Robert Rosario
From North Park (Attendant)
Someone who can’t get their habit under control. If you can’t handle it, you probably shouldn’t do it. I think people just have impulse reactions. If enough of something bad is bad for you, then enough of something good is bad for you, too. Too much of anything is bad for you.
Ben Pinaire
From North Park (Fund Raiser)
If it’s always on your mind. A lot of people drink every night, but they’re not alcoholics. If you have to spend your whole day, like, I need a drink, I need a drink, I need a drink, then you’re probably an alcoholic. I come from a family of drinkers. I came from people who really stretch the definition! Some of them are 70, and you just couldn’t explain to them why their habits aren’t healthy. Their bodies are just used to it.
Austin Young
From Logan Heights (Student)
It’s an excuse. My mom, I know she’s an alcoholic. My grandma is always telling me that it’s a disease and things like that, but the way I see it is that if you have enough self-control to get up and to go to sleep every night and day, then you have enough self-control to set that beer down; set the alcohol aside.
Cody Delano
From Downtown ("Common Beggar")
My definition of alcoholism is when you hold a sign on a street, and when you make enough money you go get the next beer. You go get the beer, you drink it, then you come back out and do the same thing. That’s alcoholism. I see it every day. It’s unreal how many of those people will spend money on booze and will lie about it. They’re right back out there after they drink that 211. Their whole day is about it.