Definitions
Risky drinking (also called hazardous drinking) is defined by drinking above the recommended limits:

greater than 14 standard drinks units per week or greater than 4 standard drinks on a single occasion in men
greater than 7 standard drinks units per week or greater than 3 standard drinks on a single occasion in women
any drinking in pregnant women or persons < 21 years oldBinge drinking is a pattern of alcohol consumption that brings blood alcohol concentration ≥ 0.08%, usually corresponding to

≥ 5 standard drinks on a single occasion in men
≥ 4 standard drinks on a single occasion in womenIn the DSM-IV, alcohol abuse and alcohol dependence were defined as distinct disorders from 1994 to 2013. The DSM-5 combined those two disorders into alcohol use disorder with sub-classifications of severity. The DSM-IV definition is no longer used. There is no "alcoholism" diagnosis in medical care. Alcohol misuse is a term used by United States Preventive Services Task Force to describe a spectrum of drinking behaviors that encompass risky drinking, alcohol abuse, and alcohol dependence (similar meaning to alcohol use disorder but not a term used in DSM). Signs and symptoms
Individuals with an alcohol use disorder will often complain of difficulty with interpersonal relationships, problems at work or school, and legal problems. Additionally, people may complain of irritability and insomnia. Alcohol abuse is also an important cause of chronic fatigue. Signs of alcohol abuse are related to alcohols effects on organ systems. However, while these findings are often present, they are not necessary to make a diagnosis of alcohol abuse.
Because it is so rare it may be sometimes confused with comedo carcinoma of the breast although the conditions appear to be completely unrelated. == References ==