There can be a difference between so called “problem drinking” and “true alcoholism”. But both may require treatment. The question is, what kind of treatment? Someone who is experiencing a difficult period may increase alcohol intake. That is not necessarily the sign of an alcoholic or someone who should seek alcoholism treatment, though therapy would most certainly be advised. Once the difficult circumstances are over, they usually go back to moderate drinking. However, for someone who has suffered an earlier trauma of some kind, such as an emotional trauma, drinking may be a form of dealing with that trauma, or medicating in order not to deal with it. This person will continue to drink until the trauma is finally dealt with. At a certain point, it will mean there may be a serious physical addiction to deal with, as well. There are others who take one drink and become addicted to alcohol instantly.

Both of these people can end up drinking to the point of self-destruction and residential treatment is usually the best way to begin recovery in these cases.