Does anyone have the clinical definition of problem drinking?

My dad is not an alcoholic, but I do think he's a problem drinker. Every time something goes wrong or there's stress it's Miller time he and gets drunk as a way of "dealing" with it. I think this is problem drinking. I told him that and his response was "that's not what the experts say". Is there a professional, concise definition for "problem drinking" out there? I tried researching it a bit and am coming up w/ lots of unrelated stuff.

Does anyone have the clinical definition of problem drinking?
There's probably not a clinical definition of "problem drinking" (that's a pretty fuzzy term which could mean different things to different people), but here's a link to the DSM-IV definitions of alcohol abuse and alcohol dependence.





http://www.fpnotebook.com/PSY93.htm
Reply:Well, isn't it a 'problem' when it starts affecting your normal life? Thats what Dr. Phil would say.
Reply:What makes you think he has a problem with alcohol and what makes you think he is not an alcoholic? You DONT have to drink everyday or blackout, etc.. to be an alcoholic.


If you have expressed your own discomfort with his drinking and there is no change.. that would signal a problem to me(yet, it doesnt mean he is alcoholic).. If its not a "problem" for him to stop something that hurts you.. it makes me wonder if it is a problem. See what I mean? If its not an issue.. why would he continue to do something that causes his child distress?


Your not going to find much on "problem drinking" .


Look up theese key words:


Dependent ( dependency)or abuse or addiction.


There is a difference between alcohol abuse and alcoholism


There are lots and lots of online test you can find and take. But they are not the same as being given a real assesment by a counselor.


And you can call any treatment center and ask.contact Al-Anon at (888) 4AL-ANON or (888) 425-2666


Here are some links:


http://www.hksrch.com.hk/quiz/drink.htm


http://www.alcoholics-anonymous.org/en_i...


http://www.alcoholscreening.org/


http://alcoholism.about.com/od/tests/l/b...


Good luck :)
Reply:ok so there are three clasifications to drinkers: moderate, problem, and social drinkers apperantly you dad is not an alcoholic but at the pace he's going he can getthere sooner than ever. Acording to Dr. Donatell "iRRESPONSIBLE OR "PROBLEM" DRINKERS, SUCH AS PEPLE WHO GET IN FIGHTS OR EMBERRASS THEMSELVES OFOTHERS WHAN THEY DRINK, ARE NOT NECESSARILY ALCOHOLICS."