AboutJan Edward Williams Expertise all questions related to drug or alcohol addiction, except those requiring the expertise of a physician or those relating to mental health problems apart from addiction. See my web site: http://www.alcoholdrugsos.com
Experience I have been working as a licensed addictions counselor for 29 years and am in recovery myself for 31 years
Organizations Licensed Clinical Professional Counselors Maryland
Maryland Addictions Professional Certification Board
Education/Credentials MS Counseling
Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor, Maryland
Expert: Jan Edward Williams Date: 6/28/2007 Subject: Is my boyfriend a alcoholic?
Question QUESTION: hello
rite i bin with my boyfriend for over a year now and he drinks every day as soon as he comes home from work.He goes to the pub and has about 2-3 pints he then moves on to another pub and has another 2-3. we recently had a real big row over his drinking and split up but then we got back together because he said he would cut down. he did for a little while but now it seems to have crept back up even though he still insists that he has cut down from what he used to drink. he has been brought up with his mum and dad drinking in pubs all the time and also at home because his parents will sit and do 3 bottles of wine a night roughly. his dad drinks early in the morning whereas my boyfriend only starts drinking at about 11 unless hes at work then he will wait till he gets back. hope i have given enough information. Is my boyfriend a alcoholic?
ANSWER: You have not provided enough information for a definite answer. Assuming that there is alcoholism in your boyfriend's parents (again not emough information to be sure), then he is at risk to become alcoholic. Clealry his drinking is causing ongoing tension in your relationship which is an indication of a problem. Inability to be able to cut back use may also be an indicator of a problem. Do you see also any changes in personality or behaviors that are negative; any blackouts (memory loss while under the influence), legal or job problems related to alcohol use? I would need this kind of information to be able to fully answer your question. See my web site: http://www.alcoholdrugsos.com.
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QUESTION: wel his dad goes from one pub to another and is basicalli in the pub drinkin all day and then drives bak home and does the bottles of wine as i said and he drinks from early in the mornin. my boyfriend sometimes does not remember what happened the nite before when we go out to parties and stuff because he got too drunk to be able to remember. he does not seem to have money problems because of his drink thats because of bills he has to pay. his behavior is negative as soon as i mention drink to him but other then that hes fine. when he cut down he didnt seem to change his personality or anythin but that mite have been because he mite not have cut down as much as he said he did. hes had a few days off work in the past where he has been really ill the next day after too much alcohol but not often. Need any more info?
Thanks for taking your time to read this and reply back to me because i do not know if my boyfriend is addicted and needs help or if this is ok.
Answer I still do not have enough information to diagnose your boyfriend as an alcoholic. A pattern of blackouts does provide evidence for additional concern, as does his father's aparent alcoholism. Please go to my web site and check the information there, including the free screening tests that you can take: http://www.alcoholdrugsos.com
