It's called binge drinking. If he drinks to excess & it's affecting his life function...that is the definition of a binge alcoholic. it is most likely affecting his life as you & friends are concerned. Not sure what you mean by tapering off. Do you mean getting drunk less often or getting drunk on less alcohol. I'd suggest you find an Alanon meeting in your area & go. You will find other people in your situation and they are great at answering question. It's a friendly anonymous place.

I'm dating a man who has an alcohol problem. He is a social drinker but drinks excessively when he does. For example, in the afternoon he drank two large cans of strong beer, then at dinner he had three shots of hard liquor. And the next time I met him, he had four big bottles of strong beer for lunch with two draft beers. Then, he does not drink for awhile then repeats this cycle of excessive drinking. I told him I was concerned about his drinking. He admitted he has a problem and wants to reduce his alcohol intake by tapering. Initially he wants to cut down by 20 percent then do more afterwards, etc. My question is whether or not tapering slowly is a good idea? I don't drink alcohol so don't know much about its effects. He is not an alcoholic and does not drink in the morning or all of the time. He has an alcohol problem though and drinks a lot at one time then does not for awhile. So, he thinks cutting down slowly is a good idea. I want him to quit before his drinking gets out of control. However, I have not told him this and am wondering if reducing his intake is also a good solution? I just don't know. Others have told him about their concern about his drinking too. So, this is a good start that he wants to reduce. Should I say anything or suggest anything? Does anybody have any suggestions for this situation? Thank you!![/QUOTE]