Quote:
Originally Posted by MuddyBoots
How would you tell the difference if you're just problem drinking because you're in a mood episode or because you're a genuine alcoholic?
I'll use drinking for this example, though I'm more of a polyaddict. Could one responsibly drink outside of a mood episode, but then as an episode develops the drinking becomes problematic again, but when the episode subsides you can drink normally again?
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I do believe some people are bona fide alcoholics (or other types of addict), while there are also self-medicators of severe mental illnesses. Obviously there are people who are both at the same time.
I can't say for others (or you) how to tell which category applies. I will say that regardless, if you find you can't drink responsibly or moderately at times, it's best to stop. If a person trials moderate drinking and gets the same bad results, maybe "alcoholic" might apply. Albert Einstein said that insanity is doing the same thing again and again and expecting different results. A total reversal can be the only way to regain sanity.
You know, it's not that bad being sober. In fact, being so can open the doors to a very new and different appreciation of life. It can seem not to be in the beginning, but persistance and patience can really pay off...but I know how hard the two "p"s can be. I'm referring to more than just drinking here.