I found some sites and info on how to tell -

[Do you have to be an alcoholic to experience problems?

No. Alcoholism is only one type of an alcohol problem.
Alcohol abuse can be just as harmful.
A person can abuse alcohol without actually being an alcoholic—that is, he or she may drink too much and too often but still not be dependent on alcohol. Some of the problems linked to alcohol abuse include not being able to meet work, school, or family responsibilities; drunk-driving arrests and car crashes; and drinking-related medical conditions. Under some circumstances, even social or moderate drinking is dangerous—for example, when driving, during pregnancy, or when taking certain medications.]
http://www.medicinenet.com/alcohol_a...lism/page3.htm

http://www.alcoholandfamilies.org.uk...ted_others.htm

http://alcoholism.about.com/od/about/a/alcoholism.htm

http://www.alcoholscreening.org/

Well, my lady friends who go in their backyards (this is only during the summer and maybe once a month at that), I gather they don't have a problem with alcohol because I've never seen them drunk (but then again, even if you don't see a person, that doesn't mean that that person doesn't drink during the day).

Perfect example is my friend who I only thought drank at night, and now she's begun in the day.

I think the best thing is to drink water!!!!

And when you go to a wedding, just take the champagne and offer a toast and that's it.

But I can definitely see how it can be a problem for a person with an addiction.

Do you know I never knew you could be an alcoholic if you only drank beer??

I thought it had to be hard liquor. Goes to show you how much I know about the subect??

My friend's son only drinks beer. BUT A LOT OF BEER.

And I have a former friend who has a husband of almost 40 years and I've never seen him sober. On any holiday or occasion, he's passed out on the floor with beer cans next to him. Someone remarked to her "do you know your husband has a drinking problem?" and she replied "listen, he works hard during the week, what's the harm if he likes his beer??" Now how to do you reply to a comment like that, especially when the guy is passed out two feet in front of you??

You don't.

I didn't.

I've learned much from this forum. And I thank you.

Melody

you don't have to get drunk to be an alcoholic.

There is a term used to describe an alcoholic who functions with all daily activities. They are called functioning alcoholics. They can drink and function just as someone who doesn't drink. It's still a disease no matter how you term it imho.

A social drinker in my other opinion is one who drinks occasionally and does not abuse it. I hardly ever drink but I do on occasion, but never get wasted. Maybe a beer here and there. I grew up with alcoholics so my fear of becoming one helps me turn away. I also think to drink because everyone else is can become a problem. Saying no is OK. Many times you'll find me sipping a coke while others are drinking.

Curious:

You said: "you don't have to get drunk to be an alcoholic".

I never knew this.

Mel

it is true melody.

i have uncles who were alcoholics. drank pretty much everyday. i can say i only saw 1 drunk 1 x. he went to go get dried out not long after that.

some get so used to the alcohol, it's like they have a tolorence to it. takes so much for them to act any different. my x's grandfather was that way. drank everyday.

it's that they can't and won't give it up. they will say..oh i can..but i don't want to. i'm not an alcoholic..i never stumble around..yada yada.

i am a non drinker by choice. very very rarely will hubby and i have a glass of wine at home. never ever away from home. i have poured out more bottles than we have drank.

i'm very passionate about parents drinking infront of their kids. ticks me off more than i can say.

especially at picnics or family gatherings. they are going to get into a car and drive those kids home.

my x's family is big on doing that. one reason he is an X.

I do not have alot of time tonight but wanted to pop in.
I have been sober almost 8 years now and I was a daily drinker....26-40oz of tequila per day. That sorta separated me from a social drinker right there!!
There are many factors in life that can open the doors to alcoholism. Those same factors could drive a non a non alcoholic to drink excessively....even habitually...however the alcoholics need for drink if so intense willpower rarely wins out.
I AM SOOOO tired right now and need to crash. Will post more tomorrow.
I am really enjoying the action on this foum....so different....so nice!!!!!!!!!!!