What is the difference between a drunk and an alcoholic

Question

To clarify, a group of us from work went out to dinner and one person was asked why she never order alcohol. She replied that her mother was a drunk and she didn't want to be like her. Another person said that he was sorry to hear that her mom was an alcoholic. She corrected him and said that her mother was a drunk not an alcoholic. The conversation was changed after that.

So what I want to know is what is the difference?

Answer 1

I would assume she meant she still drinks, an alcoholic has sought out treatment and is recovery.

Answer 2

Drunks don't go to meetings.

Answer 3

Alcoholics go to meetings. HA  

Answer 4

There is no difference.  She is in denial about her alcoholic mother.

Answer 5

Drunks are fun to be around.

Answer 6

drunks don't drink to function on a daily basis.

Answer 7

nothing

Answer 8

Maybe she felt that saying her mom was an alcoholic was putting a now almost glamorized word for it, and she wanted to use a less savory word.

Have no idea otherwise

Answer 9

Drunk is a habitual drinker, especially one who is frequently intoxicated while alcoholic is a person addicted to alcohol; One who abuses alcohol; Of or pertaining to alcohol; Having more than a trace amount of alcohol in its contents; Of, pertaining to, or affected by alcoholism.

Alcoholics should undergo treatment in order to alleviate it and to prevent any disease that may occur. You can find help at any treatment finder.