Originally Posted by
sugErspun 
the book mentions controlled drinking as a test to see if one is alcoholic or not. I don't think it's a threat, or even a mean thing to do. It is describing this 'craving' that goes on when an alcoholic has a drink - that they will want another one. This doesn't happen to non-alcoholics. So it says, that if you cannot relate to this, or are unsure about it - then do a test in the most clinical fashion you can. Sit down, have a few drinks and stop. Try this over and again...if ever you find that you cannot just stop - then maybe this craving that occurs makes some sense.
I am sure the posts about "telling people to go out and drink" are going to pop-up.
That's not what is being suggested at all.
Well, I will say one thing I have heard are old-timers in AA telling someone they aren't ready, haven't hit their bottom and to go out and drink some more.
I wonder how many people were damaged by that suggestion and did just that.
I don't think the OP intended to say this, but I will share I have heard it. Not everyone needs to reach the depths of hell to stop drinking.