> How would any of you define an Alcoholic?
Clinically it is defined as a "dependance". For example here are two common
indicators:
1. To have a good time, you need to drink.
2. In times of stress, you need to drink (problem with many bar owners)
In both of these cases, there is a compulsive response to drink because of the
environment, basically becoming a crutch which leads to addiction.
I would not consider someone who has a drink with each meal an alcoholic or
when spending time with friends.
It's when a person can't stop having a drink, in specific situations, that the
first signs of alcoholism kick in. From there it is just a matter of degrees
which defines what type of alcoholic a person is (i.e. functional alcoholics
or dumbass drunks).
--
Darcy S. O'Neil
The Art of Drink
http://www.theartofdrink.com