Alcohol has been around for centuries. In fact, it is arguably the oldest abused chemical around. It has definitely had its ups and downs in popularity throughout the years. There are groups and countries that ban its use. There are religious sects that warn against its intoxicating ways and the immoral behavior associated with it. For generations, alcohol has continued a love/hate relationship with humankind. Love from the ones who like to drink it and hate from the ones who have seen lives destroyed by it.
In any major city today you may see a homeless man or woman holding a cardboard sign up, usually at a busy intersection, asking for money. What is the common and sadly, usual response to this? I would give them money but they’re just going to use it to buy booze. It’s a familiar situation to most Americans today. What is more regrettable is they are probably right. The person on the busy intersection corner is more than likely an alcoholic. Even today in the well informed society we live, many people associate alcoholism with the homeless wino, begging for money and living under bridges. But this is only partly true. The homeless alcoholic, begging and living under bridges accounts for only 3% of the entire alcoholic population. Surprising, isn’t it?
Many alcoholics have event-filled lives, jobs, families, homes, cars and pets. They may have never been in trouble and maybe have never had a DUI, not yet at least. They live to drink and drink to live while keeping up appearances to the outside world. But ask anyone who lives with them, or has seen them in an alcoholic stupor, and they will be quick to say otherwise. They know the truth and more than likely, the neighborhood, the boss, the teachers and coaches, family and friends do as well. It may be the secret no one talks about but everyone knows. Some of them may secretly wish for the time when the alcoholic will gather up enough will-power to stop on their own. Again and again they will quietly wish for something that will probably not happen.
But what is the difference between an alcoholic and somebody that just drinks? Leaving scientific debate aside, there are usually four classes of people who drink and only one of them is an alcoholic.
The first class of drinker is the Social Drinker. This individual usually drinks a glass of wine or a beer with friends at a social gathering or event. They have a low tolerance to alcohol and don’t ingest very much of it. They can put down a glass half full of alcohol and walk away, bothering them not one bit. The social drinker literally can take it or leave it. They may or may not have alcohol in the house. If they do, it’s for special occasions and is rarely brought out. The social drinker may have a bottle of alcohol that has been sitting in a cabinet for months or even years. Alcohol is absolutely not an issue for them.
The second class of drinker is the Problem Drinker. This individual enjoys drinking with others but rarely drinks alone, if at all. They like parties, bars and the social scene but every once in a while, a problem will arise due to their drinking. Maybe it’s relationship that has soured because of their drinking or even a DUI. Maybe they lost a job or went into a rage while drunk and threw the television out of the window. The problem drinker will have problems, even serious ones, but they are not alcoholic. Something will happen in their lives and they will be able to stop on their own. Maybe the DUI smartened them up and they stopped or slowed down considerably. Maybe the television being thrown out the window wasn’t such a grand idea and they stop. Maybe that last girlfriend, or wife, they lost because of drinking woke them up and they decided to stop. Whatever the reason, they can and probably will stop drinking by themselves.
The third class of drinker is the Chronic Drinker. This individual drinks heavily, maybe everyday and has for most of their lives. They may have lost a lot in their lives due to their drinking. Maybe those around them question whether they are alcoholic or not. They may even question it themselves. They drink alone or with other people. They’re drinking is definitely cause for concern. They may even have a damaged liver from years of hard drinking. But like the problem drinker, something will happen in their lives that will cause them to stop drinking. Maybe the doctor will warn them to quit or possibly die. They may need medical help to come off the booze. But the Chronic Drinker can quit drinking and lead a relatively normal life without alcohol.
The fourth class of drinker is the Alcoholic. This individual drinks because there is no other choice. Many alcoholics understand the term maintenance drinking. No matter who or what is lost, they continue drinking. Regardless what the doctor says, they may try to slow down or stop, but will be right back to their old selves in no time. When an alcoholic starts to drink, they usually cannot stop until the desired effect of oblivion is achieved. They may or may not realize the one drink theory applies to them. One drink and they are off to the races all over again. They are utterly incapable of leaving alcohol alone for any extended period of time.
The definitions above are in no way an exact model. An honest appraisal of oneself will reveal the truth. There are many alcoholics who need to change but don’t want to change. If every alcoholic was admitted to a treatment facility based on need, there wouldn’t be enough facilities to handle the load. Treatment and aftercare meetings like Alcoholics Anonymous are there for people who want it. Do you?
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