[Sylvanfan]

I would say that it's when you start needing to drink, that it is becoming a problem. When I was in my early 20's, there were weeks where I would drink at least a 6 pack 6 nights a week. Oddly enough, it was usually Friday or Saturday night that I would drink nothing even though I was working a Monday to Friday 8 to 5 job. Although, I can't remember having the feeling of needing a drink. It was usually boredom, and often social situations like after a hockey game that I did drink.

But if you start getting the feeling that you need to drink, and it starts happening daily, you better recognize it, and get it under control. It's only a matter of time until those intervals between needing a drink get so short, that you constantly are drinking.

I certainly don't drink anywhere close to what I used to. But in a social situation, I do tend to have a tougher time controlling myself. I can go out as the DD and be fine as that will be my focus. But go out for a couple beers with the guys can become a couple extra hours and 6 instead of two. I don't think I suffer from alcoholism...but I must have some sort of social anxiety, that I don't maintain the same level of control in that environment.