Is drinking every day alcoholism?Experts explain where culture and addiction collide

In the U.S., attitudes toward drinking tend to vary more widely by region, religion and social norms, experts say.(iStock)

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Steinman said she’s concerned that people with alcohol use disorder may dismiss or justify their drinking as a normal part of their local culture, making them less likely to recognize it as a problem and seek help.

Chris Tuell, EdD., clinical director of addiction services at Lindner Center of HOPE and associate professor at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, reiterated that Sheeran’s comments highlight how culture influences people’sperceptions of alcohol.

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“What is considered ‘normal’ in one country may seem excessive in another,�“In parts of the U.K., Ireland, Germany, Australia or even parts of the U.S., drinking is woven into sporting events, celebrations, work gatherings and family traditions.”

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Tuell noted, however, that culture does not determine whether someone has alcohol use disorder (AUD).

“When drinking gets in the way of a job, school or relationships … it isn’t just cultural drinking, it’s an addiction.”

“The fact that something is common does not automaticallymake it healthy— the same principle applies to alcohol,�“A person may live in a culture where drinking every evening is expected.Another person may rarely drink because their culture discourages alcohol altogether.Neither person’s cultural background alone tells us whether alcohol is helping or hurting them.”

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Two people can drink exactly the same amount each week while having completely different outcomes, according to Tuell.

Whether someone drinks every day, only on weekends or only at celebrations is only part of the picture, an expert noted.(iStock)

“One person may drink socially, maintain healthy relationships, perform well at work and easily choose not to drink when needed,” he said.“Another person drinking the exact same amount may experience worsening anxiety, strained relationships,poor sleep, financial problems, declining health and an inability to stop.”

Whether someone drinks every day, only on weekends or only at celebrations is only part of the picture, the expert noted.

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Warning signs to watch for

Tuell recommends paying close attention to the following important patterns that can potentially indicate alcohol use disorder.

• Having difficultycontrolling drinking
• Drinking more than intended
• Spending increasing amounts of time obtaining or recovering from alcohol
• Continuing to drink despite relationship problems
• Continuing to drink despite medical problems
• Continuing to drink despite worseningdepression or anxiety
• Giving up important activities because of drinking
• Drinking in dangerous situations
• Developing a higher tolerance to alcohol
• Experiencing withdrawal symptoms

“Ultimately, AUD is measured less by how much a person drinks and more by how much alcohol has begun to take from their life,” Tuell said.

“That perspective moves us beyond stereotypes andcultural expectations.It replaces judgment with curiosity, stigma with understanding, and shame with the opportunity for honest self-reflection and meaningful change.”

Anyone experiencing symptoms of alcohol use disorder should consult a healthcare provider for evaluation and guidance.(iStock)

One of the greatest barriers to recognizing a drinking problem is comparison, according to the expert — as people might say things like “everyone I know drinks this much” or “my family drinks every day.”

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“Those comparisons can be misleading,” Tuell said.“Imagine someone saying, ‘everyone in my family has highblood pressure.’ That doesn’t make untreated hypertension healthy.Likewise, widespread drinking doesn’t eliminate the possibility that alcohol is causing harm.”

Anyone experiencing symptoms of alcohol use disorder should consult ahealthcare providerfor evaluation and guidance.

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