NationStates Jolt Archive

I decided not to ask if you had a drinking problem, because really...define 'problem'.

I probably consume about 20 servings a week, give or take.

Usually it's concentrated into only a day or two.

At the moment very little, but on an average week at uni, hmm, dunno. Ten pints maybe?

I would have voted "I never stop drinking" except that sometimes I sleep, and during finals I stay sober. What a stupid poll, OP, sheesh.

I just binge on occasion, Ill go months without a drink, until a special occasion, then Ill get smashed drunk, lol....

do the same with Cigars...

A fair amount of beer and whisky each week, but it depends what I'm doing.

I don't even binge occasionally. I drink occasionally. It's not regularly.

And i would define a drinking problem as the beginning phases of alcoholism; alcohol dependency and negative health effects related to alcohol abuse developing. And of course if you are already addicted, and drink more than you want to just because you seem to be helpless to stop, then that's a problem. Or, if you're a pregnant mother - that's a problem..

Depends. Right now I don't drink to often, maybe a a drink every day or two. On the weekends it tends to ramp up a little more. And then when I'm back living on my own it'll go up even more.

Seeing as the UK government's definition of 'binge drinking' is about 4 pints of strongish beer, I think I 'binge' almost every time I go to the pub.

I don't even binge occasionally. I drink occasionally. It's not regularly.

And i would define a drinking problem as the beginning phases of alcoholism; alcohol dependency and negative health effects related to alcohol abuse developing. And of course if you are already addicted, and drink more than you want to just because you seem to be helpless to stop, then that's a problem. Or, if you're a pregnant mother - that's a problem..

Agreed except for 'alcohol dependency'. What's that?

I'm drunk maybe, on average, four or five evenings a week? And I'd say I have a few drinks pretty much every day. It's a problem once it starts causing problems, I'd say.

I'm drunk maybe, on average, four or five evenings a week? And I'd say I have a few drinks pretty much every day. It's a problem once it starts causing problems, I'd say.

That's about where I'm at, with the occasional weekend mass binge on top of it.

Agreed except for 'alcohol dependency'. What's that?

in laymans terms, when you cant not drink, lol...


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Addiction

Poll needs one beer a month option :(

I never drink at all.;)

I'm drunk maybe, on average, four or five evenings a week? And I'd say I have a few drinks pretty much every day. It's a problem once it starts causing problems, I'd say.

Holy crap. I'd be dead.

I had a beer after work yesterday, and a small glass of wine after work Tuesday. HIGHLY unusual for me.

Pretty much the only time I ever drink is if I'm in the city visiting my best friend, and then we might get drunk... like, six times a year? Less than monthly, for sure.

Holy crap. I'd be dead.

It's a fine skill to hone, and one I've been working on for years.

Also, it's great fun to be able to completely outdrink guys who think that because I'm a thin and generally kinda waifish girl two drinks will do for me.

I might get drunk a few times a year and I drink maybe once or twice a month. Depends on when my volunteer fire company meets or there's a social at work. Usually though, I don't drink.

Poll needs one beer a month option :( It's just not an option:)

I never drink at all.;) Welcome! I've been waiting for at least one person who doesn't drink! I know many who refuse to touch a drop.

It's a fine skill to hone, and one I've been working on for years.

Also, it's great fun to be able to completely outdrink guys who think that because I'm a thin and generally kinda waifish girl two drinks will do for me.
Yes. This is fun. Sort of a silly talent though, as I invariably end up drinking waaaay more than I should and no amount of the guys being impressed makes the hangover worth it :D Stupid competitive streak!

It's a fine skill to hone, and one I've been working on for years.

Also, it's great fun to be able to completely outdrink guys who think that because I'm a thin and generally kinda waifish girl two drinks will do for me.

I'm a normal-sized girl, I guess, and two drinks can do me in (though I can go on drinking for some time after hitting drunk).

I don't even binge occasionally. I drink occasionally. It's not regularly.

^This. Given that the alcohol I like is mostly in the form of expensive girly cocktails and I am poor, I really don't drink very often.

I'm a normal-sized girl, I guess, and two drinks can do me in (though I can go on drinking for some time after hitting drunk).

Drunk for me depends (as with all of us) on quantity and period of time. I can sit and have about 5 gin and tonics one after the other and start buzzing, but likely not before that. I try to drink plenty of water, and I don't do that 'starving yourself so you get drunker' thing that so many young folks seem to be into. I can hold waaaaay too much liquor.

I'm a normal-sized girl, I guess, and two drinks can do me in (though I can go on drinking for some time after hitting drunk).

I kinda wish it worked like that for me, nights out would certainly be cheaper...

I kinda wish it worked like that for me, nights out would certainly be cheaper...

Inorite? I have people saying, 'well you're not doing it right, you shouldn't be paying for your drinks' and fine, I get a fair amount paid for, but no man wants to open up his wallet THAT deep, when it's clear after a few shots that it's not going to get me drunk enough to go home with him.

It's simple. It's fine to drink if you feel depressed. It's not okay if you are depressed because you drink.

That's the rule I guess. Otherwise whatever. I can hardly complain since I used to drink like a foremast jack. Keep it down to the odd bottle or four of wine every couple of weeks or so now, mostly.

A foremast jack?

Inorite? I have people saying, 'well you're not doing it right, you shouldn't be paying for your drinks' and fine, I get a fair amount paid for, but no man wants to open up his wallet THAT deep, when it's clear after a few shots that it's not going to get me drunk enough to go home with him.

that's what roofies are for.

Both of these sound horribly unhealthy. Are you not concerned with what that's doing to your body? If anything, it sucks because it takes so much more to get you drunk.
That's about where I'm at, with the occasional weekend mass binge on top of it.

I'm drunk maybe, on average, four or five evenings a week? And I'd say I have a few drinks pretty much every day. It's a problem once it starts causing problems, I'd say.

Holy crap. I'd be dead.
Same.

I usually drink only on one night out of the weekend, when I'm out partying with my friends. But then it is like getting wasted. I won't feel like drinking for the rest of the weekend though.

I hardly ever drink during the week, unless there is some kind of occasion, or if I'm home and we're having a beer or glass of wine with dinner, but that's different.

When I'm in Europe, it tends to differ because I'll find myself partying more, drinking more beer (Central European beer just calls to me) and in general just being way more unhealthy than when I'm in America.

that's what roofies are for.

Tsk tsk. I tend to hang around large men who are extremely protective of me. They also help me get out of trouble when I break someone's nose for being an asshole :D Not really worried about roofies. Ruffy on the other hand...

I drink more than the Pope,less than Mickey Rourke..

Both of these sound horribly unhealthy. Are you not concerned with what that's doing to your body? If anything, it sucks because it takes so much more to get you drunk.

Not really. I don't eat very well, do next to no actual exercise (apart from walking to and from places), smoke a fair bit, and mess around with certain recreational drugs on occasion, but I never get ill, I'm thin (but not unhealthily thin), I don't get out of breath, and I'd consider myself to be generally fairly fit.

Basically, if I was going to get super-healthy, cutting down on drinking wouldn't be the first item on my list.

Both of these sound horribly unhealthy. Are you not concerned with what that's doing to your body? If anything, it sucks because it takes so much more to get you drunk.

Well, I figure it's a balancing act. I don't eat refined sugars at all...no pop (soda) or sweets etc. I could do with more veggies and fruits in my diet but I do pretty well. I get a fair amount of exercise. So the amount of toxins my organs have to clean out of me on a daily basis isn't really much more than the average person who does put all the sugar and junk into their system. Not to mention, it has been suggested that the alcohols I imbibe, in moderate amounts, is actually beneficial. Of course the fact that I don't indulge moderately, shall be dismissed by me right now. Poof.

When I'm in Europe, it tends to differ because I'll find myself partying more, drinking more beer (Central European beer just calls to me) and in general just being way more unhealthy than when I'm in America. I drink more often and eat much greasier food, keep longer nights, etc when I travel....but I always lose weight, and feel pretty good when I get home. I think you end up being more active on vacation (which is why you need a vacation after your vacation), which sort of negates that unhealthy living.

Also, the lack of stress...something has to be said for it. Not crying about calories, drinking when you want, and just in general enjoying life more probably does a lot more for your health than any strict dietary regiment and attempt to abstain from alcohol.

That's what I'm going with, anyway :P

Inorite? I have people saying, 'well you're not doing it right, you shouldn't be paying for your drinks' and fine, I get a fair amount paid for, but no man wants to open up his wallet THAT deep, when it's clear after a few shots that it's not going to get me drunk enough to go home with him.

I don't really have guys buying me drinks very often, I'm afraid. I've been with the current boyfriend for about 4 months now so he doesn't really bother anymore. Oh well.

A foremast jack?

*sniffs* It's only gay in port.

Well, I figure it's a balancing act. I don't eat refined sugars at all...no pop (soda) or sweets etc. I could do with more veggies and fruits in my diet but I do pretty well. I get a fair amount of exercise. So the amount of toxins my organs have to clean out of me on a daily basis isn't really much more than the average person who does put all the sugar and junk into their system.
Yeah, but you're comparing your health-status to that of the average person . . . and the average person is probably not that healthy . . . :p
Not to mention, it has been suggested that the alcohols I imbibe, in moderate amounts, is actually beneficial. Of course the fact that I don't indulge moderately, shall be dismissed by me right now. Poof.
hahaha, lol:tongue:
I drink more often and eat much greasier food, keep longer nights, etc when I travel....but I always lose weight, and feel pretty good when I get home. I think you end up being more active on vacation (which is why you need a vacation after your vacation), which sort of negates that unhealthy living.
I lose weight when I'm in Europe too, but it's because I don't work out over there . . . and without working out I get too skinny, so I always feel skinny when I get back to America and need to hit the weights, big time.

Totally agreed on being more active though. Because when you're someplace not *home* you want to do more shit, explore more places, party in new crowds, meet[fuck?] the local population . . . etc etc

Also, the lack of stress...something has to be said for it. Not crying about calories, drinking when you want, and just in general enjoying life more probably does a lot more for your health than any strict dietary regiment and attempt to abstain from alcohol.
Well I don't know if living stress free is as healthy as keeping a healthy diet, but you're absolutely right in that being stress-free does wonder for you. It's extremely beneficial for the mind, which is the most important organ. (the brain)

I drink whenever it is I drink, and I drink however much I drink; I really can't answer the OP.

Gin and tonic, baby. Gotta fight malaria somehow.

Never have, never will.

I've had exactly two drinks this year: A caipirinha and a Sex on the Beach.

I almost never drink, and on the rare occasions that I do, I only drink a very small amount. I've never been drunk before, and I plan to keep it that way.

I usually onlt drink Friday's and Saturday nights. Then the rest of the weekend is alcohol free.

Occasionally there will be times I have big nights for various reasons, but it doesn't happen all that often.

Even Friday's now will soon be coming to a stop as the season starts this weekend and I really can't rock up hungover to a game.

I like to unwind after work with a couple of whiskies, or a couple of Manhattans if I'm feeling ambitious. If it was a particularly intense day I'll have more. Weekends are purely random; I went on some serious post-essay season benders with an ex-gf...other times I'll be too busy to touch the stuff.

I drink in moderation. ('Moderation' is an imaginary place that exists wherever I am)

I drink in moderation. ('Moderation' is an imaginary place that exists wherever I am)

t-shirt hell.

t-shirt hell.

Yeah yeah...

t-shirt hell.

They even made a shirt (http://www.tshirthell.com/funny-shirts/hey-you-yeah-you-no-not-you-that-other-guy/) just for LG. :tongue:

I think life would be more livable if I gave up sobriety.

Work is the curse of the drinking class.

I am trying to cut back, but then I get surly.

I am a mean non-drunk.

I kinda wish it worked like that for me, nights out would certainly be cheaper...

It's nice. I was so stressed out Tuesday, I came home and had a glass of white wine, and when I got up 20 minutes later I was tipsy. It's always a little surprising because I lost a lot of weight pretty quickly after college and my ability to hold my liquor just vanished. I used to be able to put away 8 or 10 shots... now it's like... four. But as you said, it's much cheaper, and I refuse to drink low-quality alcohol, so it's nice if you only need two or three rounds of the good stuff.

I can stop any time I want!

A few drinks per week...usually no more than one or two per "sitting".

When I go to the bar, I get really trashed...but that's becoming less and less common. No more than once a month these days.

Every evening a few hours before I go to bed, I get a little sloshed.

I try and keep the working week alcohol free, but that doesn't always happen (especially when I open the fridge and have a difficult choice between orange juice or Smirnoff, and remember they taste better together)
I never let it interfer with work, never drink during the day and never really get today wasted.
I suppose I drink more than I should, but feel I am never out of control, or need a drink when I really shouldn't

I drink probably 2 liters a day. Water, coffee, milk, sodas, juices, all kindsa stuff.
(And why the hell did it take 4 pages for someone to NOT associate "drinking" with "drinking beverages containing alcohol"?!)

i drink more cups of water a day then i can count. since its about five cups of milk, and i'd guess about five times as many of water, there you go. and maybe two or three of fruit juces. and that's not including bowls of soup.

how many times a day do i recreationally impare my judgement? (counting ALL means of doing so?)

not something i've done at all in the past 20 years at least. and before that it was never in my life anything i ever felt i couldn't live without.

used to be a minimum of £30 on booze a night, 3 nights a week. i'm a fairly large bloke, and my friends always used to say i drank like a fish. add in some weed (or beans) on that, and maybe a taxi ride, admission to clubs, and it got quite expensive going out, lol.

i had my fill of drinking at uni though. now i don't drink alcohol at all. i drink Pepsi Max like i'm addicted to it though :p

I don't do drinks (sans the occassional cuba libre), they just make my tummy ache, instead of the head I'm a targeting.


Beer, wine & straight shots on the other hand... :tongue:


Around 15-20 servings when heading for hangoverville (assuming there's not enough water around ;)) at one go once per week.


btw. Did you know that drinking alcohol actually drops your weight! It's true! Measure your weight & start drinking beer, you'll see the weight drop during the evening!

edit:
In short: Too much.

I never drink at all.;)
Neither do I*. I don't like the taste of alcohol and I don't like being among drunk people (they are even more noisy than normal and horribly emotional).

* except on New Year's Eve and very seldomly with my fiance.

How much do you drink?

As much as I've got, and then maybe I bum a few bottles off my mates.

Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday if I've money. Occasionally Monday and Tuesday too. None of them if I'm poor or nobody I know is drinking.

btw. Did you know that drinking alcohol actually drops your weight!

yes, it does this by means of premature aging.

for any given chronological age, the majority of heavy or even consistent alcohol consumers, will appear unambiguously visibly older, often by as much as ten years, then those who don't.

yes, it does this by means of premature aging.
That's not quite what I meant, but the underlying cause might be the same...

Alcohol dehydrates the body, therefore you'll lose more water than you consume even when drinking beer.

This would logically also lead to drying skin further leading to prematurely aged skin...unless you use moisturizing creams, whatnot, or lead otherwise healthy life.


For that matter, I personally can't handle many strong drinks, which is probably because under normal conditions I consume a lot of water and like my body properly hydrated :D

I decided not to ask if you had a drinking problem, because really...define 'problem'.
These 20 questions (http://www.aatoronto.org/webapp/app/webroot/index.php/pages/20_questions)might help one figure out if they have a "problem" with alcohol, or as you stated "a drinking problem".

These 20 questions (http://www.aatoronto.org/webapp/app/webroot/index.php/pages/20_questions)might help one figure out if they have a "problem" with alcohol, or as you stated "a drinking problem".

That's absurd. I got three, and so am "definitely an alcoholic". My three were "losing time from work because of drinking" (the amount of times I don't bother with a 9am lecture because I'm a bit hungover is crazy), "ever felt remorse after drinking" (well, yeah, usually when I wake up and see who I'm lying beside, or remember something stupid I did when really drunk), and "had a complete loss of memory as a result of drinking" (who hasn't woken up and not remembered what happened the night before?).

Crazy.

I drink 1 liter of diet soda and 2 liters of water almost everyday.

I don't drink much, and definitely never more than one drink a week. Alcohol's expensive.

That's absurd. I got three, and so am "definitely an alcoholic". My three were "losing time from work because of drinking" (the amount of times I don't bother with a 9am lecture because I'm a bit hungover is crazy), "ever felt remorse after drinking" (well, yeah, usually when I wake up and see who I'm lying beside, or remember something stupid I did when really drunk), and "had a complete loss of memory as a result of drinking" (who hasn't woken up and not remembered what happened the night before?).

Crazy.
Alcholism is a progressive disease. If you find yourself having to drink more to get a buzz on, then you may have a problem.

I drink probably 2 liters a day. Water, coffee, milk, sodas, juices, all kindsa stuff.
(And why the hell did it take 4 pages for someone to NOT associate "drinking" with "drinking beverages containing alcohol"?!)
Because not too many people have a "drinking problem", as expressed in the OP, by drinking too much water/milk/sodas/juices, etc. :)

That's absurd. I got three, and so am "definitely an alcoholic". My three were "losing time from work because of drinking" (the amount of times I don't bother with a 9am lecture because I'm a bit hungover is crazy), "ever felt remorse after drinking" (well, yeah, usually when I wake up and see who I'm lying beside, or remember something stupid I did when really drunk), and "had a complete loss of memory as a result of drinking" (who hasn't woken up and not remembered what happened the night before?).

Crazy.

Shit, I got five.

Because I'm shy.
To escape from worries/troubles.
Drink alone.
Complete loss of memory (2004-2005)
And I drink to build up self-confidence.

I had to pick "I don't drink", cause I would maybe have 1 or 2 drinks a months...
So I'm not opposed to it, I just don't really do it all that much any more.

I generally have a pint or 2 on Fridays and Saturdays.

A little most weekdays, often not on a saturday and sunday. Quite pished on a Tuesday often.

These 20 questions (http://www.aatoronto.org/webapp/app/webroot/index.php/pages/20_questions)might help one figure out if they have a "problem" with alcohol, or as you stated "a drinking problem".
Six, biatch. I certainly don't remember getting carted off to the hospital, but I do remember waking up there, and the doctor did comment how polite I was to him even when pished, although I kept falling asleep :D

That's absurd. I got three, and so am "definitely an alcoholic". My three were "losing time from work because of drinking" (the amount of times I don't bother with a 9am lecture because I'm a bit hungover is crazy), "ever felt remorse after drinking" (well, yeah, usually when I wake up and see who I'm lying beside, or remember something stupid I did when really drunk), and "had a complete loss of memory as a result of drinking" (who hasn't woken up and not remembered what happened the night before?).

Crazy.

I picked 2, one of which, "has your ambition increased since drinking?" having fuck all to do with alcoholism. Since the time I first drank alcohol, my ambition has increased, but not as an effect of the alcohol. Those questions were a pile of shit.

I picked 2, one of which, "has your ambition increased since drinking?" having fuck all to do with alcoholism. Since the time I first drank alcohol, my ambition has increased, but not as an effect of the alcohol. Those questions were a pile of shit.
Perhaps because you read the question wrong? :p

9. Has your ambition decreased since drinking?

I'm confused by what "a drink" is. When I go out, on average about twice a week though it's slowed down a lot as of late, 6-10 beers is a calm night, with a trend much more toward 10. I've never really considered it as being all that much.

Well I dont drink that much a week, maybe something with a meal, but when I am at a party, I can pretty much drink more than the recommended weekly intake in that night, and still not be drunk, maybe tipsy, but not drunk. In fact, the only reason I do get more than a weeks worth is because of everyone attempting to get me drunk, usually by challenging me to a competition. Having a reputation for being able to take that much alcohol is annoying after a while, jokes can only go on for so long.

I decided not to ask if you had a drinking problem, because really...define 'problem'.

define... "Drink"

non alcoholic stuff? over 2 litres a day... in fact, I can and have, gone though a 2 litre bottle of soda in a couple of hours.

Alcoholic stuff? hmm... maybe a can... in a year.

Six, biatch. I certainly don't remember getting carted off to the hospital, but I do remember waking up there, and the doctor did comment how polite I was to him even when pished, although I kept falling asleep :D
Yikes!!! Was the trip to the hospital due to your drinking?

Yikes!!! Was the trip to the hospital due to your drinking?
Fuckin' A. You're only 17 once and all that.

In fact, the only reason I do get more than a weeks worth is because of everyone attempting to get me drunk, usually by challenging me to a competition.
While you may get free drinks, the "benefit" might not be all that beneficial to you?
Having a reputation for being able to take that much alcohol is annoying after a while, jokes can only go on for so long.
Some reputations are not worth upholding?

Fuckin' A. You're only 17 once and all that.
I hear ya :D

I decided not to ask if you had a drinking problem, because really...define 'problem'.

Drinking problem: being unable to lift the glass, bottle, or can from the table to your face :p

I drink alcohol maybe once a month, so some of you may consider THAT to be a problem - not enough booze in Tothe's system!

While you may get free drinks, the "benefit" might not be all that beneficial to you?

Well you might be right, but I consider about once a month to be completey fine.

Some reputations are not worth upholding?

Well actually, the beginning is the only real part that annoys me, where all my friends are bugging me. Afterwards on the other hand, is what I like best, as drunk people are incredibly funny, especially when I start to mess with them. :D

Seeing as the UK government's definition of 'binge drinking' is about 4 pints of strongish beer, I think I 'binge' almost every time I go to the pub.

Seriously!? Stupid fucking government.

Its not a drinking problem when youre in college. Its only a drinking problem when you maintain those habits after college.

My other usual response is "Im not an alcoholic. Alcoholics go to meetings."

My other usual response is "Im not an alcoholic. Alcoholics go to meetings."
Apparently that is not quite true:

Five Types of Alcoholics Identified (http://alcoholism.about.com/od/about/a/types.htm)

Dispelling the myth of the "typical alcoholic," National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism researchers have identified five subtypes of alcoholics from a study of 1,484 people who met diagnostic criteria for alcohol dependence.

The study found that the largest group of alcoholics in the U.S. are young adults. Twenty percent are highly functional and more than half do not have a family history of alcoholism. The study was conducted by Howard B. Moss, M.D., NIAAA associate director for clinical and translational research, and a team of researchers. The study drew from responses to the National Epidemiological Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions, a representative epidemiological study of alcohol, drug, and mental disorders in the United States.


Types of Alcoholics
The NIAAA researchers defined five subtypes of alcoholics by the following specific characteristics. They also listed the percentage of each type that composes the total number of U.S. alcoholics:

Young Adult Alcoholics
31.5 percent.

Young adult drinkers, with relatively low rates of co-occurring substance abuse and mental disorders.

Low rates of family alcoholism.

Rarely seek any kind of help for their drinking.

Young Antisocial Alcoholics
21 percent.

Most are in their mid-20s and had early onset of regular drinking and early onset alcohol problems.

More than half come from families with alcoholism, and about half have a psychiatric diagnosis of antisocial personality disorder.

Many have major depression, bipolar disorder, and anxiety problems.

More than 75 percent smoke cigarettes and marijuana, and many also have cocaine and opiate addictions.

More than one-third seek help for their drinking.

Functional Alcoholics
19.5 percent.

Typically middle-aged, well-educated, with stable jobs and families.

About one-third have a multigenerational family history of alcoholism.

One-quarter had major depressive illness at some time in their lives.

Nearly 50 percent are smokers.

Intermediate Familial Alcoholics
19 percent.

Middle-aged with about half from families with multigenerational alcoholism.

Almost half have had clinical depression, and 20 percent have had bipolar disorder.

Most smoke cigarettes, and nearly one in five report cocaine and marijuana use.

About 25 percent ever seek treatment for their problem drinking.

Chronic Severe Alcoholics
9 percent.

Mostly middle-aged individuals who had early onset of drinking and alcohol problems.

High rates of antisocial personality disorder and criminality.

Almost 80 percent come from families with multigenerational alcoholism.

They have the highest rates of other psychiatric disorders including depression, bipolar disorder, and anxiety disorders.

This group has high rates of smoking, and marijuana, cocaine, and opiate dependence.

Two-thirds seek help for their drinking problems, making them the most prevalent type of alcoholic in treatment.

Apparently that is not quite true:

Five Types of Alcoholics Identified (http://alcoholism.about.com/od/about/a/types.htm)

It was a joke.


Man, 23 people dont drink? You all best be underage or mormon. Otherwise youre lame:p

Seeing as the UK government's definition of 'binge drinking' is about 4 pints of strongish beer, I think I 'binge' almost every time I go to the pub.

That's me out too then. Incidentally, if you get a chace, try "Old Tom". Lovely stuff.

I drink more nights than not; port, wine and ale generally.

Incidentally, if you get a chace, try "Old Tom". Lovely stuff.
This (http://www.bottledbeer.co.uk/index.html?beerid=682)?

This (http://www.bottledbeer.co.uk/index.html?beerid=682)?

Old Tom. (http://www.lilligren.com/Redneck/images/redneck_overalls.jpg)

Its not a drinking problem when youre in college. Its only a drinking problem when you maintain those habits after college.

My other usual response is "Im not an alcoholic. Alcoholics go to meetings."

That reminds me of an old saying, "I'm not racist, cos racism is a crime and crime is for black people".

That reminds me of an old saying, "I'm not racist, cos racism is a crime and crime is for black people".

I giggled for a moment, but then I realized that racism isn't a crime.

Seeing as the UK government's definition of 'binge drinking' is about 4 pints of strongish beer, I think I 'binge' almost every time I go to the pub.
i hate that definition of binge. i think its 3 drinks here.

its binging if i get staggeringly drunk or continue drinking (more than 3 or 4 drinks) for continuous days.

This (http://www.bottledbeer.co.uk/index.html?beerid=682)?

Indeed. I found it in Sainsbury's if that's any help.

I hardly ever drink when I'm at university. Drinking alone isn't meant to be healthy, after all. When I'm at home, well everyone else drinks and I'm willing to join in as its the only thing that helps to dissolve the epic levels of awkwardness that seeing my family for an extended period inevitably brings on.

These 20 questions (http://www.aatoronto.org/webapp/app/webroot/index.php/pages/20_questions)might help one figure out if they have a "problem" with alcohol, or as you stated "a drinking problem".
wow we have so many posters here who have a drinking problem.

wow we have so many posters here who have a drinking problem.

Greater than 90% I think. Pretty much everyone except the psychoconservative trolls would qualify on at least 3 points.

An answer to the OP would be about 2-3 beers/drinks a week. Surprising because I own two restuarants. However my family has past history of problems so that is the main reason I don't plus I am Muslim.

I would have voted "I never stop drinking" except that sometimes I sleep, and during finals I stay sober. What a stupid poll, OP, sheesh.

Wow, slow it down. You got kids and a future career to get in order.

An answer to the OP would be about 2-3 beers/drinks a week... I am Muslim.
ur doin it wrong

ur doin it wrong

You wouldn't be the first to say so. :tongue:

That two to three per week is during a week when I do drink. Usually I can't get any.

Indeed. I found it in Sainsbury's if that's any help.
Ta for the tip.

As a thanks, I'd highly recommend you get your hands on Belhaven's Twisted Thistle (http://www.bottledbeer.co.uk/index.html?beerid=5036); the best IPA I've tasted in a while.

wow we have so many posters here who have a drinking problem.
Only if they say so. :rolleyes:

Only if they say so. :rolleyes:
But the 'test' is woefully vague.

I answered 'Yes' to three of the questions -- 'Have you ever felt remorse after drinking?', 'Do you drink alone?' and 'Have you ever had a complete loss of memory as a result of drinking?' -- so apparently I'm "definitely an alcoholic".

Yet the time I felt remorse after drinking was once, after one of the rare big sessions I have, while the time I had a complete loss of memory was ten years ago, when I was a silly young teen. How do these isolated, out-of-character incidents contribute to alcoholism?

Moreover, I'm having a beer right now, by myself. Why is that necessarily a bad thing, and even a contributor to alcoholism?

I realise that some people who share these traits with me are genuine alcoholics, but saying I'm definitely one is simply irresponsible.

EDIT: The beer that I am having right now is a Black Isle Red Kite Ale (http://beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/3393/18616/?ba=mdagnew), and it is fucking awesome.

But the 'test' is woefully vague.

I answered 'Yes' to three of the questions -- 'Have you ever felt remorse after drinking?', 'Do you drink alone?' and 'Have you ever had a complete loss of memory as a result of drinking?' -- so apparently I'm "definitely an alcoholic".

Yet the time I felt remorse after drinking was once, after one of the rare big sessions I have, while the time I had a complete loss of memory was ten years ago, when I was a silly young teen. How do these isolated, out-of-character incidents contribute to alcoholism?

Moreover, I'm having a beer right now, by myself. Why is that necessarily a bad thing, and even a contributor to alcoholism?

I realise that some people who share these traits with me are genuine alcoholics, but saying I'm definitely one is simply irresponsible.

EDIT: The beer that I am having right now is a Black Isle Red Kite Ale (http://beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/3393/18616/?ba=mdagnew), and it is fucking awesome.
Perhaps you would like to try the Michigan Alcohol Screening Test (http://counsellingresource.com/quizzes/alcohol-mast/index.html)as a comparator?

In all reality, most people are not going to take these tests unless they feel that they might have a problem with alcohol.

Some people take the test and admit later that they didn't "honestly" answer the questions.

Some suggest that the questions are loaded, but the bottom line is that the tests are for helping the individual to determine whether they have a problem with drinking or not.

As I stated earlier, alcoholism is a progressive disease, and more often than not, by the time the alcoholic realizes that he/she is an alcoholic, they will see that they are powerless over alcohol and that their lives had become unmanageable.

Perhaps you would like to try the Michigan Alcohol Screening Test (http://counsellingresource.com/quizzes/alcohol-mast/index.html)as a comparator?
I got a score correlating to "Check yourself, lest you wreck yourself". Which is probably about right. Also, I got 46 on their goldberg bipolar test, heh.

These 20 questions (http://www.aatoronto.org/webapp/app/webroot/index.php/pages/20_questions)might help one figure out if they have a "problem" with alcohol, or as you stated "a drinking problem".

ugh Those things are annoying. It's always if you answered yes to freakin any of them you are borderline or a full blown alchy. But I like taking quizzes/questionnaires.


I answered yes to 5.

4. Is drinking affecting your reputation?

I dunno exactly what that means. If it means I was known as a person who drank.. then yes. Everyone I was ever around drank too.. so it didn't matter.


5. Have you ever felt remorse after drinking?

If I talk to anyone when I'm lit I always feel a sense o guilt the next day. If I do my own thing and don't communicate with people .. the 'guilt' is much less or non existent -- I actually think this is more to do with some psycological stuff going on and not the drinking itself .. dunno

7. Do you turn to lower companions and an inferior environment when drinking?

If that means liquor houses or something .. then no.

I use to go to some peoples pads where I probably would not have went if I wasn't going to be drinking. I never really liked to hang around when people were getting jacked up unless I'm getting a buzz going on of my own. But I knew they'd be up having a good time and be up all night. They weren't strangers tho.. hell our parents were old friends.

16. Do you drink alone?

I do now. And I love the song. :p


17. Have you ever had a complete loss of memory as a result of drinking?

Long time ago. Liquor. Especially Tequila. I drink too fast for liquor.


My average is 8-14 beers over the course of 6-12 hours when I do drink.

I usually drink 1 time a week.. sometimes 2.

I also don't desire to drink if I'm sad or tired. I like to drink when I feel good physically and am in a good mood.

I don't think I'm an alcoholic, do you? (anyone)

Only if they say so. :rolleyes:
well....

those who have acknowledged that they "failed" the test and gave the reasons why....

have drinking problems.

I got a score correlating to "Check yourself, lest you wreck yourself". Which is probably about right. Also, I got 46 on their goldberg bipolar test, heh.


Total score of: 2 (0-2, No Apparent Problem) on the Michigan Alcohol Screening Test for me. I need to find some pych ones. I know I got some problems there. heh

Total score of: 2 (0-2, No Apparent Problem) on that one for me.
3 here.

Perhaps you would like to try the Michigan Alcohol Screening Test (http://counsellingresource.com/quizzes/alcohol-mast/index.html)as a comparator?

In all reality, most people are not going to take these tests unless they feel that they might have a problem with alcohol.

Some people take the test and admit later that they didn't "honestly" answer the questions.

Some suggest that the questions are loaded, but the bottom line is that the tests are for helping the individual to determine whether they have a problem with drinking or not.

As I stated earlier, alcoholism is a progressive disease, and more often than not, by the time the alcoholic realizes that he/she is an alcoholic, they will see that they are powerless over alcohol and that their lives had become unmanageable.

One problem with many of those tests (yours appears to be the exception) is they do not distinquish between those with a drinking problem and those with an addiction. Some people are actually addicted (i.e. go through withdrawals if they do not drink) and some people are just irresponsible. They are not the same thing.

Several other problems have been noted already in the thread.

It's precisely these kinds of irresponsible surveys that confuse people about the disease, as well.

I was once ordered by a court to get alcohol counseling. The psychologist wrote a letter to the court to tell the judge that sending me to a meeting with a group of alcoholics was irresponsible and attached an informational booklet about alcoholism.

For the record: What happened is I got in a fight when I wasn't drunk. Some property was damaged. I stayed and offered to pay for half of it, since I could have and should have avoided the fight. The bar manager was trying to calm the situation and was feeding us free drinks. I, irresponsibly, sat and drank those drinks while discussing with the band (whose equipment was broken) how much I was willing to pay (they were friends with the other guy and wanted me to pay for all of it). After about an hour of arguing, another fight broke out when the they were trying to get me outside to fight the entire group. I injured someone after sustaining a head injury. I was arrested and at the time couldn't explain any of what had happened. They attempted to arrest the guy I'd injured, for attacking me, but I wouldn't give a statement because I didn't remember it. I blew a .16 at the station.

I don't excuse the fights I got in. I could have and should have avoided them. I don't excuse that I was stupid to accept drinks while I was in such a volatile situation. I accept that I behaved stupidly. The judge, though, decided that since I was drinking and fighting that I needed alcohol counseling. I went with a signed document in hand explaining the fight from the point of view of the guy I'd injured. (The document very much said that he'd attacked me and that at first I'd refused to fight and continued to until he knocked me backward and I hit my head on the wall. I don't entirely remember it.) I explained that I hadn't had a drink for months before the incident and hadn't one since. And the doctor refused to include me in his therapy group. He agreed that I was irresponsible and should be embarrassed and sent me on my way.

EDIT: I take it back. It doesn't say you may have a problem. And the questions are hardly equal. How does screwing up your family compare to a single night of memory loss?

i hate that definition of binge. i think its 3 drinks here.

its binging if i get staggeringly drunk or continue drinking (more than 3 or 4 drinks) for continuous days.

Yeah I've always known of binge drinking as going on a drunk for days on in. They might not drink for months or weeks at a time, but when they do, they literally stay drunk for days.

But I guess binge fits drinking way too much at one time too. Not sure how else to describe it.

Perhaps you would like to try the Michigan Alcohol Screening Test (http://counsellingresource.com/quizzes/alcohol-mast/index.html)as a comparator?
1: No apparent problem.

A much better test, and not because it says I've no problem with alcoholism.

In all reality, most people are not going to take these tests unless they feel that they might have a problem with alcohol.
This exact test was given out to my whole year back when I was in high school, with the vast majority of folks (we were about 14-15 at the time) classified as alcoholics.

Not only is that inaccurate, but it belittles the very real dangers of alcoholism.

Some suggest that the questions are loaded, but the bottom line is that the tests are for helping the individual to determine whether they have a problem with drinking or not.
It explicitly states that I am "definitely an alcoholic" for answering 'yes' to three questions.

Now, perhaps the test might be more applicable, more accurate, within an AA meeting or similar, and I realise that you're not saying I'm an alcoholic, but the 20 question test is fairly widespread outside of the AA.

Poor show, is all.

1: No apparent problem.

A much better test, and not because it says I've no problem with alcoholism.
:)

This exact test was given out to my whole year back when I was in high school, with the vast majority of folks (we were about 14-15 at the time) classified as alcoholics.

Not only is that inaccurate, but it belittles the very real dangers of alcoholism.
Obviously that was an inappropriate application of the test and it should not have been "given out", especially when many teens experiment with alcohol and do stupid things due to their level of maturity at the time. The reality is that approximately 10% of the populace drinks alcoholically.

It explicitly states that I am "definitely an alcoholic" for answering 'yes' to three questions.
Perhaps the only concern you might have is if you answer yes to more of these questions down the road?

Now, perhaps the test might be more applicable, more accurate, within an AA meeting or similar, and I realise that you're not saying I'm an alcoholic, but the 20 question test is fairly widespread outside of the AA.
That is why I suggested earlier in this thread that "most people are not going to take these tests unless they feel that they might have a problem with alcohol." Chances are they will score much higher than 3 yes if indeed they are alcoholic.

And no, I am definitely not suggesting that you are an alcoholic.

1: No apparent problem.

A much better test, and not because it says I've no problem with alcoholism.

Agreed. The second test does a much better job of distinguishing between incidental problems (like one night of black-out drinking over years) and habitual problems, and asks about the past 12 months--which means the dumb stuff I did in college and got over doesn't skew the results.

I decided never to touch alcoholic drinks the moment I first tasted them and realised that they taste disgusting, and the positive aspects associated with them hold absolutely no appeal for me. couple that with the fact they cost more than non-alcoholic drinks and 19 years of my father, and you have 4 pretty good reasons for me not bothering.

I decided never to touch alcoholic drinks the moment I first tasted them and realised that they taste disgusting, and the positive aspects associated with them hold absolutely no appeal for me. couple that with the fact they cost more than non-alcoholic drinks and 19 years of my father, and you have 4 pretty good reasons for me not bothering.

Unless you live in the Czech Republic, where beer costs less than drinking water.

Incidentally, I believe they opened continental Europe's first adolescent treatment center for alcoholism.

Not enough.

Everyone should drink Bass Ale, the beverage of the gods!!!

Unless you live in the Czech Republic, where beer costs less than drinking water.
Maybe the bottled stuff. For both of those things.

Im a wineo :p

wino hehe

Not as much as the guy who won a Darwin Award for taking an entire bottle of sherry in an enema, the equivalent of 20 glasses. His blood alcohol percentage was 0.47.

I'd say it averages out at about 25 drinks a week.

Not as much as the guy who won a Darwin Award for taking an entire bottle of sherry in an enema, the equivalent of 20 glasses. His blood alcohol percentage was 0.47.

I looked that up. Sad =(

I probably have at least one drink a day.

I've been getting more buzzed instead of drunk lately, it's lame.

I probably have at least one drink a day.

I've been getting more buzzed instead of drunk lately, it's lame.

switch to pot for a month.

switch to pot for a month.

Hell I switched for almost a year once. Stopped smoking cigs and drinking, just hit my bowl once or twice a day. It owned. I plan to do that again.. and hopefully not pick back up cigs (especially) or drinking (double whammy).

Hell I switched for almost a year once. Stopped smoking cigs and drinking, just hit my bowl once or twice a day. It owned. I plan to do that again.. and hopefully not pick back up cigs (especially) or drinking (double whammy).

Shit. Once or twice?

I smoke at least 4 blunts a day, and that's on a slow day.

Pretty much why I smoke more than drink, it's cheaper.

I usually get smashed on the weekends. At least, in the city I did. Out here, not such a good look for the teachers.

Hell I switched for almost a year once. Stopped smoking cigs and drinking, just hit my bowl once or twice a day. It owned. I plan to do that again.. and hopefully not pick back up cigs (especially) or drinking (double whammy).

Then when your tolerance to pot picks up switch back to alcohol.

Shit. Once or twice?

I smoke at least 4 blunts a day, and that's on a slow day.

Pretty much why I smoke more than drink, it's cheaper.

I was 'clean' during that time... at least IMO.

I was walking regularly, doing my bun and thigh rocker.. thigh master .. not drinking , not smoking cigs.

Also.. I've never needed a lot of pot to get high. Not saying I haven't ever smoked a lot at a time. But honestly... it was over indulgence and looking back wasteful (ie the blunt).. but it was a bunch of us.. we were young .. waste didn't matter.

Then when your tolerance to pot picks up switch back to alcohol.

oh hellz no. For one , it won't. I won't be smoking so much so often to get it there. My main prob is cigs man. and to quit cigs I gotta not drink.. and I can -not drink- .. when I decide I'm going to not drink. ?

I decided not to ask if you had a drinking problem, because really...define 'problem'.
I have a drinking problem.
When I don't have a drink, I have a problem.

Shit. Once or twice?

I smoke at least 4 blunts a day, and that's on a slow day.

Pretty much why I smoke more than drink, it's cheaper.

Also, if you smoke that much.. it couldn't be no way cheaper than beers. Unless you got a hook up or are so lucky as to grow your own.

Wow, slow it down. You got kids and a future career to get in order.

That is me slowing down :P Other than an occasional day lost to a hangover, my drinking doesn't impact my parenting. I don't get 'drunk' most of the time, I'm just drinking. And it's a well known fact that lawyers are almost as bad in terms of alcoholism as cops, which I have taken to mean, success in the legal profession is predicated on being able to hold your liquor :p

That is me slowing down :P Other than an occasional day lost to a hangover, my drinking doesn't impact my parenting. I don't get 'drunk' most of the time, I'm just drinking. And it's a well known fact that lawyers are almost as bad in terms of alcoholism as cops, which I have taken to mean, success in the legal profession is predicated on being able to hold your liquor :p

It's actually really horrible for the kids when the parents are drunk. But maybe that's just a white thing.

It's actually really horrible for the kids when the parents are drunk. But maybe that's just a white thing.

I think it's an individual thing. I can vouch for it being horrible for me but not for one of my parters, whilst it was intolerable for the other. As is obvious, it all depends on how the parent acts when drunk, not that they have at all.

It's actually really horrible for the kids when the parents are drunk. But maybe that's just a white thing.

I don't think you understand.

I said I drink. I didn't say that I get drunk very often.

When I get drunk, my kids are in the care of another adult, and I'm elsewhere. My kids have never seen me drunk. They have seen me drink.

I don't think you understand.

I said I drink. I didn't say that I get drunk very often.

When I get drunk, my kids are in the care of another adult, and I'm elsewhere. My kids have never seen me drunk. They have seen me drink.

Not even one glass of wine with dinner?

LOL, where is the "once every few months" option? ;)

LOL, where is the "once every few months" option? ;)

Indeed. I had to choose "I don't drink" because it's closer to reality than "2-3 drinks a week"

I'm underage (lol, as if *that* means anything on campus...). I don't drink. Did once, and it was fun for a while, but then all my friends hit the bar and I wanted to dance, but I had to stick which them. Lame.

Not even one glass of wine with dinner?
Wtf?

Do you not understand the qualitative difference between 'drunk' and 'drinking'? I have no idea how you are missing the very clear distinction I am making between the two.

Wtf?

Do you not understand the qualitative difference between 'drunk' and 'drinking'? I have no idea how you are missing the very clear distinction I am making between the two.

So, why dont you drink? You still havent answered the question.:p

So, why dont you drink? You still havent answered the question.:p

*_*

I'm almost an abstinent. Alcoholism runs in the family, so I don't want to give it a chance to develop. I might have a glass of wine at a party, or perhaps a beer with friends, but I rarely have more than one serving per month, and frequently none. I'm far from a prohibitionist, I understand that others might want to drink, and that's fine with me.

I tend not to drink at home (except parties or if there's football on tv), and don't go to pubs all that much, so it's probably an average of 2-3 drinks a week.

That said, this last week I think I've managed about 20-30 beers.

I decided not to ask if you had a drinking problem, because really...define 'problem'.

Define "drink". How much is a drink? Of what kind of alcohol?

Define "drink". How much is a drink? Of what kind of alcohol?
Aber Grapa, natürlich, du Italiener!

Aber Grapa, natürlich, du Italiener!

Es ist "grappa"!
Ich habe lieber Wein und Bier.

Stupid puratain standards of alchoholism - the poll should read how many drinks a day! Ich habe kein problem mit alkohol nür ohne.

Stupid puratain standards of alchoholism - the poll should read how many drinks a day!
Why?

Because in Europe people will laugh at calling 7+ beers a week too much. It's way under the average - it's only in the backwards purtianical colonies that that idea ever took off. In germany 3+ beers a day is perfectly normal and you dont see people hanging off balconies with mens underwear on their heads raving like lunatics and then coming home and bragging about how wasted they were off the couple beers they claimed they drank which exuses their socially aberrant behaviour.

I can't remember.

Because in Europe people will laugh at calling 7+ beers a week too much. It's way under the average - it's only in the backwards purtianical colonies that that idea ever took off. In germany 3+ beers a day is perfectly normal and you dont see people hanging off balconies with mens underwear on their heads raving like lunatics and then coming home and bragging about how wasted they were off the couple beers they claimed they drank which exuses their socially aberrant behaviour.
Yet Germany (your example) and the US have approximately the same rate of alcoholism according to this:

Statistics by Country for Alcoholism (http://www.wrongdiagnosis.com/a/alcoholism/stats-country.htm#extrapwarning)

So, exactly what is your point?

It all depends. As a United States citizen with strong descent from the most drunken European nations (Scotland, Ireland, Poland, Germany, Wales, one of the Scandinavian nations, etc.), I get shit-faced, Mjolnir-ed (Hammered by the Hammer of Thor) after 10pm on the following occasions: St. Paddy's Day, St. George's Day, St. Andrew's Day, during Oktoberfest, birthday, etc. Good times.

the most drunken European nations (Scotland, Ireland, Poland, Germany, Wales, one of the Scandinavian nations, etc.)

Why is England excluded from that list? We're just as big a bunch of drunken louts as the rest, if not more.

Why is England excluded from that list? We're just as big a bunch of drunken louts as the rest, if not more.

Whoo! Worst binge drinking country! I'm so proud.