What differentiates when a person is an alcoholic? A very dear friend of mine whom is an alcoholic said: When drinking becomes needing rather than wanting.

I felt she summed it up pretty well. I have taken drinks before, I also grew up with a father that was a 'weekend' alcoholic, most of my uncles were alcoholics, one I never saw sober. When I went out with friends, I didn't have a problem not drinking...I was the designated because I was the non drinker. Because of growing up with alcoholics, I refused to have more than two drinks.

Then my mom got cancer, I went on a binge for about two months, twice a week, mostly on weekends. I realized this was not an answer, I stopped...I will have a glass of wine, until last month it was over 5 years that I drank anything at all. The occasion for the last month glass of wine...a celebration...

My father put it rather plainly once...If you like drinking, don't do it!!
I have seen what it does to people, friends and family. MelodyL, I think your friends need some serious counseling, and I hope things work out for them.

You people that have been sober, even for 7 days...

HOORAY!!!! HOORAH!!! Remember you have people on your side!!!

My DH will not admit it, but he is an alcoholic...he drinks every day and as soon as he gets off work.