What is the difference between alcoholism and binge drinking?

Alcoholism is a chronic condition involving dependence on alcohol, while binge drinking refers to episodic heavy drinking, often with the intention of getting drunk.

Can a psychologist help with alcohol addiction?

Yes, psychologists can help you understand triggers, build coping strategies, and support behaviour change through therapies like CBT and DBT.

How do I know if I need help for my drinking?

If drinking is affecting your health, relationships, or daily life — or if you've tried to cut back and struggled — it's time to seek professional support.

Alcoholism and Binge Drinking: Understanding the Risks and Seeking Help

Australia’s relationship with alcohol is well-documented — and troubling. With 1 in 12 Australians addicted to alcohol, and sustained binge drinking increasing, particularly among younger age groups, it’s more important than ever to understand the risks and seek help when needed.

What is Alcoholism?

Alcoholism, also known as Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD), refers to a medical condition characterised by an impaired ability to stop or control alcohol use despite adverse social, occupational, or health consequences.

It’s not just about how much you drink — it’s about how often and why. Those who drink regularly to cope with stress, avoid emotions, or “numb out” may be at higher risk of developing dependency.

Long-term health impacts of AUD include:

Liver disease and cirrhosis
Cardiovascular issues
Neurological damage
Increased risk of cancers
Mental health disorders like anxiety and depression

What is Binge Drinking?

Binge drinking isn’t strictly defined by a number of drinks. Instead, it refers to the pattern of consuming large amounts of alcohol in a short time, typically to the point of intoxication.

In Australia, binge drinking is often normalised by our culture — and that’s part of the problem.

Binge drinking can cause:

Dangerous loss of coordination
Impaired judgment and risk-taking behaviour
Vomiting, dizziness, or alcohol poisoning
Memory loss or blackouts
Long-term brain damage or liver failure

Signs and Symptoms

If you or someone you know may be struggling with alcohol misuse, look for these warning signs:

Physical signs:

Frequent hangovers
Poor sleep quality
Deteriorating physical health

Psychological signs:

Anxiety or mood swings
Using alcohol to cope
Depression or irritability

Behavioural signs:

Drinking alone or in secret
Avoiding responsibilities
Increased tolerance or withdrawal symptoms

How to Know If You or a Loved One Needs Help

It’s not always easy to know when drinking becomes a problem. Ask yourself:

Do I often drink more than I planned?
Have I tried to cut back but couldn’t?
Is alcohol affecting my work, relationships, or mental health?

If the answer is yes to any of these, it may be time to talk to someone.

How a Psychologist Can Help

Speaking to a trained psychologist can help you get back on track. At The Three Seas Psychology, our practitioners can work with you to:

Understand the underlying reasons behind your drinking
Identify triggers and create personalised coping strategies
Deliver evidence-based therapies like CBT, DBT, or even EMDR if trauma is involved

If you’re a parent worried about your child or teenager, psychologists can also help guide your family through this process and support early intervention.

Support Services and Resources

In addition to psychological support, there are several services and hotlines available for those struggling with alcohol use:

You can also contact The Three Seas for confidential, one-on-one support tailored to your needs.

Book a Confidential Appointment

If your alcohol use — or a loved one’s — is becoming unmanageable, don’t wait.

📞 Call us today on (03) 9809 1000
Or book an appointment online