Now they have made it even harder. This is an article that I read recently saying that heavy drinkers may not necessarily be alcoholics. This article is a really good read.
The
majority of adults who regularly drink an excessive amount of alcohol are not
alcoholics or alcohol dependent, according to a new study.
Nine
out of 10 adults who regularly drink excessively are not alcoholics, new
research shows.
Released
by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in partnership with the
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), the report
revealed that nine in 10 adults who drink too much are actually not alcoholics.
Excessive
or binge drinking is considered as four or more drinks in one sitting for
women, or five or more drinks for men; drinking eight or more drinks a week for
women or 15 for men; or any level of alcohol consumption by pregnant women.
Alcohol
dependence is a chronic medical condition defined by an existing or previous
history of excessive drinking, strong cravings for alcohol, on-going alcohol
consumption in spite of drinking-related problems or a lack of control over how
alcohol is consumed.
“This
study shows that, contrary to popular opinion, most people who drink too much
are not alcohol dependent or alcoholics,” said Robert Brewer, MD, MSPH, alcohol
program lead at CDC and one of the report’s authors.
“It
also emphasizes the importance of taking a comprehensive approach to reducing
excessive drinking that includes evidence-based community strategies, screening
and counselling in healthcare settings, and high-quality substance abuse
treatment for those who need it.”
Furthermore,
the study revealed nearly one in three adults is an excessive drinker, most of
whom binge drink on more than on occasion.
