ExcerptSummertime Drinking: When Is It a Problem?Just like the temperature, drinking taboos are lifted a few degrees in the summertime. Drinking in the daytime is more acceptable. Consider lounging around the pool drinking tall, cool ones, patio parties where exotic drinks and tiki torches brighten up the night. And since it stays lighter later, the cocktail hour is extended a few hours. It’s not true that increased drinking causes alcoholism — alcoholism is a disease with many “causes.” Just because someone drinks more frequently, or consumes more alcohol than they used do, doesn’t mean he or she has become an alcoholic. But, there are warning signs that drinking may be a problem, for example: • starting to drink earlier in the day • increased drinking (drinking every day or every few days, and drinking increased quantities) • continuing to drink when they’ve “had enough.” • denying they’ve “had enough.” |