What Type of Drinker Are You?

What Type of Drinker Are You?

Not all drinkers are created equal. People drink for several reasons: To socialize, to celebrate, to relax or to get drunk. Styles of drinking vary just like drinks. Some people drink conservatively while others drink to the verge of alcohol poisoning. Even if you don’t feel that you have issues with alcohol, it’s important to know that it can easily snowball into problem drinking. Many people naively think that addiction can’t happen to them, and continue drinking despite consequences.

Each of the drinking styles may lead to alcoholism. Take a look at the list below to learn more about each drinking style. Which category do you fall into?

The Social Drinker

This drinker will drink for the social aspect. They will try different drinks to explore different tastes. Their drink complements their meal but is not the entire meal. They tend to drink more slowly because getting drunk is not their goal. Their drinking is just part of the bigger social picture. They also tend to not drink alone because of the social aspect of drinking. Over time, these social drinkers run the risk of becoming heavy drinkers. This may take a toll on their health and safety because they may put themselves in more alcohol-driven situations.

Irresponsible/Messy Drinker

These drinkers may have begun the night drinking as a way to socialize with others, but their drinking gets a little out of hand. They may be viewed as the “party starter.” They tend to lose track of their drinking and get carried away. They may have been charming partygoers, but as the night progresses and the drinks continue to flow, they may become the messy drinker: Talking too loud, spilling their drink, stumbling on the dance floor and even starting arguments.

This drinker’s main motivation is to have fun and relax, but may get carried away by the moment. This type of drinker is a risk to drink and drive. Their drinking may lead to a pattern of heavy drinking that can affect their health and other facets in their life.

Weekend Warrior/Binge Drinker

This drinker is dormant during the week but comes alive Friday at happy hour. They binge drink to forget about what happened during the week or to reward themselves for the work they did all week. There is a good chance that this drinker will not remember what happened the night before. They don’t drink for taste; they only have one goal in mind. They believe that there is no point of drinking if you are not getting drunk. However, once they wake up on Sunday, they will be feeling the aftermath of their binge drinking. They may begin the recovery process with a drink or two to wean themselves.  However, when Monday comes, they transform; they will not drink until Friday after work again.

The binge drinker’s habits can negatively affect their health because they are indulging so often. The fact that they believe they must get drunk indicates the thought process of an alcoholic. This form of addictive behavior can lead to chronic alcohol use.

Alcoholic

These drinkers will drink constantly. They will drink alone, keep their houses filled with alcohol and may even hide bottles of alcohol. When they run out of alcohol they will go to great lengths to obtain alcohol. Their drinking may affect relationships, employment and/or educational goals. They may have been arrested for driving under the influence or may have gotten in other legal trouble due to their drinking.

Typically, alcoholics find it hard to cope with their problems without drinking. These chronic drinkers have developed a physical dependence and need to drink to prevent feeling withdrawal symptoms. Oftentimes the alcoholic may not even want to drink anymore but fear of withdrawal fuels the continual drinking. Alcoholism causes severe physical health issues requiring a medical detox to eliminate use.

Patterns of Alcohol Abuse

These drinking patterns range from what may seem “safe” to addiction. However, no matter how safe you think your drinking habits are, it is a slippery slope to addiction. Treatment for alcohol addiction can help put a stop to the downward spiral of alcoholism.