Millions of people drink alcohol.
Some drink rarely, and for others it's part of daily life.
Some people are alcoholics, and some are just 'normal' drinkers.
Unfortunately, drinking has become so much a part of our culture it's sometimes hard to figure out which is which.
When is someone's drinking normal, and when do they actually need alcohol rehab or some other form of treatment? Here's how you can tell the difference.
A person who does not have a problem with alcohol addiction or dependence can stop whenever they want, and will do so if their drinking is causing problems of any sort.
These could be physical problems, including hangovers that interfere with life's responsibilities or enjoyment, or emotional problems like family disagreements.
An alcoholic, although he may promise to quit, and even want to, can't stop - regardless of the consequences.
An alcoholic depends on alcohol for emotional support.
When times get tough, the alcoholic heads for the bar, or liquor cabinet.
An alcoholic doesn't like to participate in activities that don't involve drinking.
Consequently, they may start to neglect their responsibilities to family, work and friends.
They will also spend more time on drinking than on other things.
If they're not drinking, they're stocking up, planning or arranging when they're going to drink next, or recovering from a hangover.
Alcohol occupies much of their life and their thoughts.
As the situation worsens, so does their neglect.
Generally, someone who has a problem with alcohol addiction or dependence drinks frequently.
Sometimes every day.
They may not drink a lot - they might only have a few beers - but you'd have a rough time getting them to stop.
When they try to stop drinking, they get uncomfortable, may be in pain, and may even get ill.
They're going through withdrawal.
This could include shaking or sweating, having trouble sleeping, being irritable and anxious, and feeling nauseous.
Withdrawal from alcohol can be extremely dangerous - even worse than drugs.
Someone who is frequently and obviously drunk has a problem that no one, other than a person in the same condition, could miss.
But some people can drink excessively and not really seem affected by it to the point of having slurred speech and the other symptoms we're familiar with.
That doesn't mean their less drunk, or less impaired, their body just reacts differently.
If that's the case, keep an eye out for the above signs.
If you notice them, get help through an alcohol and drug addiction treatment center.
Without help, the situation will only worsen.