It's "counselors" like that who have the inane ability to kill and mame. Now, think about this: If in fact someone could "manage" their drinking, why the hell would they be in a counselors office!!!
While it's true that the only one who can diagnose alcoholism is the alcoholic himself, professional USUALLY are the first ones pointing them to a twelve step program. Why? Supportive,readily available and FREE! (Some professional really hate that last part, and by the way, I work in the recovery field as an assesment case manager and a counselor).
Heres the difference (sometimes) between "problem" and "alcoholic."
These questions relate to common problems with using alcohol. Only you can decide if you have a "drinking problem" and whether you want to do something about it.
1. Do you lose time from work due to your drinking?
2. Is drinking making your home life unhappy?
3. Do you drink because you are shy with other people?
4. Is drinking affecting your reputation?
5. Have you ever felt remorse after drinking?
6. Have you gotten into financial dificulties as a result of your drinking?
7. Do you turn to lower companions and an inferior environment when drinking?
8. Does your drinking make you careless of your family's welfare?
9. Has your ambition decreased since drinking?
10. Do you crave a drink at a definite time daily?
11. Do you want a drink the next morning?
12. Does drinking cause you to have difficulty in sleeping?
13. Has your efficiency decreased since drinking?
14. Is drinking jeopardizing your job or business?
15. Do you drink to escape from worries or troubles?
16. Do you drink alone?
17. Have you ever had a complete loss of memory as a result of your drinking?
18. Has your physician ever treated you for drinking?
19. Do you drink to build up your self-confidence?
20. Have you ever been in a hospital or institution on account of drinking?
Tell me how many are answered YES, and I'll save you some time and money.
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Be well, and have a great 24...