I found this to be an interesting article, it is a very informative article that really shows the difference between "alcohol dependence" and just being a heavy drinker.
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.
However, the
number of adults considered to be alcoholics is much lower at just one in 30. CDC and SAMHSA scientists analyzed
information on 138,100 Americans aged 18 and above who took part in
the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) in 2009, 2010, or 2011.
The survey
questions participants on their alcohol use, including current drinking habits,
binge drinking, average alcohol intake and symptoms of alcohol dependence.
