As research has indicated multiple times, problem drinkers are not necessarily alcoholics. Unlike full-blown addicts, binge drinkers do not require therapy, counseling, or spiritual focus to quit their major problems. To these people, boozing is a habit that is no different than sculpting clay. In fact, many people who fall into the category of “one-time drinkers” can completely change their behavior in the blink of an eye, as alcohol no longer has the appeal to them. For the common group of people who can quit alcohol cold turkey, a casual shot is just as easy to consume as apple juice. So, what is the major difference between habitual boozers and alcoholics? One word can be used: willpower. Let’s take a closer look at why binge drinkers are not suffering from alcoholism.
No Need for Help
Ultimately, the biggest difference between alcoholics and binge drinkers is the ability to quit without a second thought, and, fortunately, this action is more common than you may realize. Recently, the University of Toronto confirmed that 70% of people suffering from “problem drinking” (so to speak) were able to overcome their bad habits without intervention or therapy. Similarly, psychiatrist George Valliant (Cambridge Hospital in Massachusetts) discovered that 75% of people who abuse alcohol were able to quit without the aid of therapy or Alcoholics Anonymous.
In fact, more studies hint that many daily drinkers may not be suffering from alcoholism but, instead, are enduring a severe form of habitual use. In this case, a boozer will have to undergo withdrawal and detox therapy to get his or her life back on track.
Finding the Power
If you have come to the realization that you are a “problem drinker,” you can take a variety of approaches to overcome your habit. One particularly good source is the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), which provides tips for cutting back on booze and advice for learning how to “say no” at social gatherings. Likewise, we recommend that you keep a “drinking diary” to stay up to date about your goals and accomplishments (as well as your setbacks). If you do required therapy, however, you can always take that next step to find extra help.
Seeking Treatment for Alcohol Abuse or Alcoholism
Always remember that alcohol does not have control over your life. You do. Are you suffering from a substance use disorder or a severe form of addiction? Do you have a friend or family member suffering from one or more of these debilitating illnesses? If you do, get in touch with Asana Recovery today. Our counselors and healthcare experts are ready to walk you through every step of the detox and withdrawal process and rehabilitation and guide you towards living a happier, healthier, and freer lifestyle. While the road to recovery might not be an easy road to travel, we promise to help you every step of the way. Take the first step to stay fit, healthy, and safe.
The time for you to take back control of your life is now. If you are interested in one of our residential treatment or supervised detoxification/withdrawal programs, we are ready and waiting to speak with you at your disclosure. Call Asana now at (949) 438-4504 to learn how to overcome your alcohol abuse or addiction troubles today.
