Binge drinking vs. daily drinking? What resources do you recommend? Annie Grace answers.

One popular question I get is on the difference between binge drinking and daily drinking. Start reading This Naked Mind for free today to learn more - visit www.thisnakedmind.com/book
I really want to talk about this difference. I think that there are really two categories when it comes to how people drink problematically. One is daily drinking that's what I did. I drank every single day - at least a bottle of wine sometimes more. Binge drinking where you don't drink every single day but special occasions come up. Weddings, weekends - all of the sudden drinking is not just a little bit but it's really a lot of drinking and to the point where kind of you're the ones falling down, hurting themselves. stuff like that.
With regular drinking and daily drinking for a long time at least outwardly people really manage to function right. So that you can be successful, you can have the career, you can have the marriage. Your drinking could be pretty hidden but you're doing it all the time every day or even if you're not hiding it you're still sort of appearing somewhat sober. The truth is you’re consuming so much alcohol that you’re not getting drunk because it’s happening on such a regular basis. You build such a high tolerance that some of the physical side effects aren't as intense. The trap that regular drinkers fall into is that they see the person who is stumbling, who's slurring, who's falling over and they think well surely you know I'm not as bad off as them because I'm not doing those things you know I can handle myself.
Binge drinking on the other hand is where somebody is actually really capable of stopping and they do they stop all the time over and over
and over again. So they're really used to withdrawals, they're used to going through periods of time where they stop. One of the main reasons that they stopped is because the binges are so bad and so intense that when they are ready to finally say okay I'm stopping this. They don't even want to put a drink near their mouth. They're sick of it - the cognitive dissonance is gone. The problem is how do they stay stopped? Interestingly in the binge drinking side of the spectrum equally we look at regular drinkers and we say well you know I don't have a problem because I don't drink every night. I don't have a problem because I can go for weeks without drinking, months without drinking.
The truth is that in both these situations it's kind of the same mechanisms at work. Watch the complete video where I explain how the dopamine response is the same whether you’re a daily drinker or binge drinking.

[@gratemusic3008]

So true. I am a binger. Self destruction mode after feeling amazing at the beginning of the drinking adventures. I stop for a week or so, until a party or holiday or celebrating small accomplishments. It feels like everything is great until the embarrassing regretful behaviors begin...a real affliction for sure and I applaud all of you who are actively attempting to be more healthy 🙏

[@ThisNakedMind]

I hope you're able to find your freedom from alcohol!

[@gratemusic3008]

@@ThisNakedMind I got one Friday down and am ready to practice no drinking. Gotta do it to create a better future myself and loved ones, while attempting to mend some of the relationships worthwhile of keeping.Thank you for your empathy 🙏

[@worldwide1873]

This is exactly my situation

[@opencurtin]

I’m off booze 10 months a weekend binge drinker , I finely woke up to the fact I could not drink anymore black outs Shame , anxiety, falls and countless embarrassing stuff I can’t mention , life isn’t perfect but at least I’m not putting myself in ways of danger every weekend!

[@ThisNakedMind]

Life will never be perfect but it becomes manageable without alcohol!

[@willneverforgets3341]

I am no longer "depressed" Monday mornings, because I have actually had rest on the weekend!

[@Gholden1972]

I love your statement. This Monday was my best Monday ever. No depression or anxiety.

[@harley7912]

I'm only 8 days sober and have fought with myself wether Im an alcoholic or not and this has helped me so much

[@NB-sq7ui]

How you doing now ? Are u daily drinking or binging ?

[@bangkokstevie]

I've been a binge drinker since I was 15 (I'm 59). By the time I was 20 I was drinking everyday and things continued this way until my mid 30s. I've always loved the hit from alcohol and years of playing in bands just made the availability of booze very easily accessible. I'd probably live those years all over again if I had the choice because it was so much fun. Then the hangovers began to become a problem for me and one day I had my first panic attack. I've been living with depression and anxiety the past 25 years or so. All this time I've been drinking alcohol 2 - 4 days a week. I don't get falling over drunk very often but the units all add up. These recent years I began to feel like crap on the days I wasn't drinking. Fatigue, lack of motivation/energy, flu like aches and pains symptoms. My mood has generally been low. I'd been in denial for years. I had become physically and mentally dependent on it. On the days I wasn't drinking I was getting withdrawal symptoms. I'm currently 33 days sober. That's the longest I've gone without a beer for many years. The first couple of weeks were tough but sleeping better now and the fatigue isn't so bad but emotionally I'm feeling quite fragile. I'm hanging in there. Good luck....

[@ThisNakedMind]

33 days is an awesome achievement. It does get easier with time and it is worth it to feel good again!

[@viviennecarty2418]

I hope it went well for you ❤

[@simplypatti6705]

I’m recovering from a binge; a two day hangover is miserable and I really just want this to stop forever. I know I can’t have one drink. Because eventually... that tipping point always happens. My husband had to clean up after me and put me to bed Friday night. I remember crying saying “I’m sorry” and he said “No. No you’re not.” It broke my heart.

[@ThisNakedMind]

How are you doing now? Have you joined alcoholexperiment.com?

[@simplypatti6705]

@@ThisNakedMind 😞 I’m ashamed to answer. I haven’t been as drunk as I was on October 30th; but I’m still drinking. More than one drink at a time, like usual. I told my husband if I had the disposable income, I wish I could go to Mexico as a “medical tourist” and have a gastric balloon inserted. It’s physically impossible to drink alcohol or anything carbonated due to the balloon. That would guarantee my not being able to drink for six months. Perhaps that would give me enough time to get my 💩 together. But, unfortunately, that’s not possible (💵) and no gastroenterologist here in the states would insert one here because my BMI is under 30. Wow. I just gave you a really long, rambling answer to a fairly straightforward question. So, anyway... not great. Still drinking but not falling into my own vomit. I guess that’s a plus 😒

[@scottwalker1553]

I'm a binge drinker on the weekends,thanks so much for explaining it the way you did,its exactly how I feel before the start of the work week,just trying to figure out how to stop it

[@ThisNakedMind]

Awareness can be such an important first step!

[@christophermartin299]

I’m a binger, that was a brilliant presentation on alcohol binging, that totally sounds like me, I stop 10-20 days sometimes then I break, your presentation was very helpful in helping me understand my behaviour, thank you 🙏

[@corycade9041]

you probably dont care at all but does any of you know of a trick to get back into an instagram account..? I stupidly lost the login password. I would appreciate any help you can give me.

[@jonahfinn6852]

@Cory Cade Instablaster :)

[@aega2112]

Excellent Annie. Crystal clear as usual. I was regular and in a bad spot. I know it now because my body took almost a year to recover. But what a great time investment. Life-changing effect.

[@oreo_and_martine]

Thank you for this information and for all of your work.

[@dylanc760]

Extremely useful info. Can't wait to order the book.

[@cindyclay6877]

Your name just came up on my Reddit account...I am a binge drinker and this info is spot on. I will continue to follow you for more information.

[@AnneliedeWet]

This is soooo brilliant and knowledgeable and analytically astute, totally unique, thank you!

[@ThisNakedMind]

You're very welcome!

[@scottcollins8483]

Excellent video. Thank you

[@matthewleonard386]

Hence, "alcoholism" is being replaced by "alcohol use disorder". Because it is a spectrum, with no one size fits all.

[@ThisNakedMind]

100%

[@sicmic]

Wow, this is such an unbelievably intelligent and in-depth explanation. I was able to relate perfectly to the things Annie was saying.

[@ThisNakedMind]

So glad it resonated with you!

[@bbk6266]

Im a binge drinker.. Lots info here you gave. Thankyou.

[@ThisNakedMind]

You're welcome.

[@NB-sq7ui]

This video just explained my binge drinking exactly! THANK YOU SO MUCH ! The problem is u forgot the hangovers and depression etc you just remember the laughs u have and the good times.

[@ThisNakedMind]

That selective memory!!

[@daydreamer2346]

Wow, you got this down to the science. I use to be a daily drinker but I found all the BS about alcohol. Then going out with friends every now and then, I became a binge drinker, drinking a few times/days weeks apart. My tolerance is much lower, I blackout fairly easy and the hangovers are insane! (I’ve been drinking the amount of alcohol that I was use to when I was a daily drinker I guess) I never understand why that was happening. Everything you said is 100% correct!!!

[@ThisNakedMind]

I hope you find your freedom for good from it!

[@Time.for.tea.]

This video is validating my hunch about someone in my life that denies he has a problem. He is a very proud, stubborn, narcissistic person who is never wrong, but he literally tells everyone that he’s a humble and easygoing church guy. Thank you for validating that he does have a problem despite his gaslighting and denial. Idk if he’ll ever change but at least I know that what I see is true.

[@ThisNakedMind]

Happy this could provide you with some clarity!

[@stacypepsi9708]

Love your videos was intrested also in which is worse for your body and mind. Ive been a binge drinker for 20 years im 52 days sober and still waking up tired some days cant seemed to get my zest for life back and im now well aware its alcohol

[@ThisNakedMind]

They are both bad and wreak havoc on the body and mind.

[@cherisherwood2803]

I have been sober just over 2 yrs. Before my two years i has 14mths. My relapse lasted 5 months with a month and 11/2 months sober in between. I only got sober because i had to. My granddaughter was born and some family event. I struggled for two months after that year, the first time around. I learned alot that first year, and even more after relapsing. This time around this two years have been amazing! I love the way you have confirmed what i have learned, but have also taught me more. You are very pleasant and easy to listen to. I can relate to so much of what you are saying. I find myself listening to topics that i dont think i would, and end up hearing something new that i can. I feel coming across this email was not a coincidence. I have so many, i dont even open most. Im looking forward to hearing more. Thank you so much for sharing your abundant knowledge, in a language i can understand!😉😊

[@ThisNakedMind]

Congrats on your strength through this journey!

[@margaretmanzer2194]

@@ThisNakedMind you are my go to person. Awesome!

[@rjs8392]

Hi I'm 3 weeks sober and really love your videos. Massive thanks from the UK 😁 x

[@ThisNakedMind]

We would love an update on how you're doing now!

[@rjs8392]

@@ThisNakedMind hi I'm 2 and a half years clean pretty much, had a few weeks relapse about 5 months ago but sorted myself out. Going to study Psychology at Uni next year. Love your work. Thanks

[@viviennecarty2418]

So helpful Annie. Thank you ❤😊

[@ThisNakedMind]

So glad to hear that!

[@parkerfamily565]

This video great! Explains my dilemma perfectly. I binge maybe 5-6 times a year but every time I go too far which causes me to do a long sober stint but then a few months down the line boom back to square one

[@ThisNakedMind]

Hope you're doing well now!

[@parkerfamily565]

@@ThisNakedMind thank you, I’m just over 9 months sober now and I’m not missing it one bit 😁

[@leser1music]

I'm struggling with weekend binge drinking. The hard part is by the next weekend, I've forgotten the last weekend, i feel good again and drinking again doesn't seem so bad. Also, i drink all weekend, drink way too much but pace myself well so don't get visually inebriated or badly hungover. So, I know I am over doing it, I need to stop but don't have the negatives to push me to stop

[@ThisNakedMind]

How about journaling so you can refer back to how it makes you feel in the moment and to track how your body truly feels after drinking and when not drinking. When we drink regularly and are in a constant state of withdrawal we think that it isn't that bad but once we go alcohol free it can be a huge eye opener to see how good we can truly feel.

[@leser1music]

@@ThisNakedMind thanks for the reply, and great suggestion.

[@MattMendians]

Very true!

[@ThisNakedMind]

Thanks for watching!

[@darraghlynn9082]

Very good I get to 10 to 15 days then back I go agar find it hard to quit

[@ThisNakedMind]

I think it's important to remember your reasons for stopping and focus on those when you feel tempted.

[@milenaseymour446]

This is sooo me falling into to misleading path of binge drinking !

[@ThisNakedMind]

Gets the best of so many of us!

[@KoloaKane]

I am so happy waking up not under the influence of drinking

[@ThisNakedMind]

The best feeling!!

[@NB-sq7ui]

I've been binging for 30 plus years , plus recreational drugs at the weekend, I have spells of 3 to 4 weeks 9f sobriety then I get 'bored' and go back to it..But if makes me feel awful..I always work out virtually every day and it obv affects this too..I seem to do things to excess.. I'm 49 this year and although I'll miss the social scene with my friends and having fun i cant feel like this anymore..

[@ThisNakedMind]

Realizing that you can't continue that way is an important step!

[@baldersn4474]

​​@@ThisNakedMind 2 yeaea on.Relapased so many times..Im back here again..Please help..icer times i just keep forgetting how bad it was..

[@mjc32991]

I regularly drink 4-7 beers every night. It’s the first thing I do when I’m off work.

[@ThisNakedMind]

Many of us fell into that routine.

[@KoloaKane]

I was a daily binge drinker

[@ThisNakedMind]

So great to be able to say that in the past tense!!

[@ciaranmac8689]

I go months sometimes I'm of it now a month feel great I don't want it but sometimes something trigers it then its 2-5 days then I feel like really bad for 3-4 days

[@ThisNakedMind]

It is such a difficult and exhausting cycle to be stuck in. Have you checked out the new Companion App yet? It has so many free resources that might be useful to you! thisnakedmindapp.com

[@23raid]

What's more dangerous daily drinking or binge drinking? I'm a binge drinker 2 days out of the week.

[@ThisNakedMind]

That is such a chicken /egg question. Especially now that research shows there is no safe level of drinking.

[@margaretmanzer2194]

1 to 2 times a week, just one night all night. 4 grams of Xanax( to get through the 2 day hangover), back to work for 3 days, then repeat. quit for 5 years, don't care for drinking much anymore, maybe once or twice a month and i rarely over do it, but i have a a few times in the last 4 years, im 65 so my interests have changed. Is there a time when people can drink too much under situational circumstances and not be an alcoholic. I never had dt's or drank in the morning.9(maybe on a vacation) i honestly cant say if i am alcoholic but i can still stub my toe once in awhile, but can very easily turn it down for weeks as well. thoughts?

[@ThisNakedMind]

Drinking is a problem when you feel it is. It's not about the behavior, it's about the emotions and effects related to the drinking.

[@felang9257]

So is the general contention; that no one can drink alcohol without having a drinking problem?

[@ThisNakedMind]

It has to do with repeated exposure and tolerance.

[@Kenny47551]

How do you stop the binging........ Stop completely or gain control?

[@ThisNakedMind]

I'd suggest joining The Alcohol Experiment.

[@ellenwoods6059]

I have a friend who drinks beers every day but leads up to binge drinking about every week. How can we help these one?

[@ThisNakedMind]

They need to ready to change.

[@thomasschellberg8213]

This is interesting stuff. I cannot imagine drinking a bottle of wine every night, but I guess your body gets used to it. I want to drink up my wine collection over the next ten years (570 bottles). Some of it is getting old now. I've been experimenting with days off, while still drinking a bottle per week (to lower blood pressure and improve sleep). I did not drink my usual two glasses tonight, but I did not notice any difference from drinking days, so I guess I'm not getting a big dopamine withdrawal. Hopefully, three days off per week will work and still allow me to drink good wine.

[@ThisNakedMind]

It's hard to see health benefits while still regularly drinking. It can take upwards of 10 days for the body to achieve homeostasis so if we drink again during that time we just start the cycle all over again.

[@thomasschellberg8213]

@@ThisNakedMind I'll just continue to enjoy my miserable sub-optimal health for the rest of my life (hopefully twenty years). I enjoy good food and wine too much.

[@nancydee6106]

Story of my life

[@ThisNakedMind]

[@nancydee6106]

I came back to watch after relapsing again ugh.

[@nancydee6106]

Im here with my hangover 😵 i hate me

[@ThisNakedMind]

Show yourself love always!

[@nancydee6106]

This is me. Binger! Help. I can go like 6 weeks

[@ThisNakedMind]

You got this! Change is possible!

[@amynicole5884]

Can anyone help me out of this binge.. help me slow it down..

[@ThisNakedMind]

Have you tried joining The Alcohol Experiment? www.alcoholexperiment.com

[@darrenwatson6667]

I binge 4 times a week on straight Vodka around 14 shots I had to start drinking on an empty stomach so I can feel it I’ve decided to stop binging again and again Maybe this is the time

[@ThisNakedMind]

Hope it is! You deserve freedom!

[@krishankochar3059]

4 drinks for a healthy adult.that’s considered a binge according to the World Health Organization.

[@ThisNakedMind]

And the amount is constantly shifting lower as new research comes out.

[@paulbrown5839]

Everything you have said here is very good. But what people don't talk about is how enjoyable binge drinking is. You are only talking about the 'next day' and the negative parts of it. People binge drink (or take drugs) because it is escapism. Giving yourself to hedonism and overindulgence, the thing we are not meant to do. Instead of fighting it, during a binge we embrace it. One can be free of the anxieties and constraints of the earth..and get right out there. It is freeing. Of course, there are massive downsides, and the older you get the cost benefit balance makes it not worth it. But at a certain time of life, it can be very enjoyable, much more enjoyable than controlled drinking.

[@ThisNakedMind]

Appreciate your perspective. I wouldn't personally call that enjoyable but to each his own.

[@olya718]

Perfectly said. That’s exactly how I feel when I binge. Just want to let loose and feel free, fuck it all.

[@snaileymac7965]

still here but maybe thinking I don't fit the cookie cutter drinker. Sometimes I can go a week without drinking, supplement with weed, but then binge drinking terribly but no hangover because we drank an adequate amount of water, drinking daily, skipping a week, binge drinking to blackout extent, dying the next day because we didn't drink ANY FUCKING WATER lol, and then drinking now because we have a problem. 🤗

[@ThisNakedMind]

Being curious and aware there may be a problem is an an important part of the process. I encourage you to look into The Alcohol Experiment for more on taking a 30 day break from alcohol so you can assess your relationship with it. www.alcoholexperiment.com

[@williamgreenleaf77]

I stopped for 4 months after reading her book, great book, now I drink every night. No hope for me

[@stefaniecurry5804]

William Greenleaf There is always hope. You did it for 4 months. You can do it again. I’m reading the book. I wonder if it would help to read it again and /or read more materials.

[@williamgreenleaf77]

Thank you for the nice comment but drinking is such a part of me. I started really young and I honestly don’t remember a time I did not drink.

[@stefaniecurry5804]

William Greenleaf i did start it young as well although i exchanged that habit for weed for so many yrs. I still binge drank now and again and have been free of weed for 9 yrs but exchanged that for binging twice a wk the last couple yrs or so. It’s a tough spot in life to make changes and work on me but Ik there is hope. Never give up hope.

[@ThisNakedMind]

There is always hope. You just have more work to do.

[@Jimlifts1]

Lol, this video really made me hate myself. I can drink like a fish and don't even experience real hangovers anymore.

[@ThisNakedMind]

You're not alone in that experience! I talk about it in this video - kzbin.info/www/bejne/opmkiId8pqdshNk

[@Jimlifts1]

I've been running the alcohol experiment and I'm 3 days alcohol free and it's already gotten easier. The 3am anxiety is already gone for me.

[@GHBavalon]

Why I am fucking dizzy after drinking

[@ThisNakedMind]

Unfortunately we can't give medical advice. This would be best discussed with your physician.