Am I an alcoholic?

[petebt18]

Hi folks, I am late 30’s and happily married with 2 fantastic children. I have fallen into the routine of drinking at least 5 nights out of 7. I would tend to drink 2 beers and some red wine (usually ½ - ¾ of a bottle). I feel the urge to drink in the evening but not sure if it is habit. I would never drink before 7pm, have just returned from an all inclusive holiday and even with free drink did not consume any until my evening meal. If i have kids to drop off and collect or meetings to go to in the evening i have no problem not drinking. I know this is random rambling but your thoughts would be welcome. Thanks

[ibizan]

i agree w/the previous poster 120%!can't add anything else that hasn't already been noted!

[castaway1]

I'd agree with the previous poster. I don't know that you're an alcoholic at this point, but if you are concerned about it then that's a sign you need to change your behavior. Simplistic as it may sound, don't drink alcohol for a week and see how you feel. If you feel strong urges, deep stress, etc., then that's a sign your body and mind may be becoming dependent. I do think the word "urge" is a warning sign as well, that a problem could be developing. It's best to deal with it now before it gets worse. Best of luck!

[OpenMind24hours]

One of the best tests I ever heard of is the two drink test. Can you feel comfortable having just two drinks and then stop without wanting another one? Not one, not a bunch, but just two? Alcoholism involves not just drinking but our reaction to alcohol. I'm an alcoholic. Once I start all bets are off. The first drink will make me want more; the first drink technically is the one that gets me looped in that manner.  I generally need to reach a certain plateau when I drink, and it's usually off the charts on a breathalyzer test. The thought of stopping at 2 drinks is ludicrous to me. I drink "for effect" rather than taste. Normal people don't want drinking to get in the way of their job, family and life's enjoyments. Alcoholics don't want family, job and activities to get in the way of their drinking.

My opinion of what you describe is heavy drinking once you start. Keep your eye on escalation. You used the word "urge". That's an indicator of the beginning of a possible problem. Alcoholism is a disease.  I got the urge every time I had idle time. That urge took priority over everything else in my life.

Can you identify with any of this? Good you're aware and concerned. Most importantly, stay off the road after your evening's drinking sessions. Laws are really tough on even first offenders.