Is an alcoholic, someone who has at least one drink a day, or someone who depends on alcohol?

Question

Please give me your thoughts. After travelling for quite a while, I'm a guy who enjoys a beer. Maybe one or two after work a night. Is this just a habit, or would you call it alcoholism?

Answer 1

I enjoy a beer too after work, there's nothing wrong with that. I would say that alcoholism is when it controls your life, like when you have it at work.
Cheers!

Answer 2

Alcoholism is when you are dependent on alcohol . An alcoholic needs alcohol the same as a diabetic needs insulin. A person who enjoys a beer or 2 and it does not cause them any harm is usually not an alcoholic. An alcoholic cannot control his drinking. He cannot just have one or 2 and quit. Usually will drink until they are drunk.

Answer 3

There are different behaviors for alcoholics. Some drink every day, some drink heavily on weekends, some go on a binder once a month.
It's the behavior of the drinker and the compulsive need to drink that tells you if someone is an alcoholic.
The behavior of an addict is unique (I'd check this out for yourself on a site such as AA or something similar). They lie to cover up their reasons for drinking, they start arguments just for the sake of having an uproar going on, they have to control everyone around them and will do it by any means necessary. They are not pleasant people to be around.
If this doesn't sound like you than I don't think you have a problem.

Answer 4

Alcoholism is someone who can't do without a drink at all. They depend on it.

Alcoholism is the consumption of, or preoccupation with, alcoholic beverages to the extent that this behavior interferes with the drinker's normal personal, family, social, or work life, and may lead to physical, or mental harm.

You don't sound like an alcoholic to me if you just have a few drinks a day. As long as you could do without those drinks or it's not controlling your life.

Answer 5

IF someone asked you to not have a drink for the next 6 weeks u r not an alcoholic but if u need a few drinks every day that is a bit of a problem

Answer 6

One or two drinks a night is actually seen as being very healthy - particularly if it is red wine. But any more than that for a female and any more than 3-4 standard drinks for a male per night puts strain on the kidneys and liver. If you are fairly fit and healthy you wont be doing too much harm to yourself if you have one or two drinks a night. In fact it can be beneficial as it can relax you, and help aid digestion. I asked this question a while ago and my doctor said that it is fine - but to give myself at least a couple of days per week with no alcohol consumption. Main thing is to eat healthy and get plenty of exercise.

Answer 7

You're an alcoholic if you can't stop after four drinks. You're probably addicted. Stop drinking for 3 months. If you can't do it, you're addicted. What happens is you think you have a taste for a beer after work, you don't. That's the withdrawal symptoms kicking in. You immediately feel better after a beer or two after the withdrawal symptoms leave.

Answer 8

I think alcoholism can be different things. I've heard of people who need alcohol to function normally and when they're sober they mess up with things. If you can go without having a drink then I wouldn't think you're an alcoholic.

Answer 9

I think its just a habit. My idea of an alcoholic is someone who wakes up..drinks...works...drinks....comes home...drinks. Someone who just can't go through the day without drinking. I think you're ok with just one or two a night.

Answer 10

I think if you're getting drunk every night, and you just keep doing it regardless of the hangovers - then you're an alcoholic. If you can't go one night without a drink, then you're an alcoholic. If it is absolutely necessary for you to drink - even if the situation doesn't call for it - then you're an alcoholic.