Originally Posted by
suki44883 
I think that's sad because, to me, it means that they don't really like themselves very much. They can't entertain themselves and be comfortable alone.
Wish that were true in my case. My ABF does almost ALL of his drinking at home. He drinks hard liquor - straight. He's not interested in having a couple of beers with the guys, and if he's out, he can't wait to get back to the 'safety' of his home, where he can drink himself into oblivion and be close to his bed when he needs to get there. He's hard core. He can entertain himself and is comfortable alone, but I don't think it matters either way how they do it. The fact that they do, is really the sad part
As for Golden Girl's question. I think that most people use alcohol as a crutch, to be able to socialize, and when that social aspect is not there, there is no point. Also - IMO many alcoholics suffer from Social Anxiety Disorder and alcohol is initially what helps them come out of those shells.