Alcoholics

lharri12

As a mental health professional,
Person A is an alcoholic.  Their drinking has negative consequences, but they continue to drink.
Person B may not be an alcoholic, but I need more information - have they had any ill effects as a result of their drinking, such as liver problems, financial problems, relationship problems, etc.?  If not, they are probably not alcoholic.
Person C is not alcoholic, but rather has untreated anxiety. Alcohol is an anxiolytic - it reduces anxiety.
Person D abuses alcohol, but does not appear to be dependent. However, I need more information - have they ever tried to cut back and failed? Do they feel guilty for their weekend binge drinking?

dmiller9274

The physical withdrawal is pretty rough. I remember for the first week I had the worst night sweats, I was sick to my stomach and had terrible head aches.  

lharri12

The physical withdrawal can be very dangerous.  People can have alcohol withdrawal seizures, DTs, and they can die.
And I don't believe whoever said that they had to stock beer in the fridge at a recovery program.  They give benzodiazepines (lorazepam, diazepam, etc.) for withdrawal symptoms, not booze.  A recovery program that gives patients beer is not a legitimate program.