Drunkard vs. Alcoholic — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Urooj Arif — Updated on May 16, 2024
A drunkard frequently drinks to excess without necessarily being dependent, while an alcoholic has a medical condition characterized by an addiction to alcohol, impacting their health and life.
Difference Between Drunkard and Alcoholic
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
A drunkard is someone who regularly drinks excessive amounts of alcohol but may not be physically or psychologically dependent on it. They often drink to get drunk and may engage in binge drinking without considering the consequences. An alcoholic, on the other hand, suffers from alcoholism, a chronic disease characterized by an inability to control drinking due to both a physical and psychological dependence on alcohol. Alcoholism affects every aspect of their life, from personal relationships to physical and mental health.
While a drunkard’s behavior might be socially disruptive and unhealthy, they do not necessarily experience withdrawal symptoms or a compulsion to drink in the same way an alcoholic does. Alcoholics often find it difficult to function without alcohol and may experience severe withdrawal symptoms when they try to stop drinking.
The term drunkard is often used in a more colloquial and pejorative sense, focusing on the individual's behavior, whereas the term alcoholic is a clinical term that recognizes the medical nature of the condition. Society tends to view drunkards as individuals with a lack of self-control, while alcoholics are recognized as needing medical treatment and support.
Comparison Chart
Definition
Regularly drinks excessively without dependency
Suffers from alcoholism, a chronic addiction to alcohol
Physical Dependency
Not necessarily dependent on alcohol
Physically and psychologically dependent on alcohol
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Behavior
Often engages in binge drinking
Needs alcohol to function daily
Social Perception
Seen as lacking self-control
Recognized as having a medical condition
Treatment
Behavioral changes and moderation
Medical intervention and long-term support
Compare with Definitions
Drunkard
Someone who habitually drinks to excess.
The town drunkard was often seen stumbling out of bars late at night.
Alcoholic
An individual with a dependency on alcohol.
The alcoholic struggled to maintain sobriety despite several attempts.
Drunkard
An individual who regularly gets drunk.
The drunkard was notorious for causing scenes at the local pub.
Alcoholic
A person suffering from alcoholism.
She attended support meetings to help her cope as an alcoholic.
Drunkard
A person who drinks too much alcohol on a regular basis.
The neighbors complained about the noise from the drunkard's late-night parties.
Alcoholic
A person for whom alcohol consumption disrupts daily life.
His job performance suffered because he was an alcoholic.
Drunkard
Someone whose excessive drinking is a prominent trait.
His behavior at the office party confirmed his status as a drunkard.
Alcoholic
Someone who cannot control their drinking.
The alcoholic needed professional help to manage their addiction.
Drunkard
A person known for frequent heavy drinking.
She worried about her father's reputation as a drunkard.
Alcoholic
An individual with both a physical and psychological addiction to alcohol.
The doctor explained the health risks associated with being an alcoholic.
Drunkard
One who is habitually drunk.
Alcoholic
Related to or resulting from alcohol.
Drunkard
(derogatory) A person who is habitually drunk.
Alcoholic
Containing or preserved in alcohol.
Drunkard
One who habitually drinks strong liquors immoderately; one whose habit it is to get drunk; a toper; a sot.
The drunkard and glutton shall come to poverty.
Alcoholic
Having alcoholism.
Drunkard
A chronic drinker
Alcoholic
A person who has alcoholism.
Alcoholic
A person addicted to alcohol.
Alcoholic
One who abuses alcohol.
Alcoholic
Of or pertaining to alcohol.
Alcoholic
Having more than a trace amount of alcohol in its contents.
He ordered an alcoholic beverage.
The oysters were sour, and excessively alcoholic.
Alcoholic
Of, pertaining to, or affected by alcoholism.
Alcoholic
Of or pertaining to alcohol, or partaking of its qualities; derived from, or caused by, alcohol; containing alcohol; as, alcoholic mixtures; alcoholic gastritis; alcoholic odor.
Alcoholic
A person given to the use of alcoholic liquors.
Alcoholic
Alcoholic liquors.
Alcoholic
A person who drinks alcohol to excess habitually
Alcoholic
Used of beverages containing alcohol;
Alcoholic drinks
Alcoholic
Addicted to alcohol;
Alcoholic expatriates in Paris
Common Curiosities
What is a drunkard?
A drunkard is someone who frequently drinks excessively but is not necessarily dependent on alcohol.
Can a drunkard become an alcoholic?
Yes, prolonged excessive drinking can lead to physical and psychological dependency, resulting in alcoholism.
Is there a medical diagnosis for being a drunkard?
No, "drunkard" is not a medical term; it is more of a colloquial description of habitual excessive drinking.
What defines an alcoholic?
An alcoholic is a person with a chronic addiction to alcohol, characterized by an inability to control drinking.
Can drunkards stop drinking on their own?
Some drunkards can moderate their drinking habits, while others may need support to change their behavior.
What social implications are associated with drunkards?
Drunkards are often viewed negatively, seen as lacking self-control or engaging in socially disruptive behavior.
What are the symptoms of alcoholism?
Symptoms include a strong craving for alcohol, loss of control over drinking, withdrawal symptoms, and increased tolerance.
Is being a drunkard a sign of alcoholism?
Not necessarily; a drunkard regularly drinks heavily but may not have an addiction, while an alcoholic is dependent on alcohol.
Can lifestyle changes help drunkards?
Yes, adopting healthier habits and seeking behavioral counseling can help drunkards reduce their excessive drinking.
What are the health risks of being an alcoholic?
Alcoholism can lead to liver disease, cardiovascular problems, mental health issues, and other serious health conditions.
How do drunkards affect their families?
Drunkards can cause significant stress and emotional turmoil for their families due to their excessive drinking habits.
Are there support groups for drunkards?
Support groups primarily focus on alcoholics, but drunkards may also benefit from such groups to moderate their drinking.
How is alcoholism treated?
Treatment often includes detoxification, counseling, medication, and support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous.
Can an alcoholic drink in moderation?
Most alcoholics find it very difficult to drink in moderation due to their addiction and often require complete abstinence.
What is the difference between binge drinking and alcoholism?
Binge drinking is consuming large amounts of alcohol in a short period, while alcoholism is a chronic dependency on alcohol.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
