I used to date a woman who was a drug/alcohol counselor at the VA center, and she told me it is safe to assume everybody lies, and they automatically double whatever amount the patient tells them. And I have found that this is common for counselors no matter where they work.

And as an ex-heavy drinker I'd say that's probably accurate. Doctors have asked me over the years and I always shaded the answer, and I'm a pretty honest guy normally.

I quit drinking 6 months ago because of PN and B12 def., most likely caused by alcohol AND from antacids I used to down like candy. No booze, no heartburn.