I don't think I have the classic symptoms of an alcoholic - don't stay up drinking all night, know when I have had enough, never pass out, always remember the previous night , would never prioritise alcohol if money was scarce, don't hide drink, never had a drink in morning or during the working day etc .I can keep a ton of alcohol in my house without need to drink more than my share.For example I have a case of wine in my kitchen ,12 bottles, but know I will not drink more than one in an evening.
I have seen others who do all these things. It feels unjust they have no health problems.
I worked in the past with "real" alcoholics so maybe that clouds my vision. They put drink before everything, even to the point of losing their children. I suppose that is who i associate AA with those that put alcohol first.
I have never cancelled or changed plans in my life or for my kids, so i can drink ( just found a way of incorporating into family life in a socially acceptable way I suppose)
There's a fine line between a problem drinker and an alcoholic and I wonder if there is even a line at all. I've gone 21 days without a drink, craving, or any other issue associated with being an alcoholic according to another poster's test to find out if I am an alcoholic or a heavy drinker.
Whatever I am - alcohol was a problem and not a solution. Try not to get so caught up in the label, but see it for what it is. You've got a health condition that could kill you if you keep drinking and numerous stories waving red flags to you, yet you still want your alcohol without consequences.
It's great that you haven't put alcohol in front of your kids, work, etc. but please don't forget about the person drinking it.
Congrats on your decision to come to SR and on your not drinking today!
