That about sums it up for me now too.  Some nights I don't even drink if I don't feel like it, other times I drink just because I want something to drink haha.  I used to plan the stuff out, like I'd get a double Wild Turkey and Coke a half hour before league so I'd be all sauced up and ready to go. 

Quote from: Good Times Good Times on April 16, 2014, 11:02:44 AM

I have a drink or two to "knock the edge off"........but the thing is, I really don't have any alcohol problem at all.  I don't really ever drink unless I'm out bowling or playing poker, and in that case it is 1-2, 3 at absolute most.  It does relax me.

I just never have been the biggest drinker ever.  It is all recreational for me.

I would say that I enjoy the drink just b/c, however the relaxation is more of an added benefit as opposed to that being "the reason".  I CHOOSE to have a drink as opposed to "need".

The wife and I bowl in league together so some nights I have a few and she drives, other nights the oposite. I can say 100% without question I dont have a problem with alcohol or any other substance but some nights I NEED a drink to help me relax if im bowling like crap, and it usually helps me bowl better or at least not care and just have a good time. If I didnt have that drink would I become cranky, fall apart and start shaking from withdrawls? uh no! But thats because im not an alcoholic and dont drink because of addiction, I could take it or leave it but its a choice not a necessity.

Quote from: itsallaboutme on April 15, 2014, 06:30:20 PM

So the feeling you "need" a drink vs. just wanting a drink doesn't have negative life consequences?

Your definition of an alcohol problem sounds a little to clinical.

First, define "need". When most people say that they're really saying "Strongly prefers" or "Is a crab ass unless he gets".

No, needing a drink doesn't make you an alcoholic....unless your drinking causes negative outcomes and you do it anyway.

Needing an aspirin doesn't make you an aspirin addict, it means you're strongly desiring one for a desired outcome...that in and of itself does not equate addiction. It's the habitual action of taking it that results in problems, and your continuing to do this action that would land you in my office.

Not just needing something. We all have "needs" for getting through the day, that run the gamut of dependency, so it's not worthwhile to say the need is the addiction because need varies, and so does outcome.

You have to rely on some sort of clinical line.