Is it possible to be an alcoholic without actually drinking very often?

Question

Can simply 'craving' alcohol or feeling the need to drink to relieve stress be enough to signify alcoholism? Is this just a precursor?

Answer 1

Alcoholic without drinking?
Personally, I too get a massive craving for drink after a hard weeks work, I feel like I must to go out, and when I go out I hit really hard. I do it once a week and I'm really trying to cut down... But every time its is like this craving for drink can sometimes drive me to the point were I will make any mad random excuse to go out on a friday and then find my self drinking. I do it socially... I dont think im an Alchy thou.

To define an Alchy, The adiction for alcohol must mean that it is a controling force in your life, and to be an alcoholic It must affect your day-to-day living. It is habitual.

Although the problem I and your self may have Is commonly known as a "binge" - drinking for the sake of getting pissed.

Answer 2

You can be an alcoholic and not drink at all. An alcoholic is someone that drinks to excess, not necessarily all the time. Social drinkers can have a glass of wine and stop, and alcoholic will drink the entire bottle and want more, the craving is not the issue. To the person above that says they don’t believe in alcoholism, I believe you mean you don’t believe it’s an illness because alcoholism is plain as day.

Answer 3

Yes and No, but the bigger question regards if you are comfortable or concerned about your drinking habits, and what effect they have on your life (work, community, family, school, self actualization).

If you MUST HAVE a drink to cope with normal stressors, and find yourself needing it more and more over time you may want to invest some time into learning alternate coping methods and stress relief.

Psychotherapy, Yoga, Meditiation, exercise, hobby, journaling, gardening, dog agility courses, volunteer work, cooking classes, learn to play a musical instrument, heartfelt conversations...etc.

If you happen to enjoy some alcohol each evening as a way to ritualize your transition from work/school/family responsibilities and move towards "U" time and then to bedtime, you don't HAVE to be concerned, but if you ARE, take the time and find someone non-judgemental and informed to talk to or do some research on the spectrum model of drug use - drug abuse - drug addiction.

Answer 4

If you have a Drink at dinner and you don't like drinking anything but Alcoholic at that time than your an Alcoholic you don't need to get drunk to be an Alcoholic

Answer 5

you dont need to drink to relax thats not a good thing thats a way you can become an alcoholic if you need alcohol to be calm...just read a book or listen to music or get a massage anything but not alcohol or drugs

Answer 6

an alchoholic is someone who drinks to the point of where they are drunk. when u are craving a wine or some sort of alchohol to make you feel better doesnt mean u r an alcoholic. its like when some people feel upset they want chocolate or something fatty. but if u are worried about it try and talk to someone

Answer 7

It's possible. There are alcoholics that might only have one drink on a Friday night, but they HAVE TO HAVE that one drink. It's not as extreme as what others consider an acoholic, but they are. And no, not all acoholics get drunk either.

Answer 8

You are unlikely to be an alcoholic if you only occasionally drink. However, if each time you do drink, you binge, then I would answer yes.

Answer 9

Alcoholism is a lifetime condition. You either are, or aren't an alcoholic.

Ask someone close to you, whom you trust- what they think?

Answer 10

first of all DONT ever drink to releive stress its not the right thing what you should do is take things slow be calm go about your day relaxing.