Expert: Druideck - 1/6/2009

Question
I guess I want to know when or how you decide that you're an alcoholic versus you just need to cut back? I drink pretty much every day, but I've never thought that I NEED a drink. I have a very strong family history - my mother died of alcoholism when she was 40. I guess since I am getting close to that age, I worry a little bit. I definitely think I drink more than I should, but mostly because I wouldn't want to admit that I drink every day. I have never had a problem with it interfering with my job or responsibilities at home. I don't drink and drive. I don't pass out. I probably drink between 1-3 glasses of wine per day, at home after work. At what point do you decide you're actually an alcoholic? Also, if an alcoholic can function in everyday life(my mother could not, so my perception of what constitutes an alcoholic is somewhat skewed), then why is it necessary to avoid alcohol altogether?

Thanks for your time.

Answer
Natalie,

there isn't anything inherently wrong
with drinking until it has adverse effects
on your mental, physical, emotional and/or
spiritual being.
Many alcoholics myself included had years
of drinking before things got out of hand.
The first thing I noticed was that
a drink made me feel really good, too good.
This is because of the release of endorphins
the alcohol triggers in the brain.
It makes alcohol feel like possibly heroin does.
The urge to repeat this pattern grows until
you become dependent and addicted to alcohol.
At this point you cannot quit on your
own willpower. The drinking always resumes
in time.
Another alcoholic symptom is as you mentioned the
drinking starts to interfere with daily
routines such as work, eating, sleeping,
social engagements and relationships with others.
You may notice your reluctance to attend
any function where there is no alcohol served.
Later stages involve drunk driving, problems
with the law and finally paranoia and insanity.
Of course there is also liver and heart problems.
Alcoholism is tough to self-diagnose because
of the denial that grows in defense of the illness.
Even if people warn you it doesn't quite
feel like you have a problem. Even after
the evidence becomes unquestionable
many alcoholics can't believe they are
doing anything abnormal.
This illness protects itself from within.
A good test of whether you are an alcoholic
is how strongly you feel about giving
it up for long periods of time.
If you can honestly just stop and drink
non-alcohol drinks for a few months then
you might not be addicted yet.
If quitting seems unreasonable or you start
making excuses for your drinking, you
are likely headed for trouble.
The really bad times just haven't started yet.
Some alcoholic assessment questionaires that might
give you some insight as to where you are at.
http://efap.torontopolice.on.ca/alcohol_test.html
http://www.counseling.caltech.edu/drug/selftest/test1.html
http://www.aa-uk.org.uk/publications/areyou.htm
Take care!