Alcoholic vs. Enthusiast

I look it like this. I don't need to have a beer every day. Or 4. But I like to so that's what I'm going to do. Simple as that.

 

The exact English meaning of my username here...

 

Look, it's pretty simple. It's a matter of want to vs. have to. If you're only in the former category, you're good. If you're in the latter or both, you're not good.

 

We all love to categorize things and we make an attempt to put everything into a nice little box with a label on it... but life is not that simple.

According to the textbooks, I am probably an alcoholic.
According to raging alcoholics, I'm probably all good and should have no worries.

We are all unique when it comes to our bodies and what they can handle. I drink a lot of beer, and at the end of the day I just hope that my body can handle it. If not, so be it... I'll play that hand when it's dealt.

IMO, life is not a competition... longevity does not imply a winning hand.

 

Two answers:

1. Your a pinko commie pansy. I can slam 35 Bud Heavies and drive my truck home. I ain't no alcyholic.

2. If you're asking this question or someone is asking you this question, you should step back and evaluate. If you find yourself needing another beer, regardless of ABV, you have a problem. If you find your drinking conflicting with other obligations, you have a problem.

 

I agree 100%. I know a few alcoholics and it is night and day between even alcohol abusers and alcoholics.

 

If you've ever met an alcoholic they are far from enthusiastic. They only care about alcohol and that can be anything from beer to mouthwash to vanilla extract to rubbing alcohol.

 

There are different types alcoholics. Many try to hide it, which is why vodka is so popular among them. Also, some are ashamed of being dependent, but too embarrassed, proud, scared, jaded...to get help. I had a friend who's parents drink probably a case of MGD each a night and aren't trying to hide it. Also had a family member who was secretly drinking vodka all day and died of cirrhosis, which came as a major shock to all but their immediate family.

 

The fact that many people in this thread are defining alcoholics as only those who chase a buzz at any cost is quite scary. I have known many alcoholics in my life, and none of them have resorted to "mouthwash and rubbing alcohol." I would venture to guess that resorting to those measures for alcohol has more to do with socioeconomic status and homelessness than anything else.

If you can afford to feed a dependency on alcohol with craft beer, you will. Stop pretending like enjoying the flavors of alcohol prevents you from becoming dependent on it.

 

Alcoholism really is defined as a physical dependency to it, to function, to live, to get out of bed.

To get a little perspective, research some real alcoholics. I was watching some Duff McGagen interviews the other day (Guns n Roses bass player and former alcoholic). The guy would drink 3 bottles of vodka a day, starting at breakfast. To cut down, he moved on to 8 bottles of wine a day.

That's alcoholism

Now on the other hand, most humans develop habits and routines. I drink tea/coffee everyday. I go on the internet everyday, watch tv, etc. Does craving and having sex every day make me a sex addict? No, not really.

I can still get up, hold down a job and function very normally in life without all of those things. But yea, I crave things too, including beer. I like a few beers most nights. In the grand scheme of things it's nowhere near alcoholism. Even if I drink 4 DIPA's a night, I'm still gonna get laughed out of the AA meeting.

 

AA is for quitters

 

I know a few alcoholics (most of them are in recovery) and agree with you. My point was that while in active addiction I wouldn't call any of them enthusiastic. They are a drain on everyone around them.

 

Glad you've never had to deal with an alcoholic in your life.

 

I think a good way to evaluate whether or not your enthusiastic consumption of alcoholic beverages may have evolved into alcoholism is by asking yourself if your drinking is causing a pattern of negative consequences in your life. Time for some inner reflection while I have a beer....

 

Be a fan not a fanatic

 

OK, I get you and agree then. Yeah, no one I know really seemed to pumped about what beer they were/are gonna try next. At least not anyone with a truly deep addiction like that.

 

Yes I would totally blast through 4 IIPA's in one night, no problem, be happy about it, and not think twice the next day .

 

I like this guy's story...I'm going with this too lol

 

I was having a bomber (22oz) every night for about a year and now starting a new thing of trying to cycle (only drinking Fri-Sun)....we'll see what happens.

so far I lasted 2 days without drinking...next week is a new week....

 

I work 4days 3days off. I don't drink on my four days, but those 3 days I'm eating whales.