I was a high functioning alcoholic, drinking a six pack of beer per weeknight (programming by day for a successful company). On weekends, I would keep an eye on the clock and wouldn’t start drinking until noon.

Looking back, I realize that I could hardly function without it. I was hiding scotch in the closet and taking occasional swigs in secret just to “get by”.

One day, I went to a new doctor for one thing and ended up leaving with a prescription for an antidepressant because of a questionnaire he asked me to fill out. The effects of the antidepressant were not subtle at all. Suddenly, I had no more need for alcohol. Cheap wine tasted bad. I could still have a drink, but I didn’t need it to function.

That was ten years ago and I’m still on antidepressants. I still drink, and sometimes to excess, but I don’t need it to function. There’s a huge difference.

I would strongly recommend a visit to a doctor or psychiatrist if you feel like you’re addicted. You may be trying to self-medicate your clinical depression.