Which term describes someone who drinks alcohol uncontrollably on some occasions but has fewer episodes than an alcoholic?

The term that best describes someone who drinks alcohol uncontrollably on some occasions but has fewer episodes than an alcoholic is "alcohol abuser." This classification encompasses individuals who engage in problematic drinking behaviors that can lead to negative consequences, but do not meet the full criteria for alcohol dependence or alcoholism. Alcohol abuse is characterized by a pattern of drinking that results in social, occupational, legal, or interpersonal problems.

In contrast, the terms for the other choices don’t accurately capture this specific behavior. An alcoholic typically has a chronic condition characterized by a physical and psychological dependence on alcohol, often with regular and compulsive drinking behavior. Recreational drinkers consume alcohol primarily for enjoyment and typically do so in moderation, without the negative consequences associated with their drinking. Social drinkers engage in drinking mainly in social settings and generally do so responsibly and without addiction or abuse patterns. Thus, the best fit for the described drinking pattern is "alcohol abuser."