Do You Think I Am an Alcoholic?
Question by C.M.: Do you think I am an alcoholic?
Ok, so I’ve looked up the “definition” of alcoholism and can’t really find a common or “official” proclamation on what makes an alcoholic an alcoholic. I will apologize for anything that doesn’t make sense as I am, ironically, very drunk.
I do a lot of problem drinking, not just general “bad day” so I pull out the bourbon and drain it, but really depressing times, I drink a lot, sometimes going to a bar with a couple friends, but usually, I sit at my home bar and drink until I’m either happy again or I pass out. I can drink socially without getting drunk, usually at a bar because people always try to start sh-t (college bars) and I need to be able to kick some @ss if I have to. I do drive sh!tfaced sometimes but have never been pulled over despite having LEOs behind me, but they usually turn off so I guess I’m not a bad driver drunk. I don’t have a family (usually the reason the whiskey comes out) so I don’t worry about scarring nonexistent kids or hurting my wife (although I’m not violent, drunk or sober unless physically threatened). Both of my biological parents are alcoholics so I know I am at risk. I also have a diagnosis of bipolar disorder although the diagnosis has been called into question due to how mild the symptoms are, it might just be depression, idk, I studied law not psych lol. The purpose for my problem drinking is always to get drunk and to feel better so I usually drink tons of whatever I have, Irish whiskey, bourbon, brandy, beer, rum, etc.
So hopefully I wasn’t confusing, but just to clarify, in your professional opinion, or in your opinion based on research, counselling, or other clinical, professional or student based work or education, am I an alcoholic or just a really pissed off guy who has no other coping mechanism?
@Kim L. Thanks for your reply but it should be noted that I am 22 years old, well above the drinking limit in most countries, however I’m also an American living in the US and was legal (21) in 2009, I thought this had been implied by the comment of going to the local college bars, which typically do not allow anyone under 21 to enter. Thanks.
Best answer:
Answer by cookiemonster
It sounds like you started drinking as you were unable to cope with your feelings and now you do not know any other way to get through dealing with your emotions. You certainly do have a drink problem and you sound like you want to do something about it as you are thinking about it. You really need to talk to your doctor about your relying on drink. It is not about having family but it is about stopping yourself getting to the point were you are no longer able to work or even afford to keep a roof over your head as all you care about is getting a drink. This is the last thing that you want to happen so please talk to your doctor now before you get any more addicted to alcohol.
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