Periodic Drinking

Periodic drinking is defined as alcohol abuse that occurs in periodic intervals rather than on a regular basis.  For example, a periodic drinker may not drink during the work week, but may drink abusively over the weekend.

Contrary to popular opinion, periodic drinking does not exclude the drinker from developing problems of alcohol abuse or alcohol dependence (alcoholism).

Binge drinking is just one form of periodic drinking.  Periodic drinking can take the form of controlled drinking for short periods, rather than intense drinking all at once, such as drinking slowly and steadily over a weekend.

Periodic drinking is often cited by problem drinkers and alcoholics as evidence that they still have control over their drinking.  They believe that if they can stop or regulate their drinking for any period of time, that this means they have control.  On deeper examination, however, this defense often breaks down.  One way to test if a periodic drinker has reached the stage of alcohol abuse or alcohol dependence is to have them attempt to stop drinking for an extended period.

If a periodic drinker has difficulty not drinking for a longer period than they are used to, this may indicate a problem of alcohol abuse or alcohol dependence.

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM IV) of the American Psychiatric Association defines Alcohol Abuse as “the recurring use of alcoholic beverages despite negative consequences.”  This definition can be applied just as easily to periodic drinkers.

If a period drinker is experiencing negative consequences due to drinking and is continuing to drink – even periodically – then by definition they have a drinking problem.

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