andrewwillans49 wrote:My Father was a very heavy drinker, always in the pub and never drank at home. It caused my parents to divorce and he died at 57 years old of cancer of the aesophagous. That was in 1992. He was a tough, burly bricklayer with a good sense of humour and sharp wit and the bonhomie of the pub atmosphere suited him. From diagnosis to death was just a few months. He laughed it off telling me and my siblings "a bit early but I've had a good time". Now I'm not teetotal, but hardly drink. So if people following this thread like a jar or two I'd never criticise or judge, but bear in mind other people can unwittingly become casualties of what seems harmless fun times.
My dad had a similar attitude, believing that by drinking in the pub he was not setting a bad example for us kids. The problem was that it became habitual meaning he always came home from work with at least 2 pints and 2 whiskies in him. When he retired the weekend habit of a lunchtime pub visit became daily. On the few occasions ill health stopped the ritual he was jittery and uneasy. Basically he was a functioning alcoholic and yet I only saw him "properly" drunk 2 or 3 times.
Many years ago alcoholic referred to someone who just got completely inebriated too often. Now, at least, the top up alcoholic is recognised, but perhaps not supported.