night help: at what point is someone classed as an alcoholic? - Help.com

Im so sorry ): I know what its like. My dad is the same, except he says were making this problem up when we confront him and that he could stop anytime he wanted… I hope it gets better for you.

A objective definition of alcoholism is very difficult.
That’s why the Alcoholics Anonymous (A.A.) say (to anyone interested to join them): “You only can say if you’re an alcoholic”.
See e.g. this:
“Is Alcoholics Anonymous (A.A.) for You? · Twelve questions only you can answer”:
http://www.aa.org/lang/en/subpage.cfm…

Family members of alcohol addicts can find strength at Al-Anon/Alateen.
Maybe you should have a look for a Meeting near your place:

· U.S. and Canada: http://www.al-anon.alateen.org/local-…
· Other countries: http://www.al-anon.alateen.org/intern… & http://www.al-anon.alateen.org/meetin…
· Electronic and Telephone Meetings: http://www.al-anon.alateen.org/pdf/EN…

He should not be blaming his drinking on anyone but himself. Drinking and blaming it on others is sure sign he has a problem. If he won’t listen to your pleas, perhaps you could get other family members to talk with him about it.

Siren wrote:
thanks zirbel, i did the test as best i could from my dads point of veiw and it said probably was (i got 5 yes’ and it said 4 or more probably was)

i just dont know what to do about it anymore. i can see myself in a few years time looking up at the heavens and saying i told you so. but i really dont want that. i even said that he probably wont be around to see his grandkids grow up, but it never changes

Unfortunately it can ONLY be HIS decision, which can stop it. You should not put pressure upon him — this could effect even the contrary.
But you can encourage him from time to time in a nice and affectionate way to join an A.A. meeting. That’s all what you (and your family) can do.

“Alcoholics Anonymous World Services”:
· Meetings in the U.S. and Canada: http://www.aa.org/lang/en/central_off…
· Meetings in other countries: http://www.aa.org/lang/en/aa_internat…

It doesn’t have to be a word with social stigma or disease implications - anyone who drinks alcohol is far more alcoholic than I am. But that doesn’t mean they have a problem. It’s like how the word “drink” is even given completely unusual meaning, “Do you drink?” Yes, of course I drink, but not alcohol. Same thing with “alcoholic” — it really can mean something bad, in that people’s lives can be filled with discomfort or suffering due to excessive alcohol use or dependency. If you think someone has a problem, you can point that out and beware the backlash. Every day for years I would point out to smokers how they really didn’t need to buy a pack of cigarettes from the store I worked at, in fact it was bad for them and was guaranteed to kill them if used as directed — needless to say, I rarely got pleasant feedback. But sometimes it is more important to point out the damage people do to themselves than to get along with them.