Originally Posted by
WantsOut 
I don't think it's true that there are a lot of heavy drinkers who don't have a drinking problem. Most of the adults that I know don't drink to excess except on very rare occassions.
As for who is an alcoholic and painting with broad brushes - this is denial of the most serious kind. There's a lot of quacking going on here.
Most of the adults you know is anecdotal evidence. There are plenty of mentally ill people who self-medicate with booze or drugs. That does not necessarily mean they are alcoholics or drug addicts, though they may be categorized as such by current definition. If they become 'addicted' then I think there's more concern needed. But if they are getting through tough times with drink or drugs, and they stop abusing after life gets better, then they shouldn't carry the 'alcoholic' or 'drug addict' label forever.