I've done the online dating off an on for probably the last 10 yrs, I used to meet lots of men who drank as much as I did....I never had any problems. 1 of the first people I met we had spent probably 2 months emailing and I was falling for him then we finally talked and met and he was not at all like the person he'd been in his emails I didn't care for him in person....so after that I never wasted time emailing because I think people can be less deceitful in person than online. Usually after 1-2 emails I'd give them my # and after 1-2 long conversation I usually agree to meet (as long as we hit it off via phone) but only in a very public place and only during daylight hours. If you're cautious it's no more risky than if you met the person at the library or grocery store.