
- Blackouts and memory gaps
- Long-term health problems, including high blood pressure, liver disease and certain cancers
You can read more in our article on the long-term effects of alcohol.
Signs of Alcohol Poisoning: Call 911
Alcohol poisoning is a medical emergency. Call 911 if someone who has been drinking shows any of these signs:
- Confusion or stupor
- Vomiting, especially while not fully awake
- Seizures
- Slow or irregular breathing
- Pale or bluish skin, or a low body temperature
- Being unable to wake up
Do not leave the person alone to “sleep it off.” Keep them on their side to reduce the risk of choking and stay with them until help arrives.
Questions to Ask About Your Own Drinking
- When I start drinking, do I often end up drinking far more than I meant to?
- Do I plan weekends or events around drinking?
- Have I had blackouts, injuries or regrets tied to drinking?
- Do I feel shaky, anxious or unwell when I stop?
- Has anyone told me they are worried?
Getting the Right Kind of Help
Help looks different depending on where someone is. For binge drinking without dependence, counseling or therapy focused on drinking patterns may be enough. For alcohol use disorder, treatment may include medical detox, residential care, a partial hospitalization program or a virtual intensive outpatient program. The FDA has approved several medications for alcohol use disorder, and medication-assisted treatment may be part of care when appropriate.
Alcohol withdrawal can be life-threatening and needs medical supervision. Anyone who drinks heavily every day should talk with a medical provider before stopping. Explore alcohol addiction treatment at Promises DFW to see how care is structured. If you are in emotional crisis or thinking about suicide, call or text 988.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does binge drinking on weekends mean I have alcohol use disorder?
Not necessarily. But regular binge drinking raises your risk and can be worth discussing with a professional, especially if you have trouble cutting back.
Can binge drinking turn into alcohol use disorder?
It can. Frequent binge drinking is a known risk factor for developing alcohol use disorder over time.
What should I do if a friend passes out after drinking?
Check whether they can be woken and are breathing normally. If not, or if you see signs of alcohol poisoning, call 911 and keep them on their side.
Are there medications for alcohol use disorder?
Yes. The FDA has approved medications that can help some people reduce drinking or maintain abstinence. A medical provider can explain the options.
Talk With Our Team
If drinking has started to feel like more than a fun night out, we can help you sort out what kind of support fits. Check your insurance options, contact Promises DFW or call (469) 546-9303, day or night.