Is it possible for a true alcoholic to only drink socially or on the weekends?

Question

A good friend of mine who I think is an alcoholic, set a New Years resolution to only drink socially or on the weekends.  He drinks almost every night.  I told him that he needs to quit altogether.  He says he doesn't want to quit, just drink less.  I think his resolution may work for a while, but he'll end up drinking all the time again.  He says that his drinking is a habit and he can start a new habit of only drinking on the weekends.  Is that possible?

Susan Yarrawonga · Accepted Answer

There are practicing alcoholics and non-practicing alcoholics.  A non-practicing alcoholic is a teetotaller who used to be a practicing alcoholic.

There is a saying that for an alcoholic one drink is too many and 100 is not enough.

Most alcoholics who try to drink socially or only at weekends fail miserably.  With supreme and extreme will power an alcoholic may perhaps be able to drink in moderation but this is highly unlikely.

J B · Answer

Alcoholics cannot drink sociallly.  They have a genetic make-up that wants the alcohol and a little bit socially is not going to satisfy his body.  He must remain alcohol free or he will never beat this terrible disease that destroys lives.  He will end up drinking just as much or more with his resolution.  Drinking socially is NOT possible if he wants to stop.

Karen G · Answer

Drinking socially is NOT an option for an alcoholic.  If you are an alcoholic, you CANNOT drink.  I would recommend going to the AA website to look for info. for your friend and info. on ways you can best support him.

dirkle1 · Answer

He's only fooling himself.  Direct him to Narcotics Anonymous.  Anyone addicted needs help, and it can be found for any addict in Narcotics Anonymous.

. · Answer

YES, that's basically how most people do it

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Is it possible for a true alcoholic to only drink socially or on the weekends?

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