Define alcoholism...what's your take?

[MichaelD]

Got into a discussion with a coworker. We were defining alcoholism. Everyone seems to have a different idea about this. The teetotaler says "if you have wine with dinner, you're an alcoholic." The social drinker says "if you have beer for breakfast, you're an alcoholic." The person who may have a problem says "I get drunk every night and I'm fine in the morning, so I'm not an alcoholic."

My understanding is that there is Functional Alcoholism, where someone MUST get drunk every day, but maintains his/her job and social relationships.

Then there's True Alcoholism, where someone is drunk 24/7 and starts getting withdrawal symptoms the moment their BAC drops below .15.

What is your interpretation of "an alcoholic?"

 

[Red Dawn]

<< What is your interpretation of "an alcoholic?" >>

Getting bombed and posting at ATOT asking where are all the Good Men?

 

[MichaelD]

<< Getting bombed and posting at ATOT asking where are all the Good Men? >>



Heheh, I've been lurking in that thread...it's semi-amusing to me.

 

[Zim Hosein]

<< Getting bombed and posting at ATOT asking where are all the Good Men? >>



http://www.dictionary.com/search?q=alcoholic

 

[kassy]

Kassy = Ex Functional Alcoholic (hasnt had a drink in 4 years)
Kassy's Father, Brother, Uncle and GrandFather = Alcoholics (they weren't what is typically classed as 'functioning'.)
My brother recently went through what I guess you would call detox. He has to take medication for life because of the nerve damage excess alcohol caused. (he is 29 )
Dad has a shot liver and was told either give up or die.

Personally I think when you get to the stage that either your mind or your body needs alcohol to get through the day you can be classed as an alcoholic.

 

[StageLeft]

Kassy is right. The functional definition I think is if it impacts other areas of your life like relationships and work. Nonetheless if you still have a good marriage, never late for work, but you're putting down 5 beer a night (yes there are people like that) I would call you an alcoholic because you depend on it as part of your lifestyle and it is undeniably bad for you at such levels.

 

[MichaelD]

<<

<< Getting bombed and posting at ATOT asking where are all the Good Men? >>



http://www.dictionary.com/search?q=alcoholic >>



1. Related to or resulting from alcohol.
2. Containing or preserved in alcohol.
3. Suffering from alcoholism.


LMAO at #2! I've know a few people like that.

Kassy,
Congrats on your sobriety. I know it's hard to stay sober when others around you are bombed...but now you get to drink free soda all night b/c you're the Designated Driver! Great post, Kassy.

 

[Mill]

Let me get my AA book I will be right back.

 

[kassy]

<< I know it's hard to stay sober when others around you are bombed...but now you get to drink free soda all night b/c you're the Designated Driver >>



Thanks
Being sober is cool, I get to watch the 'hell, that is looking good after 15 drinks' crowd. The next step is taking a camera so that I can show them all just how good it didnt look when they are sober.

 

[jadinolf]

I've always heard that an alcoholic is a person who drinks more than his/her doctor.

 

[lawaris]

I live cos' I drink

 

[azazyel]

From what I have understood there are many different types. For example a binge drinker can be considered an alcholic.