It is not necessary for your friend to have every habit to fit in a category, and your friend may have some habits not listed. But the list can give you an idea of where your friend fits in.

A social drinker typically: -drinks slowly (no fast gulping). -knows when to stop drinking (does not drink to get drunk). -eats before or while drinking. -never drives after drinking. -knows and obeys laws related to drinking.

A problem drinker typically: -drinks to get drunk. -tries to solve problems by drinking. -experiences personality changes, may become angry, loud, or violent. OR silent, remote, or reclusive. -drinks when he or she should not-before driving, or going to work or class. -harms himself or herself, family, friends and strangers.

An alcoholic:

-spends a lot of time thinking about drinking and planning where and when to get the next drink.

-keeps bottles hidden for quick pick-me-ups.

-starts drinking without conscious planning and loses awareness of amount consumed.

-denies drinking, drinks alone.

-needs to drink before facing a stressful situation.

-may have "blackouts" where he or she cannot remember what they did while drinking, although they may have appeared "normal" to people at
the time.

-goes from having hangovers to more dangerous alcohol withdrawal symptoms, which can be fatal (Alberta Alcohol and Drug Abuse Commission, 2000).

- has or causes major problems-with the police, an employer, family.