how often can you drink before considering an alcoholic?

Question

once or twice a week?

Answer 1

<>You cannot define alcoholism by how often you drink without factoring in other considerations. The AMA says you can drink 2 glasses of red wine a day for optimum antioxidant benefits; drinking 7 days a week there won't make you a drunk, it'll just decrease your risk of heart attack! You need to think about how much you drink, how dependent you are on alcohol, how much it's affecting your behavior (negatively), how it's affecting school or work, how your family and friends view your drinking, and whether or not you've been arrested and/or hospitalized for drinking, just for a few factors. Remember, moderation in all things is best. You can have a much better time having 1 or 2 drinks and having fun with your friends than getting blitzed and waking up covered in puke (or waking up someplace you don't want to be)!

Answer 2

It's not how often or how much you drink. It's really about the dependency.

I drink almost daily. Wines and beers mostly, but also an ocassional cocktail here or there. If you are considering the quantity and frequency alone, I would be a drunk in most books.

On the other hand, I can go days and weeks without it. I never drink before sun down and don't do it while working. I don't take a swig under stress nor keep stash of alcohol everywhere I go. So what would you consider me to be?

BTW, I enjoy the quality stuff for the taste. The buzz is a great by product and the so called health benefit is just the icing on the cake if there really is any.

Answer 3

A drink (1 beer, 1 shot or mixed drink, or 1 glass of wine) or two with dinner a few times a week is considered safe and in some cases healthy. Although some feel that excessive alcohol consumption in women may never be safe, men can enjoy several drinks a week within a healthy diet.

Wine in particular, red wine to be specific, has been shown to have many health promoting effects from the antioxidants it contains.

As for alcoholism, or excessive use of alcohol, that is a very individual thing. One should never drink for the purpose of getting 'drunk' or 'wasted'. If you find yourself drinking alone more often then in social situations, or if you use alcohol to medicate yourself when experiencing stress or emotional pain, you may be heading in the wrong direction.

If your drinking is affecting your daily life, then you may be an alcoholic. (ie. hangovers, your behaviour with friends and family, your job or school, or your health) If you have trouble not drinking in a situation where alcohol is present, or if you loose track of the number of drinks you have had you may need to seek help. If you have ever had a black-out, been drunk while driving, or had alcohol poisoning, you should definitely stay away from alcohol if at all possible.

Always try to pace yourself when in a social situation where drinks are flowing freely. Alternate one alcoholic drink with one water, seltzer, juice or soda beverage. Sip, don't chug your drinks. Make sure you don't drink on an empty stomach.

Above all... listen to those around you. If people are telling you you drink to much... then it may be time to cut back or seek professional help.

Answer 4

It has nothing to do with how often. If you drink despite repeated or ongoing negative consequences (health, relationships, trouble with the law, etc.), you're probably an alcoholic. Also, if you have one or two drinks and experience an overwhelming desire (called "craving") for more alcohol, you're definitely an alcoholic. There are lots of people who just really, really like to drink; some of these people become alcoholics and some don't. Alcoholism is a complex mental disorder and is poorly understood by the general public. I strongly recommend you read more on the topic.

Answer 5

My husband and I drink every night but I do not consider us alcholics. We have one or two glasses of red wine - one with dinner and the other once the kids have gone to bed. It is a way of winding down and we enjoy it too! I think if you NEED it you may be considered one!

Answer 6

Alcoholism has more to do with how your body reacts to alcohol. When you have a drink do you have trouble keeping yourself from a second or more?

Answer 7

if it has an affect on other aspects of your life (late to or miss work, harms personal relationships, etc.) than it may be a problem, but if you drink like every night, it's not necessarily bad. if you can't go without drinking, you may want to seek help.

Answer 8

alcoholism is not about how much you drink or even how often, it has more to do with why you drink

Answer 9

It is not necessarily the amount you drink, it the hows and the whys of your drinking that can define alcholism.

Answer 10

All you want Up to a 30 pack per day. after that your pushing it