On Fri, 27 Oct 2017 13:36:35 -0400, "Mr. Luddite"
wrote:




There are many forms of alcoholism and it demonstrates in many ways.
I've known guys who drink pretty much all day, maintaining a "buzz" but
remain totally functional until they run out of booze.

The person I am trying to help is a "binge" drinker. Once started, the
drinking will continue until the person passes out. Wakes up and starts
drinking again to take the edge off the withdrawal symptoms. Drinks an
incredible amount of booze, once started.

In my younger days I'd occasionally "tie one on", usually when with a
bunch of friends. Many of us did that, I think. I'd wake up the next
morning with a horrible hangover, sweats, shakes, etc., but by 2 or 3
in the afternoon my head would clear, I'd feel much better and it would
be pretty much over. Last thing in the world I wanted after a night of
drinking and partying was another drink.

Not the case with with the person I am talking about. If the booze is
cut off, withdrawals (basically a prolonged, severe hangover) will last
at least a week, sometimes more. It's also a dangerous period of time
and usually medical supervision (detox) is required. This person also
has a history of at least one seizure during the withdrawal process.
Fell on the floor in a detox unit resulting in a fractured skull.

I know lots of high functioning alcoholics, DC is full of them. I am
not sure about now but DC used to have the highest per capita
consumption of alcohol in the country.
In the 80s I think they were also the highest consumers of cocaine
too.
I know it was everywhere.