HighwayChild
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- Aug 12, 2010
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Wiki version - Alcoholism - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
This is a term that I've noticed has been used quite loosely in the world. It seems many people have their own definition of what alcohol abuse is and when it's fitting to accuse someone of being an alcoholic.
I was listening to a radio talk show about it this morning and one caller said that it doesn't matter if you are functioning or nonfunctioning, that you are an alcoholic if you drink every day or use alcohol to lift your mood in social situations. The radio host seemed to agree. I have met others who think that way as well, including my mom. Everyone seems to have their own idea of what they consider alcoholism to be, kind of like religion.
I don't think it's so gray. To me, there are a few levels of alcohol use and it takes a lot to get to the point of dependence.
Feel free to add if you see other levels... but here are mine:
nondrinker
social drinker
moderate drinker
heavy drinker
a "drunk"
alcoholic.
The first two seem to have a definition that shouldn't be argued, should have a general consensus of what they are or mean with almost everyone. After that, things become drunkenly blurry. I personally think alcoholism is a disease, creates a nonfunctioning lifestyle, and creates an ironic mess that consists of the drinking causing the pain that you drink to to escape. (I'm unhappy because I drink, I drink because I'm unhappy -the vicious cycle). I think that many people seem to throw in heavy drinker and "a drunk" in with the alcoholism and I don't agree. I can explain, but I want to hear what some of you think about this.
This is a term that I've noticed has been used quite loosely in the world. It seems many people have their own definition of what alcohol abuse is and when it's fitting to accuse someone of being an alcoholic.
I was listening to a radio talk show about it this morning and one caller said that it doesn't matter if you are functioning or nonfunctioning, that you are an alcoholic if you drink every day or use alcohol to lift your mood in social situations. The radio host seemed to agree. I have met others who think that way as well, including my mom. Everyone seems to have their own idea of what they consider alcoholism to be, kind of like religion.
I don't think it's so gray. To me, there are a few levels of alcohol use and it takes a lot to get to the point of dependence.
Feel free to add if you see other levels... but here are mine:
nondrinker
social drinker
moderate drinker
heavy drinker
a "drunk"
alcoholic.
The first two seem to have a definition that shouldn't be argued, should have a general consensus of what they are or mean with almost everyone. After that, things become drunkenly blurry. I personally think alcoholism is a disease, creates a nonfunctioning lifestyle, and creates an ironic mess that consists of the drinking causing the pain that you drink to to escape. (I'm unhappy because I drink, I drink because I'm unhappy -the vicious cycle). I think that many people seem to throw in heavy drinker and "a drunk" in with the alcoholism and I don't agree. I can explain, but I want to hear what some of you think about this.