There are several synonyms for the term "heavy drinker". Some of the commonly used synonyms include alcoholic, drunkard, boozehound, lush, tippler, and inebriate. The word alcoholic is usually reserved for those who are addicted to alcohol and have physical and psychological dependence on it. Drunkard and boozehound are often used to describe someone who consumes alcohol to excess on a regular basis. Lush and tippler usually refer to individuals who frequently consume alcohol but may not have a physical dependence on it. Inebriate is more formal and usually used in medical contexts to describe someone who is intoxicated. Regardless of the term used, heavy drinking can lead to a number of health and social problems, including addiction, liver disease, and alcohol-related accidents.