[jayman715]

My dad was an alcoholic so I know what it is and what it isn't. Alcoholism is when alcohol ruins your life and damages your relationships. But is it a problem when someone:

1) drinks very often (several times a week)
2) drinks alone
3) when out drinking with friends, overdoes it and gets hammered

This person is not an alcoholic. There is no dependency and no negative effects on their life so far. But I am worried about the habit. What do you think?

[Shell C]

I'd say as long as that person is handling things on their own, don't worry about it too much, just keep a mental note to check in on them every once in awhile. i did turn to alcohol when my mom got sick, I'd just really "discovered" alcohol about a couple of years prior to that. i had to watch my mom die, literally WATCH her, and to escape those consistent thoughts, i had a drink before I'd go to work in the morning, then have another as soon as i got home. I'm past that now, and can honestly say, it gave me a sense of numbness that i really did need at the time. i know i can have that again if i need it or want it, but i haven't really "needed" it since i became a more intense caregiver to my husband, I'm more focused on keeping him comfortable than having my numbing drink(s) through the day. we all are adaptable to our given situations. we are human beings. if your friend does slip into a mode where he/she cannot work because of being intoxicated, cannot do simple things like paying bills, etc., then you should dive in and take him/her by the shoulders and MAKE them wake up to their responsibilities and CAPABILITIES. hope this helped you!!

[jayhind2007]

You say there is no dependency but they drink it several times a week? Why?

[Joe Shemo from Kokomo]

He doesn't sound like an alike, just a drunk. He should be OK with minimal bitching.

[DynoD]

I think there are such things as drinking problems that aren't necessarily addiction problems.

Alcoholism isn't defined by negative effects on a person's life. Generally speaking, alcoholics DO have negative effects over time, but someone who has a drinking problem and is not addicted can still have negative effects from drinking. That doesn't make them alcoholic.

If this person were to have a beer or two after work several times a week, I don't think that's a problem...and I don't think having a drink while they're alone and say...working on a project or cleaning the house is an issue either. If that person sits down with a hard drink, all alone on a regular basis...that could be a problem.

If this person drinks too much when they're out with friends, it could be that they aren't mature enough to handle that, and they still think going to a bar means you HAVE to get hammered. That person may not be an alcoholic, but they have a drinking problem. Some people think they can't have fun unless they're drinking.

[The Real Napster]

That person could very well be an alcoholic - there isn't just one type. And if they're not an alcoholic now, they may be well on their way to it. I would be worried.

[M V]

That person IS an alcoholic. Don't base alcoholism only on what you seen through your dad. Alcoholism is different in everybody and your friend is in fact an alcoholic. Talk to them about it.

[carlygiiirl]

well i say drink but dint over do it [unless its your 21 or st pa ties day RI October fest ]

[The Scientist]

Well Sarah....this is what I think....if you don't drink..don't start...
( hick )....

[xena_at_heart]

Could kill them after 30 years of doing it or less.