Sometimes, some alcoholics drink every day. Not the answer you were expecting? You’re not alone. Many people have a particular image in their heads of who, and what, a “real” alcoholic is. No two alcoholics are the same, but all alcoholics do share specific symptoms and behaviors.

Now known as Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) according to the NIAAA, alcoholism “is a chronic relapsing brain disease characterized by compulsive alcohol use, loss of control over alcohol intake, and a negative emotional state when not using” or consuming alcohol.

That definition is broad enough to include all alcoholics, people who suffer from alcoholism. Many of us probably have the semi-homeless looking man drinking from a bottle of cheap wine or vodka stuffed in a brown paper bag. This stereotypical alcoholic would always be extremely drunk—morning, noon, and night. In the real world, alcoholism affects all types of people, from high school students to retired doctors, from popular athletes to high-powered attorneys, and everything in between.

Drinking Patterns: Who is at Risk?

But how often do alcoholics drink? Let’s look at two different types of drinkers (these are by no means the only types of drinkers):

Person A has a glass of wine or a beer with dinner every day, but that is almost the extent of his or her drinking. This person drinks daily but only gets drunk once or twice a month.

Person B does not drink every day. He or she drinks heavily on the weekends and sometimes for happy hour once a week. On the weekends, though, Person B has more than four drinks on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. During the week, this person doesn’t get drunk.

So which person is alcoholic and who isn’t? According to a drinking pattern test, Person A would be low-risk for developing a drinking disorder. Person B would be at an increased risk, drinking heavily more often than 70% of American adults. You can take your test here to see your risk level.

Neither is definitively an alcoholic, but both could be alcoholic. The real question for deciding if you have a drinking problem has more to do with how and why someone drinks rather than how many days a week someone drinks. Unfortunately, if either of these drinkers suffers from AUD, it is unlikely that either will get treatment for their alcoholism. According to research, only about 10% of problem drinkers get treatment.

Treatment for Alcohol Use Disorder is about as effective as treatment options for other chronic diseases such as diabetes, asthma, or hypertension. While 25% of people with diabetes are unaware that they are living with the disease, nearly 90% of people suffering from alcohol addiction are in denial, or they are uninformed. Educating the public about who is at risk of alcohol abuse disorder is crucial in destigmatizing alcoholism and getting people the help they need.

Recognizing Alcohol Use Disorder

Rather than focus on how many days a week someone drinks, signs and symptoms of alcohol addiction affect people’s emotions, wellbeing, and reasons for drinking. If you are concerned with someone’s drinking or have questions about your own, warning signs of AUD include:

Losing interest in activities, hobbies, or sports that were previously enjoyed
Storing alcohol in hidden places; finding alcohol in unusual places in the home
Drinking alone and in secret
Drinking more than you plan
Not being able to limit how much you drink
Blacking out – not being able to remember things because of your drinking
Irritable and moody when not able to drink, especially around normal drinking times
Needing four or five drinks in a short time to feel buzzed
Experiencing relationship, financial, legal, and work problems stemming from drinking
Experiencing shakes, sweats, or nausea when not consuming alcohol

Experiencing just one or more of these are symptoms of alcohol addiction. It is vital to recognize that these are symptoms of alcoholism, not causes of alcohol abuse disorder. These symptoms are uncomfortable and can make life feel difficult and unfulfilling.

An alcoholic is not always someone who drinks every day. A person who suffers from alcoholism suffers from a medical, psychiatric, and emotional health condition that negatively affects almost all aspects of life.

If we keep believing that we have to drink every day to be an alcoholic, many suffering friends and family members will continue to go untreated. Don’t let myths and stereotypes of alcoholism stop you or a loved one from getting treatment. If you are worried about someone’s drinking but are unsure if he or she is an alcoholic or suffering from alcohol addiction, we are here to help.

Find the Healing You Deserve

At Boardwalk Recovery Center, we believe everyone deserves a chance to live the life they were meant to live. Our dedicated team, many of whom have personal experience with addiction, is committed to walking alongside you on your journey to sobriety. We offer a range of evidence-based alcohol abuse treatments tailored to meet your unique needs, helping you build a fulfilling life free from alcohol.

Continue Your Recovery

Our comprehensive approach to recovery goes beyond just quitting alcohol. We provide the tools and support you need to make a complete lifestyle change. Our programs are designed to help you discover new directions in life, focusing on long-term sobriety and personal growth.

Take the Next Step

If you are concerned about your drinking or that of a loved one, don’t wait to seek help. Contact Boardwalk Recovery Center today to learn more about our programs and how we can help you achieve lasting recovery. Whether you need intensive outpatient treatment or ongoing support, we are here to guide you every step of the way. Don’t let myths and stereotypes about alcoholism prevent you from getting the help you need. Reach out to us now and take the first step towards a healthier, sober life.

For more information or to schedule a consultation, visit our website or call us directly. Together, we can overcome addiction and build a brighter future.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Do alcoholics drink every day?

Not all alcoholics drink every day — alcoholism is defined by a person’s relationship with alcohol and its impact on their life, not by how frequently they drink. Someone who binge drinks heavily every weekend but stays sober through the week can meet the clinical criteria for Alcohol Use Disorder just as much as someone who drinks a small amount daily. The NIAAA defines AUD as a chronic pattern of compulsive alcohol use, loss of control over intake, and a negative emotional state when not drinking — none of which requires daily consumption. If drinking is causing problems in your life regardless of how often it happens, that is the signal worth paying attention to.

What is the difference between an alcoholic and a heavy drinker?

A heavy drinker consumes alcohol in amounts that exceed recommended guidelines but may still be able to moderate, reduce, or stop their drinking without significant physical or psychological difficulty. An alcoholic — or someone with Alcohol Use Disorder — has lost meaningful control over their drinking, continues despite negative consequences, and may experience powerful cravings, withdrawal symptoms, or an inability to stop even when they want to. The distinction matters because heavy drinking can be addressed with lifestyle changes, while AUD typically requires structured professional treatment. Both patterns carry real health risks, and neither should be dismissed simply because the person appears to be “functioning.”

What are the early warning signs of alcoholism?

The early warning signs of alcoholism include needing more alcohol than before to feel the same effect (tolerance), drinking more than you planned or for longer than intended, repeatedly trying to cut back without success, and continuing to drink despite noticing it causing problems in your relationships, work, or health. Other early signs include drinking alone or in secret, hiding alcohol, becoming irritable or anxious when you can’t drink, and losing interest in activities or people you used to care about.

What is a “functional alcoholic” and how can you tell?

A functional alcoholic — more accurately called a high-functioning person with AUD — is someone who maintains the outward appearance of a normal, productive life while still meeting the clinical criteria for alcohol dependence. They may hold a demanding job, sustain relationships, and appear healthy to those around them, which is precisely what makes this pattern so difficult to recognize and address. Internally, though, they may be experiencing powerful cravings, secretly drinking to manage anxiety or stress, building significant tolerance, and structuring their life around access to alcohol. High-functioning AUD is not a “lighter” form of the condition — it carries the same long-term health risks and tends to worsen over time without treatment.

How do I know if I or a loved one needs professional help for drinking?

The clearest indicators that professional help is needed are an inability to control or stop drinking despite wanting to, continued drinking despite serious consequences, physical withdrawal symptoms when not drinking, and drinking becoming the organizing principle of daily life. If someone you love is hiding their drinking, pulling away from relationships and interests they used to care about, experiencing health problems they won’t address, or cycling through promises to quit that don’t hold, these are signs that the situation has moved beyond willpower and into the territory of a medical condition that responds to treatment. At Boardwalk Recovery Center in San Diego, we offer a confidential, compassionate first conversation — no commitment required — for anyone who wants to understand their options and take a first step.