Alcoholic vs. Enthusiast

Marathon or sprint makes little difference in the end 3 beers over 3 hours is no different than 3 beers in 30 minutes, booze is booze.
The line from enthusiastic consumption and a physical need to consume no matter what the product is can be vast. Alcohol abuse can lead to problems and it doesn't matter the amount, the abv, the speed or the frequency of the abuse.

 

This definitely balances out the overly festive threads

 

An enthusiastic beer geek can survive without a drink a few days a week and doesn't consistently drink to excess

 

To me there is a pretty big difference between desiring to have a beer and physically needing to have one to function.

 

I wont ever put a limit on myself. I handle alcohol just fine. If I am out having a good time, I will continue to do so. I wont call off a hangout with beer drinking buddies if I feel like Im getting buzzed. Feel good about yourself man. You're drinking it because its delicious.

 

My point of the marathon verses sprint analogy was meant over the years, not in the coarse of an evening. The point being unrestrained drinking is bound to lead to problems. Some basic limitations will allow one to live of lifetime a enjoying great beer.

That being said, I'm not preaching here. Each must find what works for you.

 

It's Christmas, bro. If you are having issues or struggling with negative thoughts about alcohol than I'd say it's worth looking into. Not to be a dick but just posting this thread sounds like you're deep in your thoughts, but maybe I'm misreading it.

 

I think the closest is the one above about intent and frequency.
I generally will have one or 2 beers a night. Very rarely more than 24 oz. (I'll have a bomber / 750, or 1 or 2 12oz bottles)
YEs, sometimes I will have more, though that is virtually always in a party setting, fest or some such.
I can and do regularly go without drinking for a day or sometimes a week.
I do not drink to get drunk - I actually don't like the feeling of being drunk, to say nothing of the hangover tomorrow.
This is my experience, and to expand it, like has been said, if someone CAN'T go without beer (wine, spirits, etc) they really should take a closer look at themselves, even if the other "symptoms" like affecting work and personal life and so on, aren't apparent.
Yes, we here on BA enjoy our beer and other alcohol, and are probably in the upper percentages of alcohol consumed, but that in itself doesn't mean we as a good all have problems, though I'm sure some here do qualify as alcoholics. And we all know that this really is not the healthiest hobby to indulge in. It really does come down with being honest to ones self, and looking at the booze and what it's doing.

 

If you feel decent when you wake up the next day you're doing fine. Everyone's tolerance is different

 

Moderation of consumption....all on individually based rubrics...no right/wrong....good/bad

myself, I am "clean" Monday thru Weds nights...have one on Thursday...and 3-5 each weekend night

and, my palate is such...only "D" or "T" or "I" IPA's, or Imperial Stouts will do (nothing under 8% ABV....dark and chewy or magnificent hop-blasts only)

I drink for the awesomeness of the taste primarily....and the feeling that follows is a sweet bonus

my blessing and curse....my reality

up to me to find balance....to moderate over hours...to make sure my life (obligations/functions) are not unduly impeded

to each their own...

to answer the question...I am an enthusiastic alcoholic with enough discipline (most of the time...) to find balance

and I judge no one....

 

and i respect and appreciate the post/thread....

as I enjoy an opportunity to hear/share perspectives in areas as these...

checks and balances....in practice and in philosophy...

cheers to all....(he says...imbibing a beautiful Old Rasputin....topped with a hint of Jack Daniels Honey)

Merry X-mas all...

 

Not necessarily. There is a term "highly functioning alcoholic" who never misses work, often excels at it and is generally not known to cause domestic strife or other problem areas associated with alcohol. However, this same person is counting down the minutes work is over simply so that they can get sloshed because they have a physical and psychological dependence.

 

I think your title has a lot to do with the responses, rather then a misreading of the OP.

Is it wrong? No

I think there are very few of us here who don't occasionally over indulge . The point is to bring it back into balance and not allow it to become the norm. And never allow it to effect your responsibilities to your family or your job.

But that's just my opinion.

 

Wow, asking if the ability to drink 4 DIPAs in one night makes you an alcoholic? I'd be willing to wager that the majority here on BA can and has done so and not only that, but the majority of BMC crowd does the equivalent at times. It's called weekend overindulgence. Healthy? Not really. But Jesus it doesn't make you an alcoholic either. Sometimes people just get a little shit faced. Me, I probably drank twice that amount yesterday hosting Christmas Eve, but to be fair, it was over a period of 11 hours. Time during consumption counts!

 

I think the fact that we (the BA community) seek out more expensive, higher quality forms of our alcoholic beverages is a sign that we like drinking for reasons other than getting intoxicated, indicating that we are not alcoholics. Not that craft beer drinkers can't be alcoholics, I just think they are less likely to be than AAL or cheap liquor drinkers.

 

That case certainly exists. I was trying to define where the line was across which you have entered problem territory (based on my opinion, since that's what forums like this are generally about), certainly not denying the existence of functional alcoholism. Seems like your definition of counting down minutes until getting sloshed would be a case where that person would be statistically likely to have some consequences, personally and/or professionally, so they would likely fit my "problem" definition.

Mayo clinic says "Alcoholism is a chronic and often progressive disease that includes problems controlling your drinking, being preoccupied with alcohol, continuing to use alcohol even when it causes problems, having to drink more to get the same effect (physical dependence), or having withdrawal symptoms when you rapidly decrease or stop drinking." So, we can disagree, or maybe you, me, and Mayo are all saying the same thing.

 

Living in Vermont and being a fan of IIPA, temptation is always there to overindulge in the tasty hop bombs on a regular basis. After one, or a couple of 16 oz. cans of 8%, I often fight the desire to crack another one just because they are tasty.
The tastings I've attended recently featured an insane amount of beer, so I rely on small pours and plenty of water with food, but more important, I don't allow myself to be influenced by those who want me to tie a serious buzz on because that's what they choose to do.
The folks that leave VT every day with one to twenty cases of 16 oz. cans of IIPA make me wonder just what the hell they do with all that beer.

 

I asked myself all of these questions before I decided to jump into craft beer if your drinking for the wrong reasons and or doing bad things due to drinking then yes you have a problem. I drink because craft beer is delicious. The Most beers I'll have in one setting is two any more than that and I feel like it's a waste of great beer as after two 12% and up beers is enough in one night

 

As a healthcare professional and craft beer enthusiast I'll chime in. I'm a ER nurse case manager and I talk to alcoholics almost every day and the term alcoholic is such a broad definition it doesn't really encapsulate those in the grey area.

If you cannot not drink you're an alcoholic or at least you are on your way. If you get the shakes, anxiety, night sweats, feel like your skin is crawling then you're in withdraw and need medical attention immediately. Truthfully if you even ask yourself if you might be an alcoholic you should consider limiting your use or at least keep track. Try taking this test:

https://ncadd.org/learn-about-alcohol/alcohol-abuse-self-test

Personally I limit myself to one beer 3 nights a week-I try to keep it less than 9-10% and one night a week I allow myself to drink multiple beers. I use a high quality breathelizer if I drive regardless of the number of beers consumed or use uber or arrange a ride.

I see first hand the damage alcoholism can cause so I'm probably more cautious than the average Joe but remember alcohol is a drug and while its an amazing hobby it requires responsibility. I thought this was a well written article.

http://beergraphs.com/bb/344-high-functioning-craft-beer-and-alcohol/