CDC Asks What’s Worse—Occasional Binging or Full-Blown Alcoholism?

Here in the U.S., with peaking numbers of DUI's and staggering alcohol-related deaths, the government and the general public realizes that we're facing a problem with alcohol and its effects on society. But many are left wondering, what's worse: an occasional binge when out for a night on the town, or full-blown alcoholism? You may be surprised to find out that a new study conducted by the U.S. government's Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) revealed that while excessive drinking is responsible for over 88,000 deaths a year, nine out of ten Americans who drink excessively do not meet the criteria to be classified as "alcoholics". So it's binge drinking that's the main culprit for these deaths.

"The study found that nearly one in every three adults is an excessive drinker, and most of them binge drink, usually on multiple occasions" spokespersons for the CDC said in a recent press release. "In contrast, about one in thirty adults is classified as alcohol dependent. [And] excessive alcohol use is responsible for 88,000 deaths in the U.S. each year, and cost the U.S. $223.5 billion in 2006."

But aside from the monetary costs of excessive drinking, the researchers were much more focused on the cost of lives alcohol consumes. What researchers revealed was that most excessive drinkers in the United States are better classified as binge drinkers, who have four to five or more drinks on any given occasion. And as binge drinking is not as chronic of a disorder as alcoholism, researchers say it's an important distinction that has been made.

By better classifying the cause of alcohol-related deaths, and better knowing the social symptoms that lead to them, the researchers hope to curb excess drinking and facilitate the decrease in alcohol-related deaths. Though the U.S. government cannot exactly further limit alcohol intake much more than the legal limits already in place, the researchers suggest that raising the price of alcohol, increasing "sin" taxes, and finding a suitable treatment for those who need it, while also limiting sales, could all help curb excessive drinking that leads to alcoholism.

"We need to look at this problem with a wider-angle lens and consider not just treatment for those who need it" co-author of the study, and leader of the CDC's alcohol program, Dr. Robert Brewer says. "This study shows that, contrary to popular opinion, most people who drink too much are not alcohol dependent or alcoholics."

"It also emphasizes the importance of taking a comprehensive approach to reducing excessive drinking that includes evidence-based community strategies, screening and counseling in healthcare settings, and high-quality substance abuse treatment for those who need it."