Health2 min(s) read
Alcoholic points out the 3 key differences between a normal drinker and somebody who is addicted
A man who overcame alcoholism has laid out how to spot when drinking becomes a problem.
Corey Warren says his own experience gives him insight into telling the difference between a casual drinker and someone with a dependency.
He recently laid out what he sees as three clear ways the two groups differ. He shared this with his 228,000 YouTube followers as part of his ongoing advocacy and recovery journey.
Why the reason for abstaining matters
According to Corey, social drinkers tend to have reasons not to drink - obligations like work schedules, family commitments, or health goals.
He said, “Normal drinkers, they have a reason for not drinking. Maybe the kids wake up early or I have to go to work or I’m getting up early so I can work out. Whatever it is, they have a reason not to drink.”
In contrast, he described his own mindset as always having reasons to drink: “Bad day, I’m drinking. If I’m stressed out, I’m drinking. If I’m fighting with my wife, I’m drinking… Or if something good happened and I want to celebrate, I’m drinking.”
Differences in control and self-questioning
The second distinction relates to control. Corey said, “Normal drinkers, they can have one, two, and then put it down. They know when enough is enough.” By contrast, he admitted he lacked that control: “If there was a drink in front of me, I was drinking it. If there was a case, I was finishing it. If it was a bottle, I wouldn’t stop until it was gone.”
The third major difference, he said, is about reflection. He noted that casual drinkers rarely question whether they have a problem. He explained, “Normal drinkers, they don’t wonder if they have a problem with alcohol. They don’t wrestle with the thought that maybe they shouldn’t drink.”
He contrasted that with his own experience: “But me, I was constantly asking myself, ‘Is this good for me? Am I sure I should be doing this? Maybe I’m taking this too far…maybe I’m an alcoholic, maybe I should stop.’ … ‘Those are all questions that normal drinkers, they never ask. But me, I was always wondering.’”
Corey’s goal in sharing these differences is to help others recognise early signs in themselves or in someone close to them. If any of this sounds familiar, seeking help or support may be a step in the right direction.