I drink maybe once every couple of months, but I go for broke. Alcohol tastes bad to me, almost universally; I hate beer, wine, and most liquors. For me, drinking without getting drunk is about as fun as licking the backs of stamps. I've been falling down drunk before, but I'm typically just "are my feet still there?" drunk. I like going to bars and chatting up random people; it just goes more smoothly with a little liquid inspiration. I do it for fun, it's as simple as that.
Alcohol is one of the drugs that typically doesn't lead to addiction from physical dependence alone; most people can drink everyday, including to drunkenness, and not become an alcoholic. The real issue is just whether they can stop drinking when it's inappropriate. It's all about "why" they're drinking; if it's a coping mechanism, it will almost certainly lead to addiction. But, "fun" isn't a coping mechanism for most people.
I've noticed a trend that doesn't seem to match the studies, though; although it's often said that kids of alcoholic parents or who drink when they're young, will have a higher chance of becoming drunks. My experience has been the exact opposite; Lots of people that come from "good" families and then have that first drink at 21, have quickly lost control. But, the people that have been drinking since they're 10, have no problems with self-control. Either my experiences have been exceptionally atypical, or these studies aren't correct. I'm guessing that it comes down to how they define "alcoholic". The guy who was drinking from childhood does tend to drink more, but it doesn't turn him into a clown. Mr. Goodboy can have one beer and wake up in jail. Am I wrong, or do these studies seem questionable?
