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Drinking out of habit or dependence

I'm 32 years old, and am a working musician. Obviously I'm surrounded by a crowd that drinks all of the time. About 3 years ago I started drinking all of the time, because that is what the crowd I hang out with does. I don't feel pressured by anyone, but it has just become fun over the years. Anyway is there a such thing as "drinking out of habit" or does that mean I'm an alcoholic?

Thank You for your time
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729009 tn?1237326883
I think the question sounds more like, "is it dependence or abuse?"  sorry to burst your bubble, but even if you drink more than two drink a day more than a few days a week, you're an 'alcoholic'. Just go to any AA meeting. Coffee is indeed defined as an addiction, too, just like a lot of things. The good thing is you'll have an easier time stopping than those who are dependant on it. Just for me, a nice girl out West, make the new 'cool' hot tea or something. I only drank wine just because I felt like it and I *could* for about 4 years and it was almost daily and I never got shakes or withdrawals or anything. I could stop for a week if I wanted, no big deal. Well, turns out I now have cirrhosis. SO, just stop any chronic consumption at all. A few times a month is probably fine for you. But once you start having it in your system more often than not, it can become a big danger to your liver. I'm only 35 and am doing really great now and feel awesome but it was also really easy to stop drinking all together when faced with such a scary diagnosis.  I'm just saying... best to slow your roll sooner than later.  

Take care,
Nicole
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Avatar universal
I really appreciate everyones feedback! Very Helpful

Thanks
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553995 tn?1332018840
It is hard to diferentiate between what is habit and what is addiction. Coffee in the morning can be a habit, because you like it  but when you find you don't have it and you get a headache and need it to get going, it is an addiction.

Go to your gigs and have a cola, whatever. If the others ask, tell them your trying something (for yourself).  People don't usually persue questions into the ground.  

Only your can know if you are an alcoholic. It is good you have an eye on yourself.
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455167 tn?1259257871
hi. i know exactly what you mean. i've been playing for over 20 years, and did it for a living for a while. from the earliest gigs, there was always booze and just about everything else you might want available to me, and i rarely turned it down. for a while i loved everything about playing out----the rush from the energy of the audience, the partying, the traveling, and the attention. unfortunately, i was able to consume more booze, or anything else than most. as time passed, it changed from a habit to a necessity, and i had to have something in me to perform. at one point during one of my many attempts at control, i was even going to aa meetings on the road when i could between soundcheck and the first set. but eventually i still returned to my demons which required much more effort to deal with. you may or may not have a problem, but even if you do, it's not the end of the world. there are many musicians in recovery these days including two of the greatest guitar players that ever lived. i've had the pleasure to hear them tell their stories after getting sober, and they were powerful. if we can be of further help here, please let us know.  take care,  gm
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Avatar universal
COMMUNITY LEADER
My designated driver 25 years ago hung with our drinking crowd....he may have had two beers the entire evening.He hung with us but chose to drink in moderation...he also had the OFF switch that this alcoholic/addict never had!If its fun to you 2 b drinking all the time,if u lose control over the amount u drink and ur behavior,if u drive drunk u r developing a very bad habit that could blossom in2 alcoholism.If u wonder a lot if u have a drinking problem..u most likely do!
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