For me it's a case of drinking when i go to clubs or a pub because I enjoy myself more and as a result people around me enjoy themselves more....it makes approaching easier though thats for sure.
I wouldn't use it as a crutch though because while it does help with AA, you dont only want to be in a position where you think your success only happens with a drink in your hand.

This is a great point and sub-consciously it will effect day game etc, and i think chops said earlier bring on anxiety "fuck i'm not drunk or in a club what now?"

If you learn sober then with a drink inside you, you can pull anything

I agree that there there is a substance abuse/binge issue with alcohol in the Uk but this UK report report says only 11.5% of the population are alcoholic/dependent.

Chops were you drinking and posting lol

no I received that information from a qualified drug councillor. the 11.5% is a figure based on peeps being treated and other such things. people bullshit aswel e.g I've got a ten inch cock.

the government deem you not to be an alcoholic if you can go two days without drinking. to me this is stupid cos imo if you can't go a week without drinking your in trouble.

I'm off the drink full stop

Just spending a 24hrs being aware of people's alcohol consumption habits in town or shopping I can see why this would be a likely statistic.

But how does your friend's source define an alcoholic? Is it a behavioral or physical? both?

I'm not arguing the stat, but it does depend on how you define and alcoholic, because millions of people binge and abuse alcohol, every Friday and Saturday (and many other nights) but that doesn't mean to say they're an alcoholic or can't stop.

I used to smoke 40 cigarettes a day and was 100% addicted but I could still go two days without crying in the corner.

I define an alcoholic as someone who gets alcohol cravings. Most people define an alcoholic as somebody else.

another point you don't see a lot of these people cos they are on incapacity benefit and only leave the house to buy booze.

Completely depends on the person, environment and what your goals are IMHO.

If you want the 'perfect textbook game' then alcohol would probably be a no-no, because you trying to follow very specific techniques that you've been taught.

Thats what I mean, watch people's habits in town or shopping, I mean really watch when you see some poor old biddy leaving the shop with 3 bottles of £2.50 wine or some washed out blokey shaking with his 4-pack of special brew, all paying for it with a sock full of change...