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How does one become addicted to alcohol?

D

dxkj

Lifer
How much do people have to drink and how often to become addicted? Ive been drinking for 4 years now and Ive never felt addicted, or the need to drink, yet sometimes I might drink a 24 pack in a weekend, or have a few beers a day for a few weeks, and then I will have nothing for a few weeks or a month until I go to the store and decide to pick up some.

Ive easily gone a few months without having any alcohol, and never felt the desire to drink during that time other than maybe on a hot day when im thinking of something refreshing...

so how does one become addicted, and how do you tell when you are?




Also, I almost never get a buzz feeling unless I pound 3 beers, or have more than 6 in a row in less than 2 hours, high tolerance, so maybe I just dont get addicted to the feeling ?


anyway, just curious


edit: I do think I might have an addictive personality though, in the sense that I can become addicted to doing one thing a lot (poker, online games, etc)
 
Genes...

Someone else will likely be the one to tell you that you are addicted. Then you will slap her ass and go get another case of natural light. When that happens you know.
 
Originally posted by: RCN
Genes...

Someone else will likely be the one to tell you that you are addicted. Then you will slap her ass and go get another case of natural light. When that happens you know.
Click to expand...

Both of my parents were at one point. My dad was an alcoholic and so was my mother.... then they stopped while we were kids.... now they have started again that we are out of the house, well at least my mother has. Both of my sisters are a little worried about her.
 
Originally posted by: Sheepathon
Genetic attack.
Click to expand...

The physical addiction, you can drink yourself into, where the emotional addiction was probably there all the time. Emotional addicts are those people who cannot, for whatever reason, cope with life, as it is. They must turn to substances to escape their reality, for it is too painful for them. Every adult has an imprint from their childhood, etched into their brain. If it was a great, happy childhood, I doubt many of those will become addicted to anything. OTOH, if one had a childhood filled with tragedy, loss of loved ones, abuse, etc., that would be a prime candidate for alcoholism or other addiction.
Genetically, it's highly likely, that if your grandfather, your father, or your mother was an acoholic, then you would have a much higher chance of becoming one yourself.

I personally, believe in the fact that there are two different types of Alcoholics;

1. Functional Alcoholic - One who can drink responsibly, but still needs to drink, but can function normally, both at work and home.



2. Disfunctional Alcoholic- One who has become disfunctional in every way, home and work. Those, ending in divorce, unemployment, homelessness, chronic illness from their disease, etc.

Personally, I have been both. I believe that once the underlying conditions that caused example 2 are treated (emotional issues, mostly), then one can go back to example 1.

An alcoholic is always an alcoholic, whether they are drinking or not.

 
Originally posted by: leftyman
happy hour
Click to expand...


BTW, when I lived in Washington state, the definitions were much more defined. When I moved to California, I learned that you really don't judge, or ask questions. Everyone here is fscked up, in one way or another. 😉
 
Originally posted by: dxkj
How much do people have to drink and how often to become addicted? Ive been drinking for 4 years now and Ive never felt addicted, or the need to drink, yet sometimes I might drink a 24 pack in a weekend, or have a few beers a day for a few weeks, and then I will have nothing for a few weeks or a month until I go to the store and decide to pick up some.

Ive easily gone a few months without having any alcohol, and never felt the desire to drink during that time other than maybe on a hot day when im thinking of something refreshing...

so how does one become addicted, and how do you tell when you are?




Also, I almost never get a buzz feeling unless I pound 3 beers, or have more than 6 in a row in less than 2 hours, high tolerance, so maybe I just dont get addicted to the feeling ?


anyway, just curious


edit: I do think I might have an addictive personality though, in the sense that I can become addicted to doing one thing a lot (poker, online games, etc)
Click to expand...


Some people are just pre-disposed to alcoholism. A friend of mine that had a problem described it to me this way: "The way that you feel when you are buzzed feels so good, so I think if 8 beers makes me feel this good, how about 15? Why wouldn't you want to feel this way forever?" Also, if 3 beers gives you a buzz you have a low tolerance, unless you are talking about funneling them straight, then that would be normal.
 
Originally posted by: compuwiz1
Originally posted by: Sheepathon
Genetic attack.
Click to expand...

The physical addiction, you can drink yourself into, where the emotional addiction was probably there all the time. Emotional addicts are those people who cannot, for whatever reason, cope with life, as it is. They must turn to substances to escape their reality, for it is too painful for them. Every adult has an imprint from their childhood, etched into their brain. If it was a great, happy childhood, I doubt many of those will become addicted to anything. OTOH, if one had a childhood filled with tragedy, loss of loved ones, abuse, etc., that would be a prime candidate for alcoholism or other addiction.
Genetically, it's highly likely, that if your grandfather, your father, or your mother was an acoholic, then you would have a much higher chance of becoming one yourself.

I personally, believe in the fact that there are two different types of Alcoholics;

1. Functional Alcoholic - One who can drink responsibly, but still needs to drink, but can function normally, both at work and home.



2. Disfunctional Alcoholic- One who has become disfunctional in every way, home and work. Those, ending in divorce, unemployment, homelessness, chronic illness from their disease, etc.

Personally, I have been both. I believe that once the underlying conditions that caused example 2 are treated (emotional issues, mostly), then one can go back to example 1.

An alcoholic is always an alcoholic, whether they are drinking or not.
Click to expand...

i dont agree with your definition of functional. i feel like there is some lack of true functioning necessary. as in, they go to work on time but are not working to the best of their abilities. obviously, its not life-ruining but i really think it has to have some negative ramifications built in.
 
Originally posted by: DaiShan
Originally posted by: dxkj
How much do people have to drink and how often to become addicted? Ive been drinking for 4 years now and Ive never felt addicted, or the need to drink, yet sometimes I might drink a 24 pack in a weekend, or have a few beers a day for a few weeks, and then I will have nothing for a few weeks or a month until I go to the store and decide to pick up some.

Ive easily gone a few months without having any alcohol, and never felt the desire to drink during that time other than maybe on a hot day when im thinking of something refreshing...

so how does one become addicted, and how do you tell when you are?




Also, I almost never get a buzz feeling unless I pound 3 beers, or have more than 6 in a row in less than 2 hours, high tolerance, so maybe I just dont get addicted to the feeling ?


anyway, just curious


edit: I do think I might have an addictive personality though, in the sense that I can become addicted to doing one thing a lot (poker, online games, etc)
Click to expand...


Some people are just pre-disposed to alcoholism. A friend of mine that had a problem described it to me this way: "The way that you feel when you are buzzed feels so good, so I think if 8 beers makes me feel this good, how about 15? Why wouldn't you want to feel this way forever?" Also, if 3 beers gives you a buzz you have a low tolerance, unless you are talking about funneling them straight, then that would be normal.
Click to expand...

pound = funnel = slam = kill = etc

by buzz I mean the slightest beginning feeling that you have had anything to drink... In my experience there are 10 levels to being buzzed, 1 meaning you can barely feel anything from drinking, almost light being very very slightly lightheaded

5 you are feeling good, happy, but no slurring, can walk fine, just feel good

10, the point where you look in a mirror, turn your head back and forth quickly and laugh at the delay, and know you are pretty much at the edge of being drunk



I guess some people define buzz differently, but if i dont feel any affect in the slightest, its not a buzz, if i start to feel a tiny bit, thats when i say the beginning of a buzz...

anyhoo
 
Originally posted by: PatboyX
Originally posted by: compuwiz1
Originally posted by: Sheepathon
Genetic attack.
Click to expand...

The physical addiction, you can drink yourself into, where the emotional addiction was probably there all the time. Emotional addicts are those people who cannot, for whatever reason, cope with life, as it is. They must turn to substances to escape their reality, for it is too painful for them. Every adult has an imprint from their childhood, etched into their brain. If it was a great, happy childhood, I doubt many of those will become addicted to anything. OTOH, if one had a childhood filled with tragedy, loss of loved ones, abuse, etc., that would be a prime candidate for alcoholism or other addiction.
Genetically, it's highly likely, that if your grandfather, your father, or your mother was an acoholic, then you would have a much higher chance of becoming one yourself.

I personally, believe in the fact that there are two different types of Alcoholics;

1. Functional Alcoholic - One who can drink responsibly, but still needs to drink, but can function normally, both at work and home.



2. Disfunctional Alcoholic- One who has become disfunctional in every way, home and work. Those, ending in divorce, unemployment, homelessness, chronic illness from their disease, etc.

Personally, I have been both. I believe that once the underlying conditions that caused example 2 are treated (emotional issues, mostly), then one can go back to example 1.

An alcoholic is always an alcoholic, whether they are drinking or not.
Click to expand...

i dont agree with your definition of functional. i feel like there is some lack of true functioning necessary. as in, they go to work on time but are not working to the best of their abilities. obviously, its not life-ruining but i really think it has to have some negative ramifications built in.
Click to expand...


IMO i think he is right... you need to have a drink to feel normal, and once you feel normal you can function fine.... #1 is a physical dependency, #2 is an emotional/mental one


 
Originally posted by: PatboyX
Originally posted by: compuwiz1
Originally posted by: Sheepathon
Genetic attack.
Click to expand...

The physical addiction, you can drink yourself into, where the emotional addiction was probably there all the time. Emotional addicts are those people who cannot, for whatever reason, cope with life, as it is. They must turn to substances to escape their reality, for it is too painful for them. Every adult has an imprint from their childhood, etched into their brain. If it was a great, happy childhood, I doubt many of those will become addicted to anything. OTOH, if one had a childhood filled with tragedy, loss of loved ones, abuse, etc., that would be a prime candidate for alcoholism or other addiction.
Genetically, it's highly likely, that if your grandfather, your father, or your mother was an acoholic, then you would have a much higher chance of becoming one yourself.

I personally, believe in the fact that there are two different types of Alcoholics;

1. Functional Alcoholic - One who can drink responsibly, but still needs to drink, but can function normally, both at work and home.



2. Disfunctional Alcoholic- One who has become disfunctional in every way, home and work. Those, ending in divorce, unemployment, homelessness, chronic illness from their disease, etc.

Personally, I have been both. I believe that once the underlying conditions that caused example 2 are treated (emotional issues, mostly), then one can go back to example 1.

An alcoholic is always an alcoholic, whether they are drinking or not.
Click to expand...

i dont agree with your definition of functional. i feel like there is some lack of true functioning necessary. as in, they go to work on time but are not working to the best of their abilities. obviously, its not life-ruining but i really think it has to have some negative ramifications built in.
Click to expand...

I can see where you might not agree. It really depends on the occupation. I'm a manager in a sales environment. Our top producers are pretty squared away in all areas, that one little thing, aside.

 
There is a difference between being addicted to alcohol and being an alcoholic. While someone who is addicted to alcohol is an alcoholic, it's not necessary to be addicted to alcohol to be an alcoholic.

Physical dependancy usually is the result of drinking in the morning to relieve a hangover or the shakes. Sooner or later it results in the necessity to drink to be able to function at all.

OTOH, an alcoholic cannot stop drinking once he or she starts. It only ends in passing out and is a regular event, whether it's daily, weekly, etc. Anyone who is alcoholic knows what I'm talking about. Alcoholics usually have lots of other severe emotional problems and the alcohol is but a symptom of their other problems.

Yes, I am an alcoholic and just celebrated my one year anniversary thanks to AA.
 
Originally posted by: jemcam
There is a difference between being addicted to alcohol and being an alcoholic. While someone who is addicted to alcohol is an alcoholic, it's not necessary to be addicted to alcohol to be an alcoholic.

Physical dependancy usually is the result of drinking in the morning to relieve a hangover or the shakes. Sooner or later it results in the necessity to drink to be able to function at all.

OTOH, an alcoholic cannot stop drinking once he or she starts. It only ends in passing out and is a regular event, whether it's daily, weekly, etc. Anyone who is alcoholic knows what I'm talking about. Alcoholics usually have lots of other severe emotional problems and the alcohol is but a symptom of their other problems.

Yes, I am an alcoholic and just celebrated my one year anniversary thanks to AA.
Click to expand...
Did you have to accept that the only one who can help you is God, not yourself?
 
Very happy for you, jemcam. If you value that, and it works for you, I'm behind you all the way. 🙂

I personally don't pass out anymore. My wife of 28 years,and I have some rules, regarding money, quantity, etc.
If I drink, I do not have car keys, more than $5, no credit cards, and no more than a 6 pack, or pint, depending on what I want to drink.

I was a total wreck 8 years ago.
Today, I wake up on time, go to work, am the top producer in my department, as well as highest paid. The demon is in check, which is actually a compromise. She'd rather I did not drink...sometimes I wish I could drink more. The common denominator, is that I tried being totally sober. I became dependent on therapists, anti depressants, and was normally just a hostile person. I've become so much better balanced with the compromise we have.

 
Originally posted by: mercanucaribe
Originally posted by: jemcam
There is a difference between being addicted to alcohol and being an alcoholic. While someone who is addicted to alcohol is an alcoholic, it's not necessary to be addicted to alcohol to be an alcoholic.

Physical dependancy usually is the result of drinking in the morning to relieve a hangover or the shakes. Sooner or later it results in the necessity to drink to be able to function at all.

OTOH, an alcoholic cannot stop drinking once he or she starts. It only ends in passing out and is a regular event, whether it's daily, weekly, etc. Anyone who is alcoholic knows what I'm talking about. Alcoholics usually have lots of other severe emotional problems and the alcohol is but a symptom of their other problems.

Yes, I am an alcoholic and just celebrated my one year anniversary thanks to AA.
Click to expand...
Did you have to accept that the only one who can help you is God, not yourself?
Click to expand...

Not completely. The word "God" is very loosely defined in AA. You really only have to put your trust in something other than yourself. It can be your group, your sponsor, etc. God in AA is usually defined as "a higher power" and it's a matter of placing your trust in something else. I struggled with the God thing until someone pointed out to me that my best thinking and planning got me to an AA meeting, so why shouldn't I try it somebody else's way? When put in that context, they were right and I conceded to putting my trust in the program because I didn't want to feel and behave the way I had been for over 20 years.
 
Originally posted by: jemcam
Originally posted by: mercanucaribe
Originally posted by: jemcam
There is a difference between being addicted to alcohol and being an alcoholic. While someone who is addicted to alcohol is an alcoholic, it's not necessary to be addicted to alcohol to be an alcoholic.

Physical dependancy usually is the result of drinking in the morning to relieve a hangover or the shakes. Sooner or later it results in the necessity to drink to be able to function at all.

OTOH, an alcoholic cannot stop drinking once he or she starts. It only ends in passing out and is a regular event, whether it's daily, weekly, etc. Anyone who is alcoholic knows what I'm talking about. Alcoholics usually have lots of other severe emotional problems and the alcohol is but a symptom of their other problems.

Yes, I am an alcoholic and just celebrated my one year anniversary thanks to AA.
Click to expand...
Did you have to accept that the only one who can help you is God, not yourself?
Click to expand...

Not completely. The word "God" is very loosely defined in AA. You really only have to put your trust in something other than yourself. It can be your group, your sponsor, etc. God in AA is usually defined as "a higher power" and it's a matter of placing your trust in something else. I struggled with the God thing until someone pointed out to me that my best thinking and planning got me to an AA meeting, so why shouldn't I try it somebody else's way? When put in that context, they were right and I conceded to putting my trust in the program because I didn't want to feel and behave the way I had been for over 20 years.
Click to expand...


BTW, I also know we have lots of afflicted folks come and go around here. If I was ever in favor of a new forum, it would be an AA / NA forum. That one should be available to people who want to share and get well together, not the ordinary flamers and trolls.
 
Originally posted by: jemcam
Originally posted by: mercanucaribe
Originally posted by: jemcam
There is a difference between being addicted to alcohol and being an alcoholic. While someone who is addicted to alcohol is an alcoholic, it's not necessary to be addicted to alcohol to be an alcoholic.

Physical dependancy usually is the result of drinking in the morning to relieve a hangover or the shakes. Sooner or later it results in the necessity to drink to be able to function at all.

OTOH, an alcoholic cannot stop drinking once he or she starts. It only ends in passing out and is a regular event, whether it's daily, weekly, etc. Anyone who is alcoholic knows what I'm talking about. Alcoholics usually have lots of other severe emotional problems and the alcohol is but a symptom of their other problems.

Yes, I am an alcoholic and just celebrated my one year anniversary thanks to AA.
Click to expand...
Did you have to accept that the only one who can help you is God, not yourself?
Click to expand...

Not completely. The word "God" is very loosely defined in AA. You really only have to put your trust in something other than yourself. It can be your group, your sponsor, etc. God in AA is usually defined as "a higher power" and it's a matter of placing your trust in something else. I struggled with the God thing until someone pointed out to me that my best thinking and planning got me to an AA meeting, so why shouldn't I try it somebody else's way? When put in that context, they were right and I conceded to putting my trust in the program because I didn't want to feel and behave the way I had been for over 20 years.
Click to expand...

I do want to clarify something here. In AA, you do have to do work yourself in order to recover. It's only the third step of 12 that says you have to turn your problems over to your higher power. You can and do have to help yourself in order to recover. So in that respect, the South Park episode was dead wrong.
 
Some people get addicted to things easier than others. The truth of the matter is that when people start drinking, their body become used to the chemicals and sugars. When they stop getting what their body is used to, they have to find a substitute...like eating. It would give them a sugar rush to compensate for the lack of sugars they would get from their hooch.

You have to really drink a lot to become and alcoholic if you don't feel the NEED to drink. A lot of people tend to get stuck in a cycle and get addicted because of depression. The key is to only drink because you enjoy it and choose to....not because you're depressed and NEED to. If you start thinking like that, the dumb side of your brain will takeover and you'll fall into a bad habit. 😀

Just keep in mind that most of your eating habits are learned....same goes for drinking. If you eat a lot of fast-food and crave it....it's very similar to craving alcohol. Break the cycle and don't allow your system to dictate your decision....use contraints and if things get bad, totally change what you eat/drink and don't give in. (aka....eat and drink stuff that you don't like for a month and see if your tastes change) Sorry for the long post, I studied these tendencies in college and know a lot about how to beat them. 😉
 
Originally posted by: dxkj
How much do people have to drink and how often to become addicted? Ive been drinking for 4 years now and Ive never felt addicted, or the need to drink, yet sometimes I might drink a 24 pack in a weekend, or have a few beers a day for a few weeks, and then I will have nothing for a few weeks or a month until I go to the store and decide to pick up some.

Ive easily gone a few months without having any alcohol, and never felt the desire to drink during that time other than maybe on a hot day when im thinking of something refreshing...

so how does one become addicted, and how do you tell when you are?




Also, I almost never get a buzz feeling unless I pound 3 beers, or have more than 6 in a row in less than 2 hours, high tolerance, so maybe I just dont get addicted to the feeling ?


anyway, just curious


edit: I do think I might have an addictive personality though, in the sense that I can become addicted to doing one thing a lot (poker, online games, etc)
Click to expand...

you need this:

http://www.jwmart.com/flasks-4oz.htm
 
Originally posted by: dxkj
10, the point where you look in a mirror, turn your head back and forth quickly and laugh at the delay, and know you are pretty much at the edge of being drunk
Click to expand...
:Q
Yes, you are an alcoholic
 
Not getting buzzed, or being able to drink anyone under the table is usually sign that hepatic function is compromised. Your body is not absorbing and assimilating alcohol normally, instead its just getting dumped. The liver is really one of the most remarkable organs, has tremendous regenerative powers, metabvolizes 90% of all we ingest, as well as creating thousands of different compounds used by your body from an anatomically simple design. How it does al that is not very clear.
 
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