Heavy drinking is generally equated to being an alcoholic.  However, a new study, published in the journal Preventing Chronic Disease, found that 90 percent of individuals that drink excessively do not meet the criteria for alcohol dependence. Thus, these individuals are not technically alcoholics.

Despite the lack of the alcohol dependence needed to be considered an alcoholic, excessive drinking is a major health risk.  Excessive alcohol consumption is responsible for 88,000 deaths annually and it costs the U.S. approximately $223.5 billion per year.  The researchers conclude that there should be a comprehensive approach to reducing excessive drinking that goes beyond addiction treatment services.

According to New York Daily News, excessive drinking means having eight or more drinks per week for women and 15 or more drinks per week for men.  Some of the symptoms of alcoholism include an inability to stop or reduce drinking, continuing to drink even after it causes problems with family or work, and excessive time spent drinking each day.  The vast majority of those that drink excessively do not show these signs.

Interventions that target excessive drinking without focusing on alcoholism would help alleviate this public health issue.  One example is that alcoholics usually require treatment to help motivate them not to drink  In contrast, a non-alcoholic excessive drinker may be affected by changes in the price and availability of alcohol.  For them, increasing the tax on alcohol or limiting the stores that are able to sell it may be enough of a motivator to drink less.  Since they are not addicted, these convenience and financial factors might limit their desire to drink.