How much consumption of alcohol is normal per weeK?

Question

I am 25 years old. I drink 3-7 times a week anywhere from 4 to 8 drinks on average a night, sometimes more (almost all the time alone). I keep thinking this is just a phase and its my college years and this will end when I become more mature. But I have been thinking that way for 10 years now. I couldn't drink much when I was underage but once I turned 21 I could buy whenever I wanted and still think it's cool I can get alcohol. I don't want to become an alcoholic but think i'm dependent on alcohol now. I'm affraid of going to a substance abuse counselor because I'm afraid they will just think I'm wasting their time because I'm not really an alcoholic.

Answer 1

so, you drink 3-7 times a week and you think you're not really an alcoholic and you're afraid to waist counselor's time!! Wow.

Here's an objective opinion: YOU ARE AN ALCOHOLIC!!!

The first and most moderate stage of alcoholism is when a person drinks once a week. Keep in mind women are much easier and faster to become addictive than men due to female hormones and other stuff.

Please don't be upset with my answer, just go take care of yourself. it's not too late yet!!

And yes you definetely need to see a counselor ASAP. Good luck

Answer 2

Hi, Spree.

Whether you are dependent on alcohol or an alcoholic doesn't matter.  

Check out this website http://www.helpguide.org/mental/alcohol_... and answer the questions.  It's private, so you can be honest with yourself and you don't have to worry about anyone's reactions.

Only you can decide if your drinking is at a point where you need help and only you can go for that help.  If you decide that your drinking is a problem, you can contact AA here:  http://www.aa.org/?Media=PlayFlash

You are a very courageous person to have taken this step.  I encourage you to take the next one.

All the best.

Answer 3

Well, from one alcohic to another (you), you've made a good first step to admit there is a problem.  There isn't a SA counselor out there that will think you're wasting their time.  Most will be happy to point you in the right direction for help.  AA is a good place as well.  As another posting read, "they will never not believe you".  Best wishes, you have a lot of life in front of you..........don't drink it away.  Don't get me wrong about my source; my life drinking was h**l not life without.

Answer 4

I've had more, and I've had less as well.100 years ago it wasn't uncommon to have a pint of beer with your breakfast of bread and fruit and sausage meat. wine with your lunch and dinner was usually about 2 or 3 glasses at each meal. It wasn't until the industrial revolution of the late 1800's that coffee began to replace spirits at meal time.And now look at all the studies that tell us that the tannins in red wine are good for our hearts. Egyptians were paid by their pyramid building bosses in bread and beer everyday, 7 days a week. Last time I looked there was no problem with their job preformance, and they were built over 7,000 years ago. As long as alcohol is not interfearing with your work/school activities, relax.

Answer 5

It doesn't matter how much you consume to become dependent. If you believe that you have a serious drinking problem, you need to talk to a professional. I don't think that a SA counselor would think you were wasting his/her time.

Answer 6

You're answering your own question, aren't you and that means you're smart.

There is no 'normal'.  

Please get thee to a counselor, Sister!

.

Answer 7

You're right, it is very easy to slip into a pattern of drinking heavily every night during college. But it is not normal for that pattern to persist after your undergrad years are over. Most people shake the habit when it's time to work, but it sounds like you are having a little more difficulty. I really love how honest you're being with yourself. I promise you, you won't waste a counselor's time. They will be so glad to help you and so proud of you for asking. It truly is the most difficult step, admitting that you have a problem. And by the way, I am proud of you for reaching out to the Y!A Community for help. I really can't stress that enough. I wish we could treat you on here, but seeing someone in real life is best. You can try AA (who will NEVER not believe you, I promise) or a private counselor if you feel more comfortable. Remember, there is no standard for alcoholism. It is based on you and your individual choices. So if you feel that you have a problem, then you most likely do.