[quote=frenchlambda]… From there, the only cure is total abstinence. He must stay away from alcohol, period.[/quote]
This applies to some people, but not all. Those with more addictive personalities may find total abstinence helpful.
Others will do just fine by cutting WAY back, and slowly so it isn’t so painful. The more you drink over the long term, the more addicted you’ll be, and vice versa. Like many college age people I drank enormous amounts of beer and was a total slob (sounds familiar), and when I noticed that the cravings had become physical (I needed a beer), it was a short jump to conclude that I was an alcoholic, and I admitted it. However, instead of throwing myself into rehab or AA meetings, I cut back extremely slowly, over many years.
Fast forward 15 years. I rarely drink now, a few at family gatherings and the occasional (once or twice/year) drunkfest with buddies. I experience zero cravings for a drink, ever. If I ever was an alcoholic, and I believe I was, I am not now. And I’m genetically predisposed to it.
