Drink alone cannot turn someone into an alcoholic if they don't have the mindset of a 'true' drunk. Someone exposed to, and participating in, daily drinking might well form a bad habit and develop a drink problem, but that doesn't mean they are, or will go on to become, a full blown alcoholic who is heavily addicted to ethyl alcohol.
Someone with a drink problem may well identify their malady and do something about when the time is right.
ALCOHOLIC
An alcoholic, on the other hand, denies he even has a drinking problem and may never do anything about it despite all the physical, emotional, and mental trauma it causes for him and those around him.
A person with a drink problem may be a well-adjusted individual whose life is fulfilled, balanced and functions perfectly well all apart from the drink issue.
The alcoholic's life is often one of imbalance, extreme behaviours and mood swings. He most likely has experienced a number of failed relationships, and has a pessimistic attitude and outlook on life in general.
The problem drinker will stop drinking, though begrudgingly, if a doctor instructs him to for the sake of his health and well being, or a partner threatens to leave him should he continue.
The alcoholic will shoot down any doctor's opinion ranting on about how he doesn't know what he's talking about. Many alcoholics drink until they die simply because they won't, or can't accept the help and advice of others. Full blown alcoholics will often choose the bottle over the spouse if given an ultimatum
As you can probably tell from the above, the alcoholic comes across as a self centered know-it-all. A person who's deep in denial, and has difficulty living a life on life's terms. Such a conclusion tells us that the alcoholic personality is egotistical to the extreme, and nothing or nobody will get in the way of their drinking no matter what! A lot of alcoholics tend to have a self destruct button, but sadly they often take victims with them as their life spirals downwards.
Most of us will most probably know of someone who has a drink problem, that being someone who drinks too much too often. And because one in 10 people in western societies are alcoholics, many of us will also know of someone who not consumes too much, but also displays some or all of the alcoholic characteristics above.
The really sad fact about so many alcoholics is that they themselves do not really want to be the way they are. They certainly don't intend to drag others down with them, but they can't seem to help themselves. It is highly unlikely that an alcoholic can stop drinking on his own, which is why there are support groups and fellowships everywhere set up specifically to help those who are ready to help themselves.
Quitting - Heavy Drinkers!
If you're a pretty popular person among your family and friends, and have a reasonably good lifestyle apart from the drinking issue, then you know what you have to do about it if it bothers you and your loved ones. Just like quitting smoking, it will take a bit of effort and withdrawal, but it can be done so long as you want it enough. Remember though, just because you drink too much now, doesn't automatically mean you're an alcoholic, so you may even have the luxury to moderate over time.
Quitting - Alcoholics!
Are you always drinking, or thinking about drinking in between sessions? Does your life seems to go from bad to worse no matter how hard you try to get on the right path? Is getting drunk more of a priority for you than getting dinner or making an appointment? Do you always seem to be in some kind of conflict with people, places, and things? Are you unhappy more often than not? And if you really think about it, do you suffer from shame, remorse, and guilt, whenever you reflect on your life or current behaviour? If you live for the juice and can relate to any of these questions, then there's a good chance you have more than just a drink problem. It's likely that you are an alcoholic, or at best, a borderline alcoholic.
There are Solutions - but you have to want them!
Alcoholics do get sober, and not only do they manage to plug the jug, but they also manage to stay stopped and go on to live a serene and purposeful life of sobriety. There are no magic solutions here, and it does require effort from the individual. Once they take ownership of their problem, then the foundation for recovery is set. When an alcoholic can finally come to accept that there is nothing, repeat nothing, in their life that a drink can make better, then the door to recovery has opened.
Alcoholic Vs Problem Drinker! ALCOHOLIC
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