Am I an alcoholic if I binge drink once a week?

[Machta]

So generally I'm binge drinker so I avoid drinking because if I will have one glass I will finish with a few. I don't drink during a week but I tend to go out once a week and will have 4 pints or bottle of wine. I don't like fancy cocktails etc. I also like vodka with soda/lime because I feel better next day. I have been told by a few people that I have problem with drinking. When we out ...out we dance. I'm in my 40s kids older teenagers and I just happy to enjoy and have my life back. I started thinking that I'm an alcoholic ....

It’s a very personal concept. Off the cuff, you don’t sound like an alcoholic or like you have a problematic relationship with alcohol. There’s a tedtalk by Millie goocher that I always recommend. You can drink once a week and have a problematic relationship with alcohol. You can drink small amounts every day and have a problematic relationship. It’s more about

1. can you go without
2. does it cause you to act in a way you normally wouldn’t
3. does it affect relationships
4. does it affect your thoughts and feelings

I can go withouth alcohol. The problem is that I like to socialise and after all week and dance music there I like to have a drink. I use to party and rave when I was in my 20's. So now I feel like I enjoy to have this back. During the week I'm all ok and responsible. I also heard from people that I drink but I look like I wasn't drinking. I don't like to be drunk because recovery. I need another 2 days to feel better after drinking apart from that there is no other problems.

Def not! Sounds like you have a good balance!

BUT this is mumsnet where owt more than a thimble of sherry at Xmas makes you a soak

I wouldn't see a problem with 4 pints once a week as the official definitions of binge drinking, for women especially, are ridiculous. If you have more than two drinks you're classed as 'binge drinking'.

But of course MN would class you as a binge drinker if you had a sip of the sherry while you were making the trifle at Christmas.

Enjoy your dancing and your pints. You're below the recommended weekly alcohol limits anyway.

You sound similar to me OP and I question my habits.
I only drink 1-2x a week and midweek drinking is a no-no to me, I just don't fancy it but when I drink it's a bottle of prosecco or a 3/4 tequila and lemonades.
I enjoy it while cooking with music etc.
I think the balance for us isn't too bad at all but so many would say different, it's very confusing at times.

It is confusing and because I'm from Easter EU I find this redicolous most of my friends are English and most are males that don't drink and they tend to tell me off. I just have this vibe when is good rave or music on DJ a specially I like to get on with it. Good people good music I'm there...I think why not I have not long left. I did my bit with twins I work full time I just want to let my hair down and have fun.

If you could easily skip a weekend then I don’t see the problem as you clearly aren’t addicted

You’re fine op.