How many drinks technically make you an alcoholic?

The definition of alcoholism varies and can be subjective. However, the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) provides some guidelines for considering alcohol use disorder (AUD), which is often referred to as alcoholism.

According to the NIAAA, AUD is a chronic, relapsing brain disease that is characterized by compulsive alcohol use, despite negative consequences. It is diagnosed based on a pattern of alcohol use that causes distress or impairment in a person's life.

The NIAAA defines heavy drinking as consuming more than 4 drinks per day for men or more than 3 drinks per day for women. Binge drinking is defined as consuming 5 or more drinks for men or 4 or more drinks for women within about 2 hours.

However, it's important to note that the number of drinks alone does not determine whether someone is an alcoholic. AUD can develop at different levels of alcohol intake and may be influenced by various factors such as genetics, personal history, and social environment.

It is always best to consult with a healthcare professional for a proper evaluation and diagnosis of alcohol use disorder.