Rethinking Heavy Drinking and the Spectrum of Alcohol Use

Psychology Today | 24.06.2026 01:00
Many people who struggle with alcohol do not think of themselves as addicted. They often picture addiction as something that happens to other people, i.e., to those who drink daily, wake up trembling, or have lost jobs or relationships due to drinking. But this all-or-nothing image is misleading. Alcohol-related problems exist on a spectrum, and not experiencing withdrawal does not mean alcohol is not harming you or increasing your risk.