CitDWTK: What makes an alcoholic?

[CitizenD]

Further to a discussion between me and a former forum user whom shall not be named; What qualifies a person as an alcoholic?

If you drink outside of socially accepted hours however do not drink to the point of drunkness (or even tipsy), for example a few irish coffees throughout the day (okay, mainly around breakfast) and one or two mid afternoon / evening with an occasional impromptu nap on the couch; does this make you an alcoholic or merely someone who probably drinks a little more than they should.

<Somebody put a fucking poll up for this, my forum kung-fu has grown weak>

[Bramsy]

imo to be an alcoholic is to be addicted to alcohol. So if you can't go without those few extra without feeling shit then you are addicted and therefore an alcoholic.

[shan]

Vodke straight up or your just anouther pretender

Seriously though, I am not qualified to judge .
When asked as now, I would say a daily drinker who drinks enough to have a BAC

[nipPs]

If you can fit all the bottles inside the recycling bin before it goes out, you're NOT an alcoholic.

[Lolly]

It was once put to me that an old lady who has her little tipple every day at 5pm could be as much an alcoholic as a person who was needing a new kidney from over-consumption. Its all about dependency isn't it?

[mekon]

If you act like Nicholas Cage in Leaving Las Vegas, you may have an issue, although he was a likeable scallywag.

[CitizenD]

I reiterate - the person in question does not get drunk.

[mekon]

Maybe they're not getting drunk (visually appearing so to others) because they're a seasoned alcoholic and handle it well/carry it off well. (Both appalling descriptions).

[Lefty]

I'm sure Spuddy could have posted this thread up all on his own...

... but Simon can give up ANY TIME HE WANTS, AMIRITE?

[milesiles]

Your only an alcoholic if you go to the meetings.

[McGoo]

Someone who cant go through the day without their tipple might count as an alcoholic. If they can skip a day/week/month without it, then no, they are not alcoholic. You dont need to get smashed every time you drink to qualify however IMHO.

[euphoric]

if you require it to feel normal to get through your normal day, most basicly....however....problematic drinkers may only drink every weekend or once a month or once a year etc.

[Fat Pat]

If you don't enjoy the drink, then you're probably an alcoholic.

Welcome back D.

[CitizenD]

if you require it to feel normal to get through your normal day, most basicly....however....problematic drinkers may only drink every weekend or once a month or once a year etc.

I like that - a problematic drinker is not necessarily an alcoholic. Now if the aforementioned behaviours constitute alcoholism but don't cause a problem, is there really a problem?

Thanks Pat, good to be back - I wonder how long for this time.

[XSorXpire]

I think i've said it before.



+



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[potato]

If you can fit all the bottles inside the recycling bin before it goes out, you're NOT an alcoholic.

quote of the year!

[chew]

Can you stop for a month and still function would be a good indicator.

[Sventek]

Here's the 'technical' definition. It's the same for any substance.

A maladaptive pattern of substance use, leading to clinically significant impairment or distress, as manifested by three (or more) of the following, occurring at any time in the same 12-month period:

(1) tolerance, as defined by either of the following:
(a) a need for markedly increased amounts of the substance to achieve intoxication or desired effect
(b) markedly diminished effect with continued use of the same amount of the substance

(2) withdrawal, as manifested by either of the following:
(a) the characteristic withdrawal syndrome for the substance (refer to Criteria A and B of the criteria sets for Withdrawal from the specific substances)
(b) the same (or a closely related) substance is taken to relieve or avoid withdrawal symptoms

(3) the substance is often taken in larger amounts or over a longer period than was intended

(4) there is a persistent desire or unsuccessful efforts to cut down or control substance use

(5) a great deal of time is spent in activities necessary to obtain the substance (e.g., visiting multiple doctors or driving long distances), use the substance (e.g., chain-smoking), or recover from its effects

(6) important social, occupational, or recreational activities are given up or reduced because of substance use

(7) the substance use is continued despite knowledge of having a persistent or recurrent physical or psychological problem that is likely to have been caused or exacerbated by the substance (e.g., current cocaine use despite recognition of cocaine-induced depression, or continued drinking despite recognition that an ulcer was made worse by alcohol consumption)

[Captain Starfish]

And for maximum points, the characteristic withrawal syndrome for ethanol is?

[darkfibre]

And for maximum points, the characteristic withrawal syndrome for ethanol is?

More chances of pinging, less chance of fuel system corrosion related problems.