What constitutes alcohol abuse?

Question

Would having a drink because you want to negate negative emotions alcohol abuse if you do it once and never again?
Would holding down a job and never getting drunk, yet drinking every night count as alcohol abuse?

I think my neighbor is an alcoholic...her kids eat every day at my mom's house!

Answer 1

This is a question liking asking what is "pretty". The answer lies in the eye of the beholder.

I would define "abuse" of any drug as when it starts interfering with your health or life. Other people define it as any use at all.

I once talked to Ed Meese, Ronald Reagan's former Attorney General, about it. He defines ANY use of an illegal drug as "abuse". But, if the drug is legal, like alcohol or tobacco, then he allows for considerable use before he calls it abuse. Go figure.

A doctor friend of mine who has done extensive research on the subject holds the opinion that most regular drug use is really self-medication. That is, the person is using the drug to relieve anxiety or other psychological symptoms. If this is true, then it is an issue without any clear dividing lines.

For example, many people take a drink or something else in the evening because they had a hard day at work and they want to relax. They are using it in the same way that others might use Valium they got from a doctor. How do you tell when the stress (or whatever) is great enough that some kind of medication is needed? And what kind of medication should it be? Does it really make a difference if they have two beers instead of one Valium?

If the kids are eating at someone else's house then that may be a good indicator of what I would call abuse. On the other hand, it could just be that the woman is a lousy mother and cook, even if she wasn't drinking. Lots of kids used to come and eat at our house simply because the food was better.

Answer 2

In response to the first question...no. Having a drink to negate negative feelings may not be a healthy way to deal with your problems all the time (ie. it won't make everything "all better" permanently), but I think the whole reason behind having social or recreational drinks is to help the person relax. In fact having a glass of wine every night extends the lifespan, because it does just that, eases the stress response in the body. Now of course this is only in moderation, but I don't think its out of line to have a drink just to feel good once in awhile.

The second question...maybe. Some alcoholics don't get completely trashed every time they drink, but the deciding factor is whether or not it affects their ability to function. Some people can drink moderately every night and be fine, and others will end up becoming violent or abusive. Maybe your mom is just a really good cook though lol and maybe your neighbour is not. It's never a good idea to judge a person unless you know for sure.

Answer 3

It's subjective, and will depend upon your body's tolerance for alcohol. I'm suffering a similar problem, but I'm trying to set myself guidelines before I leave the building to drink. I tell myself "no more than 5 drinks tonight. Nurse them. Make them last. Look for other ways to entertain yourself during the party. Meet people. Who knows? You might come off better for it". But most definitely, as is written before me, if you can't function in the real world, if you're a pain in the a$$ to one other person or more, then seek help. There's no shame in it, trust me. Everyone makes mistakes sometimes.

Answer 4

Just because her kids eat your mum's house everyday doesn't make your neighbor an alcoholic, she might just be a really bad cook. Or maybe they are poor and don't have money to eat properly. That is exactly how gossip about a person starts so stop it. If you have more info you wish to share I'd be happy to read it. But if you are basing your opinion on this one thing I don't want to hear about it.

Answer 5

Absolutely Not.

Absolutely Not.

Alcohol abuse is when it affects your life, ie, family, work and the ability to function like a normal person.

Answer 6

When you say I will not drink for a week, then are unable to go without a drink. You have a problem

Answer 7

i am glad she is able to a job not many people can that are like that.even though she might not get drunk but drinks everynight i would ALMOST have to say yes. but also it has alot to do with how many also. its a tough question but i would probably have to say yes though

Answer 8

I would agree, owing to the severe negligance

Answer 9

when you would rather drink then do any other thing