Do 2-3 glasses of wine a night make an alcoholic?

Question

My hubby comes home from work everyday and drinks 2-3 glasses of wine a night. He says there is nothing wrong with it, and that Europeans do it, and it is just fine.

But I think he is ADHD, and uses the alcohol to relax. The doctor said he is too old to take ADHD medications, since most people his age have learned to cope with the nervousness. So he refuses to do anything.

His whole family is hyper and nervous, and going to their house is insane. His mom starts drinking wine at 4, but doesn't stop until 9. His grandmother is an alcoholic and nuts. His dad only drinks occasionally. The whole family grew up drinking with dinner, I believe.

Should I be worried about him? I do admit I come from a family that NEVER drinks so maybe I am overreacting? When does someone become an actual alcoholic?

Answer 1

Certainly cause for concern.

You may be on target, and that he is finding an "excuse" for wine when he may actually be using it to calm down. Europeans drink it because of a CULTURAL thing, not because it may have some benefits. Wrong answer, I think.

If there is a predominant familial alcoholic trait, then your husband is certainly subject to it as well. I don't think you're overreacting at all, and you should defer to clinical based questions that may confirm a potential problem, rather than a lifestyle issue. A C.A.G.E. questionnaire could be helpful. You can find that on the internet just about anywhere. Look it up.

Share you concern with him, and without cornering him. As long as he can see that you're concerned, and not judging, then all may go well.

Best of luck.

Answer 2

The fact that he has to have it every night is a good indication of a problem. Does he drink on the weekends or on his day off too? Drinking wine is only good for you if you limit it to one glass. Drinking every day at the very least is a bad habit and can lead you into alcoholism

Answer 3

you mentioned about europe so cz i am from greece i think i should answer!it is true that we here are used to drink a lot and that does not make us alcoholic!many people r used to drink everyday some glasses of wine just to relax from work and anxiety!i understand that u r worried as your family did not drink and his family has drinking problems,but in his case what he does is sth normal!of course he has to make some medical exams once in a while but if he keeps it there he won't have problems!!!you should know that some glasses of wine are very good for the heart!!

Answer 4

Alcoholism cannot be measured by the AMOUNT of alcohol someone drinks. Alcoholism implies dependence upon alcohol. If he can stop no problem, then he isn't an alcoholic.

A few glasses of wine a night are healthy, anyways. I wouldn't be concerned.

Answer 5

Does he act mean when he is drinking? I know it is suggested that people drink a glass of red wine with dinner for heart disease... if he acts different it may be a problem... also- how long has he been doing this? Is this a new habit?

Answer 6

It sounds like he is okay. If he doesn't drink to get drunk and stops at a reasonable point, I don't think the amount of wine he is drinking is a problem. If he drinks it all at once and gets loud and abusive or can't stop once he's started, those are danger signs.

Answer 7

I think you should be concerned because it is a big deal. I can't say he is 100 percent alcoholic but he is 80 percent He should not be drinking every night only on some days. Talk to him and tell him you don't want to see him get hurt.

Answer 8

I believe it is when they cannot control it and it interferes with their whole life (professional, personal, etc.). But it may be sooner than that. I don't have any experience with alcoholics.

Answer 9

Call AA and ask them!