re: What constitutes being an alcoholic or drunkard

This makes alot of sense. Thank you

quote:

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I drank a lot from my mid-teens to my early forties but I've slowed down in a big big way in recent years. No conscious decision or big moment of clarity, just sort of lost the taste for it. It caused me problems more than once or twice but I never came close to bottoming out. There are functioning alcoholics/drunks. The idea that every hard drinker ends up in the gutter is pure marketing propaganda from the rehab industry.

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Describes my situation to a tee. Add in some medical issues on top of it all and I just don’t consume near what I used to. As to the OP, I know a few functioning alcoholics and each has their own distinct traits. One had such dire health issues that it was beginning to cause serious bouts of pancreatitis, reduction in bone mass and just general lack of any stamina. Another has zero health issues but you definitely notice it causes issues.

All in all, I don’t think there is a black and white answer to the OP’s question. Each person’s situation is unique in its own way. And, I do agree, the rehab industry is somewhat out of control but many employers list it as the only option to remain gainfully employed.