to be, or not to be (an alcoholic)

So after a night out on Saturday, I had to sit back and think for a bit about my alcohol consumption situation. Not that I'm saying there is a situation, but that it's a possibility. I had a friend voice their concerns when I was younger. Then again, I think lots of young people tend to drink as a way to let loose and just let go of their inhibitions and forget about that day at work that just sucked completely. For that matter, people at my age still do that. Anyway, the point I'm trying to make is that I know I can sometimes take my drinking a little far. So I did a little research (for those who are curious) to find out what the seven common signs of alcoholism are:

1. NEGLECT OF OTHER ACTIVITIES
I don't know that this would pertain to me. I don't neglect my other activities or obligations, unless I'm drunk and don't remember. That's a joke. I still get my studies done...I procrastinate, but I get it done. I still go to work in the morning. I still remember the events on my social calendar. So I know this sign doesn't pertain to me, so on to the second one.

2. EXCESSIVE USE
I think this depends on how it's meant. Does it mean excessive as in daily consumption, or excessive as in 6 drinks and 4 shots in one night at the bar? If it's the latter, then yes, I'm guilty. But if it's the former, then no. I don't drink daily. In fact, I get an evil grin on my face if I can even sneak in two nights of drinking in one week. My typical drinking schedule consists of one Saturday night with my friends around, having drinks and bitching about how society is crumbling.

3. IMPAIRED CONTROL
This is defined as "ongoing, unsuccessful efforts to cut down or control alcohol consumption." I can't really say that I've made efforts to cut down. There have been nights I have gone out and had 3 drinks, and there have been nights I have gone out and had 7 drinks. It differs depending on the company and the mood. I've gone a couple of weeks without any at all.

4. PERSISTENCE OF USE
See my answer for #3

5. LARGE AMOUNTS OF TIME SPENT AT ALCOHOL RELATED ACTIVITIES
I don't even know what to make of this one. I imagine that meaning someone who spends the entire night next to the beer pong table at a frat party! Not me. Too old for beer pong, and too wise to know that's a case of mono just waiting to happen. But if you think about it. Almost any event can become an alcohol related one. Take for example when I used to work in sales. I used to attend many social events including grand openings involving the city chamber. On many occassions, they would actually have alcohol. Of course I wouldn't have any because I knew I had to go back to work. Practically every birthday party I've been to has alcohol (unless it's a child's birthday). And every mixer I've been to has its share of alcohol. I don't however, spend lots of time at a majority of these things. I'd like to, but time just doesn't permit.

6. WITHDRAWL
Really? I don't think I have withdrawls from one Saturday to the next. But if I happen to experience it, I'll let you know what it's like. Althought I do look forward to a Saturday night outing, I don't think anticipation is the same thing as getting the shakes, sweats, or nausea.

7. TOLERANCE
Even after years of drinking, my limit is still about a six pack and a half or two. And even that's pushing it!

So take a look at the symptoms and see if you can relate. Or maybe you know someonen else with a problem. But I can say from my own experiences, I think I'm just winding down on the weekend, nothing more.