Health: Study Says Drinking A Lot Does Not Make You An Alcoholic

By Stephanie Stahl

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Are people who drink a lot alcoholics?  Federal health officials say no.

Bartender Cary Jensen-Madison doesn't think having a few drinks after his shift is a big deal.  He says, " I probably drink at least 5 to 6 nights out of the week."

A new study from the CDC finds 9 out of 10 people who drink excessively are not alcoholics.  Dr. Robert Brewer with the  CDC Alcohol Program says, "The conventional wisdom has been that most people who drink too much have the disease of alcohol dependence or alcoholism. The study found that 1 in 3 adults are considered excessive drinkers, most binge drink on multiple occasions. "

Excessive drinking is defined as consuming 8 or more drinks a week for women...or 15 or more drinks for men. It can lead to health issues including cancer, liver and heart disease and is responsible for 88 thousand deaths in the U.S. each year.  Dr. Brewer says, " Excessive alcohol use is a huge public health problem in the U.S. It kills a large portion of people in the prime of their lives. "

Cary says he drinks socially, but makes sure he doesn't make it a habit that could put his health in danger.

Doctors say an alcoholic is someone who craves a drink, can't control how much they consume and is unable to stop.

Numbers show about 1 in 30 adults are considered alcoholics or alcohol dependent.