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When does a Drunk

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    muggins14muggins14 Posts: 61,844
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    I don't really like the diagnosis threads :D but I will say that I always considered somebody an alcoholic if they are dependant upon it, for example with Carol last night on LF, ranting about not getting alcohol, being unable to sleep, etc. it struck me that she seemed fairly desperate for a drink.
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    ArcanaArcana Posts: 37,521
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    I drank very heavily for 10 years and, strange as it may sound, I'm not at all sure that I was an alcoholic. Certainly I had (and continue to have) no problem at all in stopping of my own volition and I'm quite content to have just the occasional social drink now. Through stupidity / lack of awareness on my part I was going to the off-licence instead of my GP.

    Each case is different. Although I drank vast amounts I didn't meet the standard criteria for alcoholism.
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    wendy13wendy13 Posts: 1,072
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    sian2011 wrote: »
    Would be nice to think these people in there who cannot function or enjoy themselves without a drink, watch it back and realise what they look like and what they've become.

    Doubt it as they obviously don't care, otherwise why subject yourself to that exposure, but one can hope.

    Personally I've found this series very sad to watch, it's shocking how many people seem to need a alcoholic crutch to validate themselves and their personalities.

    Agree with you. It has been unpleasant at times and sad to watch
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    B L ZeebubB L Zeebub Posts: 9,134
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    abarthman wrote: »
    I have and it's the same old nonsense that I've read on here so often - A drunk person is a potential alcoholic. A person drunk more than once is a certain alcoholic.

    I stand by my comment.

    Well said.
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    wendy13wendy13 Posts: 1,072
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    I fully agree re the dividing line.

    I don't think you can ever define 'alcoholism' as the same for everyone ....there really isn't a 'typical' although it's common to think alcoholics drink at breakfas, don't wash etc.etc.

    Some people can drink a lot on a regular basis and it's not a problem, some drink only a bit regularly but can't live without it. Some just ennoy a drink to be sociable some have to drink to get blotto.

    Personally I think when it starts dominating your thoughts about .....will we be able to get a drink there, is it considered too early to drink, should I take a bottle in case there's not enough there then that is when it' s becoming a problem.

    Sometimes it is easier if you don't have money difficulties and can always afford it or you are not in a job that is too demanding. What causes problems for one person wont be a problem for another as their life is somehow 'easier' to accomadate it.

    Different for everyone - what it boils down to is the individual deciding whether or not to take control of the situation. No one else can do that.

    We do know that a small amount of alcohol does affect a persons mental / phisical capabilities even though the individual does sincerely believe hat they are unaffected.

    Fact is there really is no minimum safe limit other than zero.
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    B L ZeebubB L Zeebub Posts: 9,134
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    wendy13 wrote: »
    We do know that a small amount of alcohol does affect a persons mental / phisical capabilities even though the individual does sincerely believe hat they are unaffected.

    Fact is there really is no minimum safe limit other than zero.

    I'm living on the edge then! :eek: :D
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    [Deleted User][Deleted User] Posts: 827
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    B L Zeebub wrote: »
    I'm living on the edge then! :eek: :D

    It's really not something to be proud of you know? So sad how so many think it's funny to be dependant on a drug, guessing if they were falling over, puking and pissing because they'd injected herself with a 'illegal' drug you'd not find it so funny? But purely because it's legal and easily avialable it's just good old fashioned fun....as I said sad.
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    B L ZeebubB L Zeebub Posts: 9,134
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    sian2011 wrote: »
    It's really not something to be proud of you know? So sad how so many think it's funny to be dependant on a drug, guessing if they were falling over, puking and pissing because they'd injected herself with a 'illegal' drug you'd not find it so funny? But purely because it's legal and easily avialable it's just good old fashioned fun....as I said sad.

    You think we should all be teetotal then?

    I won't even bother addressing the rest of your post, as you seem to be assuming something about me with no evidence whatsoever.
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    [Deleted User][Deleted User] Posts: 827
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    B L Zeebub wrote: »
    You think we should all be teetotal then?

    I won't even bother addressing the rest of your post, as you seem to be assuming something about me with no evidence whatsoever.

    No, pickle your liver and look like a tit if that's what floats your boat. I like a drink but don't have to get drunk, massive difference which it seems difficult for some to comprehend. Guess that says more about them than me. I assume nothing dear, I've no idea who or what you are so why would I?:rolleyes:


    .
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    B L ZeebubB L Zeebub Posts: 9,134
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    sian2011 wrote: »
    No, pickle your liver and look like a tit if that's what floats your boat. I like a drink but don't have to get drunk, massive difference which it seems difficult for some to comprehend. Guess that says more about them than me. I assume nothing dear, I've no idea who or what you are so why would I?:rolleyes:


    .

    I said that I was living on the edge in response to a post saying that there is 'no minimum safe limit other than zero' and from that you assume that I'm an alcoholic?

    Guess that says a lot about you, dear. :D
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    lexi22lexi22 Posts: 16,394
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    muggins14 wrote: »
    I don't really like the diagnosis threads :D but I will say that I always considered somebody an alcoholic if they are dependant upon it, for example with Carol last night on LF, ranting about not getting alcohol, being unable to sleep, etc. it struck me that she seemed fairly desperate for a drink.

    Yes but surely all that needs to be seen in the context of where she is - ie. in the BB house where people's behaviour is magnified out of all proportion? I'm not saying Carol doesn't have a drink prob - she does seem to need alcohol to relax/enjoy herself - but the way she behaves in there as far as booze is concerned is not necessarily just about the booze. You have to add boredom, grumpiness, heightened emotions, inhospitable surroundings, lack of time alone, dislike of other HMs, comfort etc etc.

    If she behaves in her own house as she does in the BB house, then yes, undoubtedly she has a drink prob. Bottom line, it's her relationship with booze out of the house that counts and the only one that should be used to assess her drinking issues.
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    MenkMenk Posts: 13,831
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    lexi22 wrote: »
    Yes but surely all that needs to be seen in the context of where she is - ie. in the BB house where people's behaviour is magnified out of all proportion? I'm not saying Carol doesn't have a drink prob - she does seem to need alcohol to relax/enjoy herself - but the way she behaves in there as far as booze is concerned is not necessarily just about the booze. You have to add boredom, grumpiness, heightened emotions, inhospitable surroundings, lack of time alone, dislike of other HMs, comfort etc etc.

    If she behaves in her own house as she does in the BB house, then yes, undoubtedly she has a drink prob. Bottom line, it's her relationship with booze out of the house that counts and the only one that should be used to assess her drinking issues.

    At last - a post I agree with!

    I would be wary about making any absolute opinions on any HM in the BB house as it is such a unique environment, but it does seem rather short sighted to diagnose someone as an alcoholic when the only form of entertainment on offer in that house is often alcohol.

    We see the majority of HMs (who are not teetotal) get way overly excited about the prospect of receiving alcohol in a way that they never would on the outside. I'm sure Carol would be quite happy to spend an evening watching TV, reading a book, playing a game of badminton or a hundred other ways without craving a drink, but none of these activities are on offer in the house.
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    Penny CrayonPenny Crayon Posts: 36,158
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    It's pretty evident that Carol likes a drink she refers to it constantly on LW. Quite a few of them in there like a drink ......many of them have commented on it being the high light of the day and because of the tension and boredom it helps them get through.

    I don't think Carol drinks in the same way out of the house. I doubt any of them do .....it is a very tense/artificial environment and I don't think any valid conclusions re alcoholism can be drawn.

    People go through stages - sometimes they drink more than others.

    I do think Carol will be a bit embarrassed as to how she has come across and how she looks when plastered (most of us never see how awful we look when inebriated).

    I don't thi k she has ever really thought that she had a problem with alcohol ......indeed it may not be a problem to her.

    All I know is that Carol is an intelligent person who eats sensibly and exercises regularly. She is health conscious.

    I've no doubt that she will re evaluate her relationship with alcohol when she gets out. It doesn't make her an alcoholicbut she may become a bit more 'aware' of the possible long term consequences.
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    [Deleted User][Deleted User] Posts: 3,591
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    But what is the definition of an alcoholic, when I was younger I thought it was someone who drunk Vodka { no smell} 24/7,
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    wendy13wendy13 Posts: 1,072
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    Menk wrote: »
    At last - a post I agree with!

    I would be wary about making any absolute opinions on any HM in the BB house as it is such a unique environment, but it does seem rather short sighted to diagnose someone as an alcoholic when the only form of entertainment on offer in that house is often alcohol.

    We see the majority of HMs (who are not teetotal) get way overly excited about the prospect of receiving alcohol in a way that they never would on the outside. I'm sure Carol would be quite happy to spend an evening watching TV, reading a book, playing a game of badminton or a hundred other ways without craving a drink, but none of these activities are on offer in the house.

    Drink for entertainment. How does that work?

    Why reach for the alcohol just because its available. Its not obligatory.
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    B L ZeebubB L Zeebub Posts: 9,134
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    auntysplat wrote: »
    But what is the definition of an alcoholic, when I was younger I thought it was someone who drunk Vodka { no smell} 24/7,

    Anyone who doesn't take this thread seriously, it seems. :D
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    Penny CrayonPenny Crayon Posts: 36,158
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    wendy13 wrote: »
    Drink for entertainment. How does that work?

    Why reach for the alcohol just because its available. Its not obligatory.

    Not obligatory no but clearly most of them enjoy it. It helps relieve the boredom I suppose.
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    lexi22lexi22 Posts: 16,394
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    B L Zeebub wrote: »
    Anyone who doesn't take this thread seriously, it seems. :D

    Hahaha. A threadful of denial! :eek::D
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    MenkMenk Posts: 13,831
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    wendy13 wrote: »
    Drink for entertainment. How does that work?

    Why reach for the alcohol just because its available. Its not obligatory.

    As in, there's nothing else to do.

    Of course it's not obligatory, but when there is absolutely nothing else on offer, it is understandable that people drink the alcohol. It makes the evenings different from the daytime.
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    wendy13wendy13 Posts: 1,072
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    Curiously other loose women panel do constantly refer to her drinking and being drunk.im not so certain that her behaviour is being amplified or very different in real life outside the house.

    She has tried to fake some aspects of her character eg talking in her sleep and pretending once or twice to be more drunk than she actually is .. as did charlotte with her fake being drunk and falling off the bed and punching cakes..


    It's pretty evident that Carol likes a drink she refers to it constantly on LW. Quite a few of them in there like a drink ......many of them have commented on it being the high light of the day and because of the tension and boredom it helps them get through.

    I don't think Carol drinks in the same way out of the house. I doubt any of them do .....it is a very tense/artificial environment and I don't think any valid conclusions re alcoholism can be drawn.

    People go through stages - sometimes they drink more than others.

    I do think Carol will be a bit embarrassed as to how she has come across and how she looks when plastered (most of us never see how awful we look when inebriated).

    I don't thi k she has ever really thought that she had a problem with alcohol ......indeed it may not be a problem to her.

    All I know is that Carol is an intelligent person who eats sensibly and exercises regularly. She is health conscious.

    I've no doubt that she will re evaluate her relationship with alcohol when she gets out. It doesn't make her an alcoholicbut she may become a bit more 'aware' of the possible long term consequences.
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    wendy13wendy13 Posts: 1,072
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    Menk wrote: »
    As in, there's nothing else to do.

    Of course it's not obligatory, but when there is absolutely nothing else on offer, it is understandable that people drink the alcohol. It makes the evenings different from the daytime.

    Thats quite sad.
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    B L ZeebubB L Zeebub Posts: 9,134
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    wendy13 wrote: »

    She has tried to fake some aspects of her character eg talking in her sleep and pretending once or twice to be more drunk than she actually is ..

    I don't think that was fake, at all.
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    teresagreenteresagreen Posts: 16,444
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    Venetian wrote: »
    Yes, but someone who isn't an alcoholic wouldn't reach for a drink before breakfast, alcoholics do.
    Alcoholism is a disease, binge drinking isn't: it is huge self-indulgence which may lead to alcoholism, but may not. I do agree there are warning signs which if the person themselves doesn't pick up on then others should make them aware, or at least try.

    I had a friend some years ago who was an alcoholic. She never drank in the morings but watched the clock all day until it was 6 o'clock when she could start drinking. She waited till then because she denied she had a a problem, and anyway, "Everyone drinks in the evenings". She died 3 years ago from cancer which the specialists said was due to her heavy drinking.
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    Lucy LouLucy Lou Posts: 8,574
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    Menk wrote: »
    As in, there's nothing else to do.

    Of course it's not obligatory, but when there is absolutely nothing else on offer, it is understandable that people drink the alcohol. It makes the evenings different from the daytime.
    wendy13 wrote: »
    Thats quite sad.

    ..yes it is, but it is understandable, they must be absolutely fed up of looking at the same walls, faces etc every day and maybe use alcohol to escape for an hour or two? also BB seems quite happy to provide supplies.
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    B L ZeebubB L Zeebub Posts: 9,134
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    When I go on holiday, I have a drink (or three) every night.

    Not sure why being in the house should be any different.
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