Is my husband an alchoholic?

Question

My husband is diagnosed BP and had an inpatient hospitalization for a suicide attempt because he took himself off his meds and went manic and while he was inpatient he went to an AA class and was told he was not an alcoholic..now our counselor disagrees. So I am just curious - he has not had a drink in four months and is doing great and had no physical withdrawal symptoms. But his drinking pattern escalated about 3 years ago...he never has drank every day but when he does especially the past three years he binges - up to 30 beers a day each day on each day on the weekend and then maybe 10 during the week but again not daily. Just curious on some thoughts on the topic?

ibizan · Answer

i do not believe anyone at an AA meeting would tell another their not an alcoholic!sounds like something got distorted or the person doesn't believe their alcoholic!i take w/less than a grain of salt what detoxing ppl and active users tell me what someone else said to them!particularly if its the truth and they don't want to hear it!

OpenMind24hours · Answer

Not saying it didn't happen, because anything can happen at an AA meeting, but I've been going to AA meetings all over the country since 1982 and I've never heard anyone tell a new person at a meeting that they aren't an alcoholic. That would be quite a detriment to the new person! That could actually kill someone in the long run. You mentioned "class". Maybe it wasn't one of our meetings?

At our meetings we have a tradition that says "the only requirement for membership is the desire to stop drinking". You're a member if you say you are. If he decides to get sober please tell him to go back to AA, maybe try a different meeting somewhere else. Also try the AA hotline and chat first hand with someone in recovery. it actually works! 

The most important aspect is the fact that him and only him can make that decision to get clean. It will happen when he reaches what he deems a bottom. Nothing we do or say will convince him like alcohol will.

CWKavinRAS · Answer

Binge drinking is extremely dangerous because his blood alcohol concentration  may reach harmful, if not lethal, levels.  Knowing his psychiatric history, combined with the binge drinking, the possible risks and negative side effects are tremendous.

It sounds like he is looking for the numbing effects and/or euphoria brought on by the alcohol.  Maybe it is time for an update on his BP and a new assessment of his medication, if any.  Regardless of the reason on why he is doing this, it is still a very risky behavior. I wish you all the best.