It's important that we define alcoholic. An alcoholic is someone who is addicted to the excessive drinking of alcohol. In clinical terms this is known as alcohol use disorder.

More subtly, we have alcohol dependency. The difference between alcohol use disorder and alcohol dependency is that while inappropriate use does occur alcohol dependency still includes some degree of choice whereas alcohol use disorder is out of control. Furthermore, alcohol dependency might not impact aspects of the drinker's life whereas alcohol use disorder certainly will.

So, how can you tell if you are dependent on alcohol?

Well, this is actually rather simple because there is an internationally recognised test called the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT).

In summary, if you drink more than four times a week, have 3-4 drinks on a typical drinking day and have six or more drinks in one session on a monthly basis you meet the criteria for referral to a specialist addiction service for diagnostic evaluation for alcohol dependence. While this doesn't mean you are an alcoholic it might help you find out.

Personally I like to think of problem drinking as when you have to answer yes to all of the following questions, though this is completely unscientific:

• Do you ever feel guilty or stretch the truth when asked about your alcohol consumption?
• Is it rare that you just have one drink and stop?
• Do you drink every day?
• Do you clock watch for the time you feel it is acceptable to start drinking?
• Do you drink alone?

Now, the good news.

Alcohol administered in the right quantity at the right moment is the perfect relaxant, mood enhancer and social lubricant.

So, follow these simple rules and you will be fine:

1. Enjoy what you are drinking for the taste, not the effect. Where does it come from? How was it made? Who made it? Is it organic? Does it give you a headache (i.e. is it clean)? Is it sulphite free? Did you make it yourself? Get involved and enjoy the delicious provenance of your poison.
2. Share your alcohol and your knowledge of its provenance with someone.
3. Get into your ingredients. Make cocktails with fresh organic fruit and use freshly squeezed organic fruit not concentrates or pasteurised juices.
4. Enjoy matching your drink with food and enjoy drinking with food.
5. Drink when you are in a neutral or good mood.
6. Master your quantities and administration frequency so you can enjoy the perfect altered state for the optimum length of time and remember that sometimes just one drink is exactly what is required.

Alcohol is a wonderful thing, but just like fire, it should be treated with respect, so...

Enjoy!