Why is drinking alone indicative of a drinking problem?

Question

Along the same lines, is it possible to be a problem drinker without ever having been a real “social drinker”?

Answer 1

Drinking alone is only a warning sign, in conjunction with other signs.

And yes, it's possible to be an alcoholic without ever having been a social drinker.

Good info here:
http://www.aca-usa.org/faq.htm

Answer 2

Drinking alone does not necessatate a drinking problem. Being dependant on alcohol makes it a problem. Not being able to deal with everyday things without a drink is a problem. And you dont have to be a social drinker to have a problem. I drink alone all the time, I dont have many friends, so I watch TV and drink. It does not make it a problem because I am not relying on alcohol to keep me company, nor do I drink everynight, or start as soon as I get up. I have been drinking like this for a while and it has never become a problem.

Ask yourself this;
Do you have troubles going about everyday things without alcohol?
Do you think your only likeable when you drink?
Do you drink to avoid situations/life's norms?
Do you think you have a problem?

If you answered yes to any of them then i would seek help from a professional. Because really, If you already think you have a problem then chances are, you do.

Answer 3

Drinking alone (as opposed to social drinking) can be a sign of a drinking problem. It certainly is possile to be a problem drinker without ever having been a social drinker, but that is unlikely. Most people are likely to begin drinking as part of a social group. The problem comes in when the alcohol is more important than the socializing. Having a drink on your own or with friends is not a problem. It becomes a problem when alcohol becomes #1 in either setting.

Answer 4

in my opinion drinking alone does not necessarily mean you have a drinking problem, i think the amount you drink and how often you drink would indicate a drinking problem more than being alone or with other people while you are drinking and yes i think you can be a problem drinker without starting out drinking with others socially first

Answer 5

drinking alone is not indicative necessarily of a drinking problem, i have always liekd to do this. get the malibu going, put on a movie. laugh like a maniac. somone above suggested that "drinking with friends is to have fun, drinking alone is to get smashed and drown your problems". it doesnt hvae to be that way. not eveyrone is that social. always drinking when you go out, actually is just as bad of a sign. and much more expensivelol

Answer 6

Because when people drink alone it makes it look like they are hiding it. And YES, I know several people that are alcoholics that never drink in a bar. Mainly at home.

Answer 7

I don't think there is anything wrong with drinking alone, as long as you're not doing it to cover up your problems. If you enjoy it, and you're not getting totally smashed it's not an issue really.

Answer 8

because you are not drinking socially to have fun with other people, you are drinking for the sole purpose of getting drunk, no matter if you are with someone or by yourself

Answer 9

Most people drink to "have a good time" like at parties and stuff. So by drinking alone, you are drinking to get drunk, not to have fun.