Alcoholics can drink socially.

There are a few scientific studies that suggest this. But most of these studies look at “problem drinkers”, and do not satisfactorily differentiate between “intentional alcohol abusers” and “pathological alcohol dependence”. “Abusers” can drink socially (that is, under control), whereas truly dependent individuals cannot. The obvious question to ask is “What is the logical reason why someone whose life has been devastated by alcohol wish to drink socially?”