The truth is only he can determine wether or not he is alcoholic. If he doesn't think he is there is little chance that someone could convince him otherwise. You on the other may want to try some Alanon meetings. Alanon is a support group for significant others of alcoholics.It works like this. You have no control over anothers actions. Alanon helps you come to terms with living with an alcoholic.Your powerlessness over the situation is a prime example of why they call Alcoholism a family disease.Everyone in the alcoholics life is affected by his actions. wife ,children ,mother ,grandmother everyone. I would suggest that you first have a talk with him or have a family intervention. Let him know your concerns he may just decide to to stop since he knows how you feel. Don't jump to conclusions that he is alcoholic he could be having other problems and alcohol provides some relief. Tread lightly . I'll pray for a good result .You may want to try some counseling seeking professional guidance can be useful.

It's true that many Americans drink who are not alcoholic. There are several ways for normal folks to relax such as exercise, long walks and yes, even a drink or two.

You don't mention how much he drinks or what happens when he does. Any blackouts, abusive behavior, new dents on the car when he's gone out to "have a few"?.

If not, he may not be an alcoholic. Any alcoholics in your family that you grew up around? If so, that could be why you are scrutinizing him so closely. I hope you find the answers you seek.

Not only Americans - but many people all over the world drink and are not alcoholics. It really has nothing to do with which country he is from.

From your post I gather he gets drunk when he drinks. And he does this about 4 times a week. Getting drunk 4 times a week is a pretty good sign. I assume the drinking and getting drunk is getting in the way of your marriage - another sign - drinking so much that it interferes with his life.

But Greg is right - only he can know if he is an alcoholic and only he can get himself sober. My suggestion would be that you go to Al-Anon meetings and take care of any issues that may be related to your being a care-taker and/or an enabler. Caring is one thing but trying to fix someone never works. Good luck to you with this.

Les, it's very true that many folks drink but are not alcoholics, and it's possible that your hubby believes alcohol can help ease his stress. It sounds, from what you say, that he has some issues that are bothering him alot, and if he is a personality that would accept it, perhaps a therapist could help him gain some insight into what's bothering him.

You could also talk with his doctor about this. I gather the drinking several nights a week is a new issue. You are obviously concerned, and talking with the physician might be a good move.

Your hubby is very fortunate to have a loving, concerned spouse, and I hope you can both get to the bottom of this soon. Good luck.

i agree with what the others have said. I'd just add that every alcoholic, like people in general, are different. I never had blackouts, didnt ever dent my car or get a DUI, I wasnt abusive in any way when I drank. BUT every time I drank I got drunk with very few exceptions.
My job was/ is stressful but that's not why I drank. I drank on good days, bad days, on days I was happy, or sad. Pretty much any mood, 5 or 6 p.m. rolled around and I drank.
And American's arent the only ones who drink moderately or in excess. I've lived in several different countries and alcohol is an equal opportunity destroyer globally.
Good luck!