Well, yes, I totally agree with everything you stated, and I'm not in denial, I promise, I see the problems more than you realize, I've lived with alcoholics, seen them die in my family, I know. But an alcoholic is an addict and he is not. He has a drinking problem. I'm not trying to split hairs, but the difference is that a problem drinker is someone who can quit on their own, and an alcoholic is someone who cannot. He can quit any time he wants. He is drinking to forget, not because he can't stop himself. He's in control... which in a way makes it that much worse. I do worry that he will become an alcoholic.
Here is the definition from the cdc...
What is the difference between alcoholism and alcohol abuse?
Alcoholism or alcohol dependence is a diagnosable disease characterized by several factors, including a strong craving for alcohol, continued use despite harm or personal injury, the inability to limit drinking, physical illness when drinking stops, and the need to increase the amount drunk to feel the effects.
Alcohol abuse is a pattern of drinking that results in harm to one’s health, interpersonal relationships, or ability to work. Certain manifestations of alcohol abuse include failure to fulfill responsibilities at work, school or home; drinking in dangerous situations, such as while driving; legal problems associated with alcohol use; and continued drinking despite problems that are caused or worsened by drinking. Alcohol abuse can lead to alcohol dependence.
