What was the definition of alcoholic?

Post #256,040 by ben_tilly 5/19/06 8:16:23 PM Reply	What was the definition of alcoholic? It used to be that the test that doctors were taught to use was, "If he drinks more than you, then he's an alcoholic." Given the amount of alcohol that it was customary for doctors to consume at the time, this test was more accurate than you might expect. Cheers, Ben I have come to believe that idealism without discipline is a quick road to disaster, while discipline without idealism is pointless. -- Aaron Ward (my brother)
Post #256,057 by pwhysall 5/20/06 6:47:48 AM Reply	Re: What was the definition of alcoholic? When you need a drink to stay normal. That's alcoholic. Peter [link\|http://www.no2id.net/\|Don't Let The Terrorists Win] [link\|http://www.kuro5hin.org\|There is no K5 Cabal] [link\|http://guildenstern.dyndns.org\|Home] Use P2P for legitimate purposes!
Post #256,058 by boxley 5/20/06 8:39:42 AM Reply	depends on the deginition of normal doesnt it Any opinions expressed by me are mine alone, posted from my home computer, on my own time as a free american and do not reflect the opinions of any person or company that I have had professional relations with in the past 50 years. meep
Post #256,117 by tuberculosis 5/20/06 6:20:53 PM Reply	These days the working definition is if you are repeatedly experiencing negative consequences as a result of your drinking and you don't modify your behavior, you're an alcoholic. Negative consequences include things like wrecking your car, losing your job etc. [link\|http://www.blackbagops.net\|Black Bag Operations Log] [link\|http://www.objectiveclips.com\|Artificial Intelligence] [link\|http://www.badpage.info/seaside/html\|Scrutinizer]
Post #256,119 by pwhysall 5/20/06 6:24:56 PM Reply	AKA "staying normal" Peter [link\|http://www.no2id.net/\|Don't Let The Terrorists Win] [link\|http://www.kuro5hin.org\|There is no K5 Cabal] [link\|http://guildenstern.dyndns.org\|Home] Use P2P for legitimate purposes!
Post #256,124 by bionerd 5/20/06 6:48:19 PM Reply	Not necessarily Because you can abuse etoh and experience negative consequences and not have a physiological/pyschological dependency. Or, you can be etoh dependent and not experience any negative consequences because you have an army of enablers protecting you from from said consequences. Follow your MOUSE
Post #256,069 by bionerd 5/20/06 11:15:55 AM Reply	You're more or less right. But the term "alcoholic" isnt a diagnostic label. We look at etoh use on a continuum- a progression of use from etoh use--->abuse----> etoh dependence. Someone who is at the end stage of dependence would be your classic alcoholic- someone who has both a physiological and psychological addiction and is at risk of withdrawal if they stop drinking. I'm working with a client who suffers from severe withdrawal symptoms- seizures, DT's, etc. She drinks to keep from dying. She has been sober for 6 months, but any uncomfortable physical feeling she experiences can trigger a relapse, because in her mind,she irrationally believes any physical sensation is the start of a seizure and she then has the urge to drink to stay alive. She perceives this belief to be rational because for the last 25 years, this has been her life. Every day is a battle for her. She hasnt relapsed yet and she is one of the most courageous women I have ever met. Follow your MOUSE

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