I was working a catering event with a Russian family, a funeral at an Armenian Church. There was shots of Ouzo, a liquor, that were passed around after dinner. While we were back in the kitchen, the mother of the Russian family started talking about how at Russian funerals, everybody takes a shot of liquor to toast the deceased, even the kids. A waitress that was working with us said "what about people that don't drink?". The response was "no. Everybody drinks." Waitress said "no, what about recovering alcoholics that don't drink anymore?" The old Russian mother laughed and said "silly Americans" as she went about cleaning dishes.
A homebrewer alcoholic?
- Thread starter mrduna01
- Start date
Help Support Homebrew Talk - Beer, Wine, Mead, & Cider Brewing Discussion Forum:
I think it depends on how you define alcoholic. Personally I see it as being defined under being a dependance, much like smoking. When your body 'needs' it rather than being a "I could go for a beer right now". If you find yourself counting down the minutes to 5:00 pm or the need to schedule your life around getting a drink, you have arrived at/through the door of alcoholism. A little healthy questioning is a good thing as long as you answer yourself truthfully and are willing/able to make the effort to make a change if you find you do not like the answer to your own question.
GarageDweller
Well-Known Member
if you can afford to drink too much beer, you are doing better than 90% of the rest of the world.
Before the world became overpopulated with humans:
Men used to live their lives devoid of all the fears of SWMBO and the health industry. they lived extraordinary lives and died younger. now we live longer, boring and over-comfortable lives; controlled by mass media and women that tell you how much you can drink, brew, breathe, and fart. how to dress, cut your hair, smell, and when its appropriate to have more than 1 beer. call me what you want, but I gotta go out on my own terms. even if its lonely and with failing organs.
I'm sure a lot of people that we hold in high regards throughout history were major drunk bastards. the perception of health in today's society is completely backwards. everyone is fat from the crap food that is marketed for the masses along with sedentary jobs and sedentary lifestyles. do you think the health industry goes after large corporations that employ 1000's of people and strap them in a chair in front of a computer screen for the rest of their lives?(sedentary lifestyle) NO! why? because they too are a corporation that employs 1000's of people and strap them in a chair in front of a computer screen, and $$ is a good thing right?. the same companies decrying health are selling you carcinogenic substances to gain a "sugar free" or "diet" label while you pay more, get fat, and die for it.
Brew good beer, share-it, and be good to each and everyone. Fate will handle the rest.
p.s. this is all IMO and just rambling nonsense, not directed at any one member, or meant to be offensive..
Before the world became overpopulated with humans:
Men used to live their lives devoid of all the fears of SWMBO and the health industry. they lived extraordinary lives and died younger. now we live longer, boring and over-comfortable lives; controlled by mass media and women that tell you how much you can drink, brew, breathe, and fart. how to dress, cut your hair, smell, and when its appropriate to have more than 1 beer. call me what you want, but I gotta go out on my own terms. even if its lonely and with failing organs.
I'm sure a lot of people that we hold in high regards throughout history were major drunk bastards. the perception of health in today's society is completely backwards. everyone is fat from the crap food that is marketed for the masses along with sedentary jobs and sedentary lifestyles. do you think the health industry goes after large corporations that employ 1000's of people and strap them in a chair in front of a computer screen for the rest of their lives?(sedentary lifestyle) NO! why? because they too are a corporation that employs 1000's of people and strap them in a chair in front of a computer screen, and $$ is a good thing right?. the same companies decrying health are selling you carcinogenic substances to gain a "sugar free" or "diet" label while you pay more, get fat, and die for it.
Brew good beer, share-it, and be good to each and everyone. Fate will handle the rest.
p.s. this is all IMO and just rambling nonsense, not directed at any one member, or meant to be offensive..
if you can afford to drink too much beer, you are doing better than 90% of the rest of the world.
Before the world became overpopulated with humans:
Men used to live their lives devoid of all the fears of SWMBO and the health industry. they lived extraordinary lives and died younger. now we live longer, boring and over-comfortable lives; controlled by mass media and women that tell you how much you can drink, brew, breathe, and fart. how to dress, cut your hair, smell, and when its appropriate to have more than 1 beer. call me what you want, but I gotta go out on my own terms. even if its lonely and with failing organs.
I'm sure a lot of people that we hold in high regards throughout history were major drunk bastards. the perception of health in today's society is completely backwards. everyone is fat from the crap food that is marketed for the masses along with sedentary jobs and sedentary lifestyles. do you think the health industry goes after large corporations that employ 1000's of people and strap them in a chair in front of a computer screen for the rest of their lives?(sedentary lifestyle) NO! why? because they too are a corporation that employs 1000's of people and strap them in a chair in front of a computer screen, and $$ is a good thing right?. the same companies decrying health are selling you carcinogenic substances to gain a "sugar free" or "diet" label while you pay more, get fat, and die for it.
Brew good beer, share-it, and be good to each and everyone. Fate will handle the rest.
p.s. this is all IMO and just rambling nonsense, not directed at any one member, or meant to be offensive..
I see why you've been banished to the garage! Lol
I get that attitude sometimes. It's usually right before I remember how dank the basement can be when I don't want to be there haha!Garage dweller is invited to my next Halloween party!
Sent from my SCH-R970 using Home Brew mobile app
Home brewing has nothing to do with alcoholism.
NOTHING
A homebrewer doesn't make an alcoholic.
An alcoholic is an alcoholic no matter where the alcohol comes from. Whether home brewed, or purchased at a bar, resteraunt, or liquor store.
Get over it.
NOTHING
A homebrewer doesn't make an alcoholic.
An alcoholic is an alcoholic no matter where the alcohol comes from. Whether home brewed, or purchased at a bar, resteraunt, or liquor store.
Get over it.
Been brewing for 3 years now, love beer, and am a bartender (around booze all the time). It is my job to provide cocktails and beer and wine to different peoples' tastes. You can't do this well without knowing what everything tastes like. You don't always have to drink what you taste, spit when necessary to remain professional, and take time off, I am a month on the wagon at the moment. I find the time off often affords my tastes a different perspective, it also allows my pipeline to catch up.
huh?
You might want to quote the post you're targeting when you post a reply like this. We really don't know what you're replying to. We want to support you, but we just don't know how since we don't know what you're talking about.
I, for one, really like women. You're free to be all that you can be. You are my equal in every way.. except for lifting weight, sprinting, hockey, football... etc.... just kidding.
Seriously. Please quote the post you were responding to. We want to.. and will... support you 100 percent, but we need the context.
Don't worry mate, likely talking about GarageDweller's comments
TopherM
Well-Known Member
I read an article recently that stated that the 2-3 drinks a day for men and 1-2 a day for women that American doctors state is healthy is by far the lowest recommendation in the world. The article concluded that the number is more about the nation's religious history and culture, and less about true medical facts.
In pretty much the rest of the world, doctors allow 5-6 drinks a day for men and 4-5 for women.
I know alcoholism has less to do with *how many* and more to do with dependence, but I found that article interesting.
I personally have a beer or two with dinner 2-3 nights a week, then have 6-7 over the course of several hours most Fridays and Saturdays (I'm 6'6", 220 lbs). My girlfriend has 1-2 pretty much every night and 4-5 most Fridays and Saturdays, and often says I drink too much, which is really just silly.
I find most people think the amount they drink is just fine, but anyone who drinks more than they do is an alcoholic. Hypocrisy!
In pretty much the rest of the world, doctors allow 5-6 drinks a day for men and 4-5 for women.
I know alcoholism has less to do with *how many* and more to do with dependence, but I found that article interesting.
I personally have a beer or two with dinner 2-3 nights a week, then have 6-7 over the course of several hours most Fridays and Saturdays (I'm 6'6", 220 lbs). My girlfriend has 1-2 pretty much every night and 4-5 most Fridays and Saturdays, and often says I drink too much, which is really just silly.
I find most people think the amount they drink is just fine, but anyone who drinks more than they do is an alcoholic. Hypocrisy!
Remmy
Drink First, Ask Questions Later
- Joined
- Mar 6, 2013
- Messages
- 17,685
- Reaction score
- 10,142
Coming from a family of alcoholics (dad, both grandfathers, many uncles), I was almost afraid to get into home brewing. And I have always felt very odd opening a beer in front of my mother or grandmother when they visit for the holidays. I think now that I brew beer on a pretty consistent basis, it's more accepted in my family and since they have never seen me drunk (I've only gone overboard 3-4 times in my life at the bar with friends), they trust me.
The hardest part for me is wondering how the alcoholics in my family started drinking and how drinking actually developed into a drinking problem. That's always in the back of my mind when I'm having beers. I don't want to end up that way.
The hardest part for me is wondering how the alcoholics in my family started drinking and how drinking actually developed into a drinking problem. That's always in the back of my mind when I'm having beers. I don't want to end up that way.
Just like the joke about how fast you are driving.
Anyone driving slower than you is an A-hole and anyone driving faster than you is a maniac
MindenMan
Well-Known Member
On one side of my family, there is a long generational list of alcoholism, being raised in that environment, my mother doesn't drink. Well, I have seen her have 5 or 6 drinks in my entire life, usually Christmas or New Year's Eve. I once upon a time had a substance abuse problem that included alcohol. For 7 or 8 years, no drinks, no drugs. About 6 or so years ago, I had a glass of wine for Passover, and had no craving for another glass, or any alcohol in general. A six pack of beer would last anywhere between 5 and 7 days. I missed the alcoholic tendency, thank God. Fast forward to now, I usually one beer a day, sometimes two, or none at all.
Patch62383
Well-Known Member
I drink 2-3 beers a day. Weekends maybe 4-5 I hit a wall at 5 and can't do anymore. I've been this way for 10 years and actually I've slowed down. I drink about a beer an hour hardly ever get a buzz I truly love quality beer. I can and should take a few days off a week. I was until I Started brewing 2 months ago. I've made 35 gallons so far and have only consumed may 5 gallons given away 5 to friends. I do believe craft beer can become an issue because it taste so darn good. I think I'll go 2 days a week without drinking starting now because you honestly do feel better drinking less. Quality beer should be enjoyed not abused. Everyone is different and if you don't know your limits and when enough is enough you need to rethink your hobby. I know people who drink 4-6 a day and have for 50 years there healthy and in great shape at 70 and to me there not alcoholics. We all know right from wrong and when we're over doing it. I drink and brew because I love good beer do I go overboard sometimes for me yes. Seems brew days are my bad days drinking 4-5 home made beers making good beer just goes hand in hand. Just enjoy your life and if you feel something is wrong step back and take a break.
RaHarmakis
Well-Known Member
To the OP, and those feel the same.
I feel you have taken the first and hardest step. Self Evaluation, and the acknowledgment that an issue is possible. I honestly hope that you have people in your life that will support you properly in the next step!
Like most things in life now, Communication will likely be the most important thing for you. Talk about your habits, feelings, and general thoughts surrounding Alcohol. If your thinking it, it's likely that those that care about you have also thought about it as well. Open up to those that you trust, and then trust their opinions! Don't try to do it alone!
Be Honest with yourself, Be Honest with those you trust most, and in the end do what is best for you and your loved ones.
I feel you have taken the first and hardest step. Self Evaluation, and the acknowledgment that an issue is possible. I honestly hope that you have people in your life that will support you properly in the next step!
Like most things in life now, Communication will likely be the most important thing for you. Talk about your habits, feelings, and general thoughts surrounding Alcohol. If your thinking it, it's likely that those that care about you have also thought about it as well. Open up to those that you trust, and then trust their opinions! Don't try to do it alone!
Be Honest with yourself, Be Honest with those you trust most, and in the end do what is best for you and your loved ones.
I must say that I am plesantly surprised and impressed that this thread didnt become the pissing match that it very easily could have. I am thoroughly enjoying it. Well done guys and gals.
Agreed, Jon, great discussion here. I'm finding, as I get older, that drinking has a negative effect on the quality of sleep. I don't know where the cut off is, but I don't seem to have a problem if I just have one average strength beer (5% or so).
What I've heard/read from medical professionals is that more than 14 in a week or 4 in one day is too much. I think even drinking that much is going to make it hard to maintain a healthy weight, unless you spend a lot of time running or at the gym.
My brother thought he might have an issue, so his doctor told him to give it up for a month if he could and see how he felt. (or if he couldn't, he would refer him to a specialist) I guess he felt pretty good, 'cause he never went back.
What I've heard/read from medical professionals is that more than 14 in a week or 4 in one day is too much. I think even drinking that much is going to make it hard to maintain a healthy weight, unless you spend a lot of time running or at the gym.
My brother thought he might have an issue, so his doctor told him to give it up for a month if he could and see how he felt. (or if he couldn't, he would refer him to a specialist) I guess he felt pretty good, 'cause he never went back.
dogslapbrewery
Well-Known Member
I average 1-2 beers a day when its in the house or on the tap. If I'm watching a movie or show and their having a beer I always get the urge to fill my cup. Think I'm more into the novelty of relaxing with a pint of homebrew.
Sent from my DROID RAZR HD using Home Brew mobile app
Sent from my DROID RAZR HD using Home Brew mobile app
patrickpruitt
Member
drainbamage
Keep HBT weird.
I think being a beer geek/HBer can put people in a dangerous place, because it can be very easy to hide a serious problem behind an appreciation for the taste of beer, or the history, or the science of the brewing process. Most people assume that alcoholics will go for the cheapest swill possible, so people like us that throw down large sums of money on beer and brewing equipment surely couldn't afford to be alcoholics!
As for my own experience, the thought of dependence does occasionally creep into my mind. I generally fall in line with the "1-2 a day, slightly more on the weekends" crowd, but there have been a few times where I've let my consumption rates climb up gradually (usually while going through hard times of some sort). It hasn't ever reached the point of violence, legal trouble or inability to work, but I've had to make a conscious decision to cut back.
As for my own experience, the thought of dependence does occasionally creep into my mind. I generally fall in line with the "1-2 a day, slightly more on the weekends" crowd, but there have been a few times where I've let my consumption rates climb up gradually (usually while going through hard times of some sort). It hasn't ever reached the point of violence, legal trouble or inability to work, but I've had to make a conscious decision to cut back.
I think being a beer geek/HBer can put people in a dangerous place, because it can be very easy to hide a serious problem behind an appreciation for the taste of beer, or the history, or the science of the brewing process. Most people assume that alcoholics will go for the cheapest swill possible, so people like us that throw down large sums of money on beer and brewing equipment surely couldn't afford to be alcoholics!
As for my own experience, the thought of dependence does occasionally creep into my mind. I generally fall in line with the "1-2 a day, slightly more on the weekends" crowd, but there have been a few times where I've let my consumption rates climb up gradually (usually while going through hard times of some sort). It hasn't ever reached the point of violence, legal trouble or inability to work, but I've had to make a conscious decision to cut back.
Good point. I will say though that friends and family will still really notice. A family member of mine drinks nothing but good scotches and wine and we all know and tell him that he overdoes it. True, the availability and hobby part of it can disguise it pretty well instead of being in the "Whatever gets me from Point A to Point Drunk" mindset.
splattsmier
Well-Known Member
I'd say I've done the same as drain.bramage here. I usually have 1-2 most days of the week, but every now and then for whatever reason it can gradually grow and I have to make a conscious effort to cut back to the 1-2 a day. The most recent occurance was when I started swapping beers and getting more in the mail than I could healthily consume (not a bad problem I suppose, per se). I was (and still am a couple times the last couple weeks) having 3-5 on a weeknight just trying different beers.
I guess what I'm getting at is that having it run in my family, along with my love and passion for beer and brewing/fermentation, makes me watch my consumption pretty closely. And I still worry sometimes. I guess I'd agree with the other members and say if you really think there is an issue, quit for a set amount of time and see how you feel.
Just remember not to be afraid of asking for help from those you care about. I'm sure they'd be happy to help you through. We all need a hand every now and then
I guess what I'm getting at is that having it run in my family, along with my love and passion for beer and brewing/fermentation, makes me watch my consumption pretty closely. And I still worry sometimes. I guess I'd agree with the other members and say if you really think there is an issue, quit for a set amount of time and see how you feel.
Just remember not to be afraid of asking for help from those you care about. I'm sure they'd be happy to help you through. We all need a hand every now and then
Heh. Actually, I'm a man. You've made my point for me, though, by assuming that only a woman would grow tired of hearing men harp about the dangers of domineering women. Thanks for the help. I'm assuming you had a bad relationship with your mom or an ex-wife, and I'm very sorry about that, but comments like this and your previous are so unwelcoming to female brewers. That last one? Probably the most inflammatory comment I've seen on here. Frankly, it shouldn't be tolerated on this board, and maybe we'd have more women participating here if they weren't constantly called nags. It's not funny, it's not accurate, and it's extremely unoriginal. Before you try to suggest that I must be gay (Based on your opinions about gender norms I have a feeling that one is coming next!), I happen to have a great wife who loves beer, supports my hobbies and has a separate checking account so we can't keep track of what each other are spending on for fun. I also regularly go as long as a year without getting a haircut, rarely shave and, get this, she even likes the way I smell when I haven't showered in a couple of days. They really aren't all so bad, I promise! I'd suggest you try to get over some of your anger issues and maybe you'll meet the right one, too. Best of luck.
I'm dependent on my taps working whenever I give'em a pull!
Just trying to add some humor back into the thread. In all seriousness I think alcoholism is specific to each individual. I'm sure most of us can go home, have a beer or two, and stop. Others have a beer or two and just have to go grab that third, then forth, and so on. Some people can drink 4-5 drinks a day and function perfectly. Does that make them alcoholics? I don't know. What about the college student who goes out on the occasional weekend and downs 10-12 beers and gets so hammered that he/she can't remember how they got home? Is he/she an alcoholic?
I have a beer or two every night. I drink because I like the taste of beer, but also to relax after a long day. Does that make me an alcoholic? Again, I don't know. I don't think so, but I'm sure there is a doctor somewhere who says the fact that I have a beer or two to "relax" is a sign of dependency. I don't see it that way, but someone else surely does.
Personally I feel that if it's interfering with your or your families life, it's a problem. If not, enjoy!
PS: I too hate to hear the remarks made about woman ruling her man's life. If that's the situation you find yourself in, well then find a way out. My wife fully supports my brewing. She has never once told me I couldn't brew or buy some piece of equipment I wanted. She actually bought me my starter kit, my dual tap tower for my kegerator, and most recently a grain mill. She also doesn't tell me what to do and when to do it.... but if she did, I'd take it under consideration out of respect. Because that's what we both have, respect for each other. It sounds like others on here my not have that same luxury with their significant other.
Just trying to add some humor back into the thread. In all seriousness I think alcoholism is specific to each individual. I'm sure most of us can go home, have a beer or two, and stop. Others have a beer or two and just have to go grab that third, then forth, and so on. Some people can drink 4-5 drinks a day and function perfectly. Does that make them alcoholics? I don't know. What about the college student who goes out on the occasional weekend and downs 10-12 beers and gets so hammered that he/she can't remember how they got home? Is he/she an alcoholic?
I have a beer or two every night. I drink because I like the taste of beer, but also to relax after a long day. Does that make me an alcoholic? Again, I don't know. I don't think so, but I'm sure there is a doctor somewhere who says the fact that I have a beer or two to "relax" is a sign of dependency. I don't see it that way, but someone else surely does.
Personally I feel that if it's interfering with your or your families life, it's a problem. If not, enjoy!
PS: I too hate to hear the remarks made about woman ruling her man's life. If that's the situation you find yourself in, well then find a way out. My wife fully supports my brewing. She has never once told me I couldn't brew or buy some piece of equipment I wanted. She actually bought me my starter kit, my dual tap tower for my kegerator, and most recently a grain mill. She also doesn't tell me what to do and when to do it.... but if she did, I'd take it under consideration out of respect. Because that's what we both have, respect for each other. It sounds like others on here my not have that same luxury with their significant other.
As I read this I thought about what I heard this morning with people that have spending problems. They said try drawing everything you spend money on. I would think that similar to that you have to do a lot of work to keep that dependency going. Still combined with regular drinking commercial beers it can creep up on you. Granted as I've gotten older I don't go to the bar as much, and only really drink beer, but I could see it being an issue if I didn't have a good support system. For the record brew and drinkin buddies can be a great support system as well as long as you know your limits
beersk
Well-Known Member
- Joined
- Mar 22, 2013
- Messages
- 1,866
- Reaction score
- 1,062
Funny that you say that as I have said the same thing before to my girlfriend. I'll have pizza for 3 or 4 days in a row for lunch or dinner; never more than once a day. So I really do try to cut back on my pizza consumption regularly and try to only eat it once or twice a week. I fail at that some weeks...
Beer, however, I've questioned whether I'm dependent at one time or another and sometimes set rules like 1 beer a night on weekdays or something. I always end up being depressed on some nights when I want a second beer. I do definitely have a sub-conscience though that reminds me that I'm drinking more than I should. I mean, I do definitely drink a fair amount, but never is it problematic. I'll have 2 or 3 most nights and maybe a little more on weekends. But it's always with responsibility! Always.
The only time beer pisses me off is if I come home and have one, even just a little sample, it kills my productivity for the rest of the night. So I try not to have beer until later in the evening when I'm ready to just sit down and relax.
But there are those days in the summer where a friend and I bike 10 miles to a good beer bar after work (4pm) and have several there and sometimes come home and drink more homebrew. I don't think of any of that as a problem, so long as it's done with responsibility.
I rarely take days off from any beer at all. My stepdad's brother once said to me and I love this guy a ton: "I never drink so much beer that I can't drink beer the next day."
I just love that quote and try to live by it. Sometimes failing, unfortunately...
Renoun
Well-Known Member
Since people are discussing quantities I just wanted to post a link that describes a standard drink in terms of quantity and ABV. If your glass is larger than 12oz or your beer is stronger than 5%ABV you might find this calculator handy if you are going to look at the various guidelines and recommendations.
What is a Standard Drink?
What is a Standard Drink?
mrduna01
Well-Known Member
Thank you for all of the input, this has been a good thread with good discussion so far. I for one have focused on getting back in the gym this week to focus my mind on other things (currently at my lowest weight in probably 8 years after recently being diagnosed with diabetes), and have committed to only drinking on the weekends. Not drinking this week has not been at all hard and I've been sleeping like a baby so its been a good thing.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using Home Brew mobile app
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using Home Brew mobile app
hachi-roku_fan
Active Member
- Joined
- Feb 5, 2014
- Messages
- 29
- Reaction score
- 2
I've dealt with this label before from my mom. She had a brother who would show up drunk all the time, had a few DUIs, and the sort. The minute I headed off to college at Ucsb, I was considered a party animal and bordering alcoholic. And while I did have my fair share of fun, I was never dependent on it to have fun. I moved back to LA, only to find the label coming up if I sip on my second beer while my brother chugged his third. Who knows why my mom was so protective of me, maybe she saw some of her brothers tendencies in me. I've called her out on it but it makes no difference, so out of respect I just don't drink in front of her now.
I only drink on the weekends with a rare exception. I do like my whiskey but I won't let myself go to the point where I can't walk myself out looking like a wreck. Although I just started brewing, I'm sure I'm going to give away most of my brew to friends.
I also have a friend who recently confessed that he feels like he might have an issue with drinking, so I want to thank you guys for bringing this up, might give me the extra push to try to help him out more
Sent from my iPhone using Home Brew
I only drink on the weekends with a rare exception. I do like my whiskey but I won't let myself go to the point where I can't walk myself out looking like a wreck. Although I just started brewing, I'm sure I'm going to give away most of my brew to friends.
I also have a friend who recently confessed that he feels like he might have an issue with drinking, so I want to thank you guys for bringing this up, might give me the extra push to try to help him out more
Sent from my iPhone using Home Brew
The best thing you can do for your buddy is be supportive. Do not drink around him if he feels the need to quit, and try to arrange some non drinking events and stuff to do together. I know that with most of my friends, most activities and outings are drinking related.
I find most people think the amount they drink is just fine, but anyone who drinks more than they do is an alcoholic. Hypocrisy![/QUOTE]
I remember George Carlin saying (referring to driving) that an idiot is someone who drives slower than you and a fool is someone who drives faster than you.
I remember George Carlin saying (referring to driving) that an idiot is someone who drives slower than you and a fool is someone who drives faster than you.
Just like the joke about how fast you are driving.
Anyone driving slower than you is an A-hole and anyone driving faster than you is a maniac
I didn't read this before posting almost the same thing!
hachi-roku_fan
Active Member
- Joined
- Feb 5, 2014
- Messages
- 29
- Reaction score
- 2
I'm going to give that a try since his girlfriend wants to have a game night with me and my wife, but it's hard when he brings the beer himself.
Sent from my iPhone using Home Brew
fuelish
Well-Known Member
Coming at this from a totally different perspective, as a floor nurse, night shift at our local hospital....if you're admitted to the hospital for ANY reason, be truthful about your alcohol and/or drug use upon admission assesment....we have folks lie all the time about it. Withdrawing from drugs, you could wish you were dead...withdrawal from alcohol, you could end up dead - yeah, it's worse than drugs as far as withdrawal. Help is out there and the truth is your friend, as painful/shameful as it may seem to admit to..... 1 or 2 beers a day, you should be OK....more than that, you'll have CIWA protocol in place to help manage the situation....just saying. Drink responsibly and enjoy this ancient hobby
Good point. My uncle passed due to the DT's. He told his doctor that he quit and collapsed in the middle of the night while admitted for other related issues.
Didn't read every post so I hope I'm not posting the same thing someone else did. But alcoholism is an interesting concept. If you asked 20 what an alcoholic is, then you would get 20 different answers. I am man enough to admit that to some extent I am one. I love not only the taste of the beer but the feeling I get from it.
Now, that being said I have rules for myself. I will NOT drive if I've had any at all. Will not do it. I will not carry my son if I feel I have trouble walking on my own. I will not get drunk to drink away sorrows or if I'm upset about something. And I will not drink more than 4-5 if I have a big day the next day.
Not only that, I work away from home on a boat where I cannot drink at all for 4 weeks. Does the fact that I can't drink for 4 weeks make me a non alcoholic? No. I am what you call a functioning alcoholic. But if you like to get drunk or even buzzed, I would say you have some form of alcoholism weather mild or sever, whether you want to admit it or not. And you know what? There is nothing wrong with it as long as you don't drive, or let it get in the way of your family.
Now, that being said I have rules for myself. I will NOT drive if I've had any at all. Will not do it. I will not carry my son if I feel I have trouble walking on my own. I will not get drunk to drink away sorrows or if I'm upset about something. And I will not drink more than 4-5 if I have a big day the next day.
Not only that, I work away from home on a boat where I cannot drink at all for 4 weeks. Does the fact that I can't drink for 4 weeks make me a non alcoholic? No. I am what you call a functioning alcoholic. But if you like to get drunk or even buzzed, I would say you have some form of alcoholism weather mild or sever, whether you want to admit it or not. And you know what? There is nothing wrong with it as long as you don't drive, or let it get in the way of your family.
dlester
Well-Known Member
I think we all fall into a category of light drinker with a drink once in a while, medium drinker on a daily basis or every other day but catch a buzz, and the out of control drinker that can't stop at a couple or few beers. This was clear when a bunch of monkeys on a resort Island on some history channel, or the sort, were stealing mixed alcohol beverages. Some drank a bit, some came by got a buzz and left, then there were those that drank until they fell down.
Are we genetically predispositioned by genetics? I know I'm the medium drinker. I like a few beers every night and like a small buzz. I got in trouble from drinking too much in the past, so cut back. However, don't ask me to quit.
The way I cured serious drinking to point of being too much is drinking only beer and sometimes a shot of whisky. So I clearly believe I'm in the middle with the aptitude to go too far once in a while.
Is there anyone that would agree, or am I just too naive?
PS. I think just because we drink, catch a buzz or over do it once in a while doesn't make you or me an alcoholic. I think with the institution of AA and other organisations that over sell their "service" makes everyone paranoid. And, make everyone that wants to catch a buzz an alcoholic. This is simply not true. However, some of us need to be honest with our habits. Again, I come from the "medium" drinkers.
Cheers
Are we genetically predispositioned by genetics? I know I'm the medium drinker. I like a few beers every night and like a small buzz. I got in trouble from drinking too much in the past, so cut back. However, don't ask me to quit.
The way I cured serious drinking to point of being too much is drinking only beer and sometimes a shot of whisky. So I clearly believe I'm in the middle with the aptitude to go too far once in a while.
Is there anyone that would agree, or am I just too naive?
PS. I think just because we drink, catch a buzz or over do it once in a while doesn't make you or me an alcoholic. I think with the institution of AA and other organisations that over sell their "service" makes everyone paranoid. And, make everyone that wants to catch a buzz an alcoholic. This is simply not true. However, some of us need to be honest with our habits. Again, I come from the "medium" drinkers.
Cheers
Similar threads
