how to recognize an alcoholic?

[ksudrew]

if a coworker is an alcoholic, what are the tell tale signs?

someone suggested that a coworker of ours might be - i'm not that observant and generally the last to know any of the office gossip - too busy working/making money to worry about personal stuff. for example, it's not until about the 8th month that i recognize a female coworkers pregnancy.

but now I'm curious - any experience out there?  what to look for to assess whether coworker is on the bottle too much?  just because he reaks of alcohol and is always late for work - anything else to look for to confirm?  do alcoholics understand if you simply ask them if they are?

  (only too much / too often)

[Cole]

well you gotta know for sure, is he an alcoholic or a drunk?

b/c if he isn't going to meetings yet than he's a drunk.

if he's attending AA meeting than only can he be called an alcoholic

[ksudrew]

well you gotta know for sure, is he an alcoholic or a drunk?

b/c if he isn't going to meetings yet than he's a drunk.

if he's attending AA meeting than only can he be called an alcoholic

ok, my simple mind
alcoholic = drunk
AA meetings = recovering alcoholic

by your definition - question is how do you recognize a drunk (uncured/uncontrolled drinking prob)

[Dirty Sanchez]

had one at a place where I worked.  She called in sick a lot.  It was either that or she had been beaten.  Her husband was an alky with a temper.

[KITNfury]

If they are old, their nose is prolly red all the time. If they show up for work sober and do their job, what's the problem? Feel the same way 'bout drugs. I see no reason to random test. They'll get fired on their own demerits if the substance is too much of a problem

I've met several "functioning alcoholics" in my day. They drink every night, yet still take care of their family and go to work.

[Kat Kid]

we support your recovery dlew.

[The1BigWillie]

Typically I err... THEY will come in and smell of booze.  It's coming out their pores.  Typically they will sweat or shake a little in the morning if they are just learning to be a good drunk.  After a while they won't get hangovers so it's tough to tell if you can't get close enough to smell.  They will probably look drunk when they show up in the morning.  A true sign is to invite them out for a drink after work for happy hour. If they are smashed after 1 or 2 then they have a big problem.  Their body isn't processing alcohol and in essence perpetually intoxicated.  &@#%ing awesome feeling by the way. :(

[Paul11]

When you are an alcoholic you're body goes through very extreme stages. You can have 30 and not feel a thing, but the next day you could have 1 or 2 and be smashed.

[steve dave]

One of the most hilarious things to witness is a group of people at work discussing whether someone is an alcoholic and what to do about it.  Inevitably, said person is not an actual alcoholic and just likes to party.  Also, inevitably, the people having the discussion are the kind of people who would think "likes to party"=alcoholic.  As a general rule, if you have to ask how to know if a person is an alcoholic, you have no business getting involved.

sincerely,
steve dave (practicing binge drinker)

[purplebybirth]

  After a while they won't get hangovers ...

Now that's something I could get used to.

[The1BigWillie]

In the last 2 months I've probably had 3 people cover their nose/mouth in the morning and say "Oh my God you smell like beer/alcohol."  

Love it.  

[purplebybirth]

personally i kind of believe being drunk the next day kind of gives you an edge, in whatever it may be. i participate much more in class with a good morning-after buzz, and i can only imagine that would translate into more productivity in the work place. amirite?

the trick is drinking enough the night before so that you haven't started your hangover when you wake up the next morning.

[Pett]

Curses a lot.

[dlew12]

Yo, KK...I am NOT in recovery.

[Kat Kid]

Yo, KK...I am NOT in recovery.

The first step is admitting you have a problem.

[dlew12]

Yo, KK...I am NOT in recovery.

The first step is admitting you have a problem.

Don't do this to me..

[fatty fat fat]

mtv true life: two young women struggle w/alcohol addiction

it was on at 6 pm today. very good stuff. they were like drinking beers right when they woke up.

[krazykat]

one way to tell from my experience is you and the "alcoholic" go to his favorite bar for a drink after work. while at said bar.

if the bartender has his drink of choice waiting for him before his ass hits the barstool, he might be an alcoholic. if every waitress, knows him by name and ask him personal questions, good chance he is an alcoholic. when you leave said bar and the bartender says "pony up, after you get paid this friday", he is more than likely an alcoholic.

another good idea is go to a party or ball game or something on short notice. make stop to the liquor store. if he has a fifth of hard crap down before you even arrive he is prolly an alki.



 

[raquetcat]

mtv true life: two young women struggle w/alcohol addiction

it was on at 6 pm today. very good stuff. they were like drinking beers right when they woke up.

wheaties and a natty breakfast of champions!

[cyclist]

<----Alcoholic

or

<----Alcoholic

or

  <----Alcoholic

                

[Chingon]

does he wear a hobo hat?

that always tips me off