The researchers surveyed 1,910 people with alcohol-related problems, and 14.7 percent used clergy services. Most of those who used clergy services also used professional services, and only .5 percent used clergy services just for their problems with alcohol.

Examining the use of clergy services among people who sought treatment for alcohol abuse and comparing the characteristics of the people who used clergy services with those of people who used other types of services to seek help, the researchers found that many people who used clergy services were Black, between the ages of 35 and 54, had a history of alcohol dependence, and suffered from depression or personality disorders They also found that people who were alcohol dependent were more likely to have used clergy services for alcohol-related problems than people who weren’t alcohol dependent or didn’t abuse alcohol.

Amy Bohnert, Ph.D., M.H.S., lead author of the study and assistant professor of psychiatry at the University of Michigan, said their findings suggest that people who can be classified as alcohol abusers tend to have problems with the legal system, work, and social situations, and may be more likely to be placed in treatment through social services or the courts.

Brian Perron, assistant professor of social work at the University of Michigan, said that rabbits, priests, ministers, and other clergy members are in an ideal position to help addicts because they are involved in their communities and see their congregants on a regular basis, which allows them to notice changes in behavior. Clergy are also often highly regarded by their community, especially in African American communities. Congregates also tend to feel that they can talk to clergy members in confidence.

Source: Science Daily, Individuals Confess Alcohol Abuse to Clergy, July 14, 2010

But where does social drinking end and where does alcoholism begin? It is a difficult question to answer because many factors such as local culture, climate, and historical perspectives define what is acceptable social drinking. But, there are a few broad parameters we can use to create the border between social drinking and alcoholism.

First of all let’s look at why people drink in social situations. It’s usually because it is relaxing, it is part of our culture, and is deemed to be if not a social necessity, at least socially acceptable and because it acts to make people feel more at ease and thus interact better in social situations. Where does one indulge in social drinking? It is normally at parties, in bars, at times of celebration, with family members, when on a date, with friends, and at any social occasions where liquor is served.

A social drinker is one who doesn’t drink on a regular or daily basis. A drink is not missed is if it is not consumed. There are no great changes in the person’s behavior after drinking – no belligerence, bad or irrational behavior, sickness or after effects. A social drinker does not spend time thinking about drink – when it’s there that’s fine, and it’s equally okay when it’s not.

Now when is drinking more than social drinking? It is alcoholic behavior when a person drinks to get drunk, drives after drinking, indulges in binge drinking, slurs or is incoherent in his speech, is unable to walk or stand properly, indulges in drunken sex, vomits, blacks out, suffers from alcohol-related health problems and gets in professional or legal problems after drinking. Obviously, unlike social drinking there are no personal limits or inhibitions on the quantities drunk and it continues until the person cannot drink more or is refused further liquor.

It is important to note that the frequency of consumption is not a sign of alcoholism. A person may have a beer, one or two small whiskeys or glasses of wine everyday without being an alcoholic as long as it does not adversely affect their behavior or health. On the other hand a person who drinks once a week but finishes 12 beers at one sitting is drinking abusively.

Many alcoholics know they have a problem, but despite their best efforts are unable to stop. They know that their repeated DUIs are costing them. They hear what their doctor says about damage to their liver. They know their work performance is suffering. They know their family members are upset. But they are unable to stop. These people need professional treatment to help them with their obsession with alcohol.