Expert: james52144@earthlink.net - 11/19/2011

Question
I have a boyfriend whom says he is an alcoholic. I am not sure if he is or not. I know he drinks a lot of whiskey but when he isn't drinking he doesn't get the shakes. Do all alcoholics get the shakes? I have always had this in  my family and they get sick and get the shakes if they are not drinking. He does none of these. I tell him he just wants to drink because he isn't happy. Could you please let me know. He says I am not schooled enough about this subject.

Answer
Dear Secret

Only the drinker knows whether they are an alcoholic or not. An alcoholic is someone that can't stop drinking even though they know it might have adverse consequences. Shaking can be a symptom of withdrawals, or something else. A lot of people who are classic alcoholics do not shake. I would let him decide what he is. Good luck.