Question
Hi There and thanks for your question. The lines are generally not clear cut at all. Late stage alcoholism is marked by total dependence and significant damage to a person's health. The biggest problem with drawing these lines is that it essentially assumes a uniform type of alcoholism. In my experience, there are at least 100 forms of alcoholism and every single one of them do a great deal of damage.
The new DSM makes distinctions regarding levels of addiction an I vehemently oppose this - alcoholics and addicts are already seeking to minimize and rationalize how "bad" their status is. The last thing my field ought to have done is support them in doing this. I would say it's ever to early to stop drinking and there's no bad reason to get sober. Good luck!
About the Expert
Jim LaPierre
LCSW, CCS
Brewer, United States of America
Specialties
Anger Management, Gay Lesbian Issues, Spirituality, Divorce, Compulsive Disorders, Trauma and PTSD, Life Coaching, Addiction or Substance Abuse, OCD, Mood Disorders, Parenting, Domestic Abuse or Domestic Violence, Anxiety or Fears, ADHD, Impulse Control Disorders, Relationship Issues, Women, Loss or Grief, Eating Disorders, Depression, Finding Your Purpose in Life
License
my_license #LC9830