When do you know if someone has a drinking problem?

Question

I have been living with my roommate for 4 months now and 6-7 nights a week she drinks at least one bottle of red wine. When I make a comment about the amount of drinks she claims that it is her way to relax. One night she even went out in a storm because she only had one glass left.
Is this a extreme amount of drinking? Should I be concerned? It does not seem that it is effecting her job or personality. I have never seen her without it so I do not know how she would react if it was not around her.
Thanks for your help.

Answer 1

Not everyone who has a drinking problem is immature about it. People such as your friend will wait until after work to drink, and they don't let it affect their job. A glass or two, or a beer or two, isn't bad but a bottle every night is a little extreme. It will make her feel relaxed for a bit, but that much alcohol actually puts more stress on the body. If someone can't go without alcohol, then they are dependent and that is a problem. You can only do so much as she is a grown person and only she can make the decision to slow down or stop drinking.

Answer 2

How she drinks is considered binge drinking, but if it is not affecting her responsibilities then perhaps it is just unhealthy. The problem here is that it may be just one bottle now, but over time it may turn into 3 or more and then she is going to have a real problem. You should tell her loved ones about it and also tell her that her drinking concerns you and why. Do it when she is not drinking.

Answer 3

Going out in a storm for more wine, or a pack of cigarettes or even chocolate ice cream is extreme. I would be concerned about it.

Answer 4

Denial is the main symptom of a problem. If some one asked you if you had a problem you might say "Let me think ". Interventions and A.A. meetings are the path.

Answer 5

You are probably an alcoholic when alcohol interferes with any aspect of your life.It is a progressive disease.