Alcoholic or not, You Still Don't Have to Drink

Question

I do not know if I have alcoholism or not. I have no problem not drinking at all. I have not had a drink of alcohol for just about 3 months and it is not even a big deal. So I can take it or leave it. But if I do start drinking for whatever reason then I have a hard time drinking a glass or two a day. I will start drinking 6 beers or more everyday and I will think about drinking a lot. So I think this is unhealthy which is why I stopped this latest time. So am I an alcoholic?

Jim LaPierre · Accepted Answer

I commend you for being concerned and I think you already know the answer. I can give you my opinion, which in short is, "yes." Then I'll give you my longer answer which is that:

1. There are at least a couple dozen types of alcoholism (perhaps hundreds)

2. No one has the right to label anyone an alcoholic except themselves

3. A clinician like me can diagnose a person as having a problem abusing alcohol or diagnose alcohol dependence. This is a fine line but in my opinion it's a line that matters.

4. Like the subject line reads - whether you're an alcoholic or not, you don't ever have to drink.

5. If using alcohol causes a person to have problems (thinking about it all the time, not being able to drink in moderation then they have a problem with alcohol.

Stay dry - look at what could be improved in your life and improve it. Add something cool to your life

Good luck!

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