What describes an alcoholic according to common definitions?

The description of an alcoholic as a person who depends on alcohol to function aligns with commonly accepted definitions within the fields of psychology and medicine. Alcoholism, or alcohol use disorder, is characterized by an inability to control drinking due to a physical or emotional dependence on alcohol. This dependency affects various aspects of life, compelling the individual to use alcohol as a means of coping with everyday tasks and responsibilities.

The other options, while they may describe certain behaviors associated with excessive drinking, do not encompass the broader definition of alcoholism. For instance, needing friends to buy alcohol or frequently visiting bars might indicate problematic drinking behaviors but do not inherently signify that a person is dependent on alcohol. Similarly, drinking to feel accepted points to social pressures rather than the physiological and psychological reliance indicative of alcoholism. The central aspect of the correct answer is the notion of functional dependence, capturing the essence of what it means to be an alcoholic.