by HM1 Alvin Grant, USN

Strictly speaking, there is a difference between the terms "problem drinker" and alcoholic." A problem drinker is anyone whose drinking causes a problem. He or she may not drink all that often, but if the use of alcohol is affecting the individual’s life (or someone else's) in a negative way, then this person is a problem drinker.

The alcoholic is an addict. He is dependent on alcohol. This dependence may be physical (like any other drug addict. He or she will suffer the physical pain of withdrawal if they don’t get their daily dose of the chemical, which in this case is alcohol). Or the dependence may be psychological (he doesn't feel as good emotionally when he can't have a drink; he urgently wants to drink).

Some alcoholics are comfortable drinking only in the evenings, while others drink on and off all day long. Some alcoholics drink every day, others go for days or weeks without touching a drop; then they binge, drinking until they are drunk. Some alcoholics appear to be drunk, while others get drunk on every occasion they drink. No matter which type of alcoholic behavior they exhibit, one thing remains true in each case: they're not in control of their drinking.

To the person living with the alcoholic, there isn't much difference between alcoholism and problem drinking. It doesn't really matter whether he fits the medical definition of an addict, or is 'just' a problem drinker. In either case, the fact is that his drinking is endangering himself and others; in either case, the fact is that his drinking causes ongoing stresses and strains in his relationships -- and, therefore, in yours.