Am I An Alcoholic?

So I've watched this for the nth time and I'd really like a follow up... even if you didn't reach the goals you set for yourself.

As someone going through bit (and by bit I mean whoa nelly) of a drinking stage right now, a pod would be greatly appreciated.

I'm disappointed by this pod. I don't think that Mr. Coonan can answer the question "Am I an alcoholic?" without first understanding what the question means, and I'm not at all convinced he does.

If this pod had the title "Am I damaging my body as a result of my alcohol consumption?" then I would find the results less disappointing. I don't believe the presenter explored the question asked by the title at all. Alcoholism is not simply a disease of the liver.

To explore the question "Am I an alcoholic?" you would need to go beyond the health of your liver and how much you drink every night. You need to go into your behavior and how it affects your life. You would not only want to talk to medical doctors, but professionals in the field of addiction and recovery. Most of all, you should talk to (and more importantly LISTEN TO) people who are in recovery from alcoholism. Alcoholics in recovery have a unique perspective on alcohol use. If you are genuinely interested in the question, start by going to some Alcoholics Anonymous meetings (or some similar recovery-focused program). Listen to what the addicts in the room have to say. Speak up about your experience. Try it on for size and decide for yourself.

Yes... alcohol damages your body when used in excess. That is basic medical science. I don't think you told yourself anything you did not already know in making this pod, and you missed, in my opinion, an opportunity to explore more fruitful aspects of alcoholism.

Either way... respect. Knowing how much you drink and how it affects you is a very very good place to start.

Lucky I don't take to drinking so much. People need other ways to feel open and confident to socialise.

Only 24! Don't ruin yourself. You have a long life to live!

I'm interested in the cultural differences between Americans and Europeans with regard to alcohol consumption. It seems like people from Europe are more relaxed about alcohol, even letting kids drink wine at dinner.

I would be interested to see the differences of certain statistics between the two cultures. For instance drunk driving and teenage binge drinking, are these problems worse here or there?

Truly,

~ Mind Control

i have a friend who was an alcoholic, and stopped drinking at the age of 18. i recently talked to him about being sober at parties, and how a lot of (drunk) people try to convince him to drink again. they say: "if you drink now, and then stop for a month, then you have defeated your problem" - his answer to that question is: "if you stop drinking for one month, i am going to drink with you"... no one has ever done it. concluding, don't we all have a drinking problem then?

Man vs. Wild Turkey

Donal, you're the Bear Grylls of substance abuse.

Cheers!

hey everyone - thanks for all your responses! I am afraid there has been the occasional lapse from 'just tea' at the pub, but I've certainly cut down. I'll let you know when my liver fails completely though...fingers crossed it won't any time soon.

I'm waiting for the sequel

If you have to ask, then you probably are.

Great story !!! It's wild to me that as a culture drinking is so popular and accepted. Alcoholism is real and truth be know, everyone is effected either by working for one, employing one, our mom or dad or it being us...

Did you know that of all drugs, the withdraw from alcohol is one of the only ones that can kill you !!

anyway, I got to go ... I have some shots of jack callin me !!! ha ha actually I don't drink anymore .. it sucked in many ways ... simply wasn't fun anymore ...

When I studied abroad in England, this alcohol problem stood out to me heavily. It was insane. Everyone was out every night. I'm not sure how anyone graduated, or worked, or did anything really.

... how long did the tea last for?!
hahaha!
definitely not the most fun thing to be sipping at a party.

you've sold me on consuming less. how about part two - nicotine addiction.

donal im glad u learned ur limits b4 something bad happened 2 u. listen 2 ur mom the voice of experience.our culture celebrates drinking 4 many reasons nobody celebrates when the hangovers come.when people have alcohol-related diseases they tend to dismiss them and keep on drinking. DUMMIES!