[shannon]

I have a close friend who has an alcohol problem. Most of our friends drink alcohol when socializing, at the bar, hanging out...but this one friend will get drunk at home alone. Completely drunk. I think that's when we realized he has a problem is it's not even social anymore...it's necessary for him to drink.

[sassafrass]

When the use of alcohol creates problems for you, then alcohol is a problem. However, many people will deny that thier problems are due to their alcohol consumption. Rather, they will blame other factors (society, individuals, rules, laws, etc.). I agree with everything the previous post says, and it is true that you can have a temporary problem and later resume normal drinking. That's not the case for me, but I've seen it happen with others.

[felinewarrior]

Just posted this thread out of curiosity. When do you guys think alcohol becomes a problem? Any personal experiences?

I knew that alcohol was a problem when, realizing that I couldn't stop drinking on my own, I decided to step off the roof of a pretty tall apartment building. Obviously I didn't do it, but instead experienced what some folks call a "moment of clarity;" that is, I made a call for help. That was the end of the line, though, the rooftop experience. What led to it was a number of years of problems caused by alcohol. Or, more specifically, by my consumption of alcohol.

At first it was a touch of promiscuity here and there. Then it was waking up (read: coming to) in the homes of people I didn't recall meeting. Ever. Blackouts were the norm, actually, from my very first drunk. But here's the summary version: When the unacceptable became acceptable... that is when I knew it was a problem. But even then, silverhalide, the knowing alone didn't do a thing. I really had to be brought to my knees to be at a place where not only was I willing to ask for help, but more importantly (imo) actually ACCEPT it. I went for years knowing it was a problem - I felt helpless and unable to deal with it.

I should say that I do believe some people just drink a lot, either once in a while or through stages of life / life events. But when it's time to get serious (grow up, face life, deal with responsibilities, etc.), they are able to set drinking aside and step up to the plate. Everyone who drinks a lot or is a "problem drinker" is not necessarily an alcoholic, is what I'm trying to say.

So after all that, I'd say that, based upon my own experience, alcohol is a problem when you can't stop drinking. And/or when you know it's a problem, but you can't imagine life without alcohol - it feels like two different brands of death: Can't life with it, can't live without it.

That was probably way more than you really wanted... so sorry! It's probably not good form for the new girl to get so yammery right off the bat!

[silverhalide]

Just posted this thread out of curiosity. When do you guys think alcohol becomes a problem? Any personal experiences?