We know there is such a thing as drinking too much but where does the line between casual drinking and alcohol addiction begin? If you’ve ever asked yourself if you drink too much or if you’ve worried about a friend or loved one’s drinking behaviors, you’ve come to the right place.

1. CASUAL
DRINKER
ALCOHOL
ADDICTION
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What is the difference?

2. 03
There is nothing inherently wrong with drinking. In
fact, it’s perfectly fine – in moderation.
CASUAL
DRINKING

3. ALCOHOL
ABUSE
Alcohol abuse is when someone drinks alcohol at an
excessive rate. People who are abusing alcohol are
at great risk of developing an addiction to alcohol.
02

4. 03
Alcohol addiction is a physical and/or psychological
compulsion to consume alcohol at an excessive rate
without regard to consequences.
ALCOHOLISM
DEFINED

5. 30%Americans drink alcohol excessively
04
The top 30% of Americans who drink alcohol are
drinking anywhere from 6.25 to 73.85 drinks per
week. This means that a lot of Americans are
either heavy drinkers or they are abusing alcohol.
2.5 drinks
30%
0 drinks
40%
6.25+ drinks
30%

6. 05
80,000deaths per year as a result of
excessive alcohol intake

7. ALCOHOL
ADDICTION IS
A DISEASE
Addiction is a primary, chronic disease of brain
reward, motivation, memory and related
circuitry.
06
*According to American Society of Addiction Medicine

8. SIDE EFFECTS
OF ALCOHOL
ADDICTION
Depression
Organ damage
Cancer
Lowered immune system
Reduced libido
Impotence
Incarceration
Strained or broken relationships
07

9. 08
Dizziness
Blacking out
Shakiness
Uncontrollable cravings
Sweating
Nausea or vomiting
SIGNS OF
ALCOHOL
ADDICTION

10. SYMPTOMS
OF ALCOHOL
ADDICTION
Delirium or fear
Anxiety
Euphoria
General discontent
Loneliness
09

11. AM I ADDICTED?
There are many factors to consider however, most
assessments narrow it down to these four questions
Have you ever felt you should cut down on
your drinking?
Have people annoyed you by criticizing your
drinking?
Have you ever felt bad or guilty about your
drinking?
Have you ever had a drink first thing in the
morning to steady your nerves or get rid of a
hangover?
1. 2.
3. 4.
10

12. HELP IS AVAILABLE
If you answered yes to two or more of these
questions, you could be abusing alcohol and putting
yourself at risk for alcohol addiction.
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