Alcoholism

[Ele'ill]

As some of you might remember I quit smoking recently and that's going just fine. So what's next on my list of things that I'll never let kill me? Alcohol. I really like to drink though. But I'm not interested in just drinking 'a beer'. I want to drink two 24oz 8.1% ABV malt liquor cans and then start on a six pack or bottle of wine. Over an hour or two or three hours- but realistically I'm drunk at the end of the night/morning. I have no problem doing this every single night for a long time until I decide it's gotten a little too lengthy in duration and I'll stop for two days or just drink 'a beer' with my sup.

I've been through the info sheets with friends- I understand all that- for now. Here we go with this addiction.




Also- it used to be worse. Bottle of bourbon- wake up in the am confused wondering why there are pants inside the oven.

[Decolonize The Left]

I quit smoking so I could help you there, but I still drink my fair share of whiskey and wine so I dunno how much help I'll be here.

I guess my first suggestion would be to get rid of all the alcohol in your house, and fill your fridge with non-alcoholic beverages like sparkling fruit juice, non-alcoholic beer, orange juice, etc...

Good luck Mari3L, just don't turn into an AA nutjob.

- August

[Ose]

Are you what might be called a functioning alcoholic? I am. I get drunk every day, but it doesn't affect my work life, where I generally excel. Apart from not eating or sleeping as much as I maybe should, I don't find that alcohol has a massive impact on my life, even though it takes up so much of my time. The downside of this is that I don't really have much motivation to quit, even though I know it's damaging my health. Most of the time, when I think about quitting, it feels like I never could, because it would be like losing a friend.

I don't have any advice to offer you, only empathy.

[Quail]

I don't really have much useful advice. I find it hard to stop at one or two drinks myself.

If drinking in the evening is a habit though, maybe you should do something to interrupt it. So instead of just not having a drink in the evening, plan to do something else. I don't know if that really makes sense. For example, I built up a habit of going to a certain cafe to eat/vomit between my uni lectures. It was kind of part of my routine. So instead of just thinking, today I'll just avoid the cafe and I'll be fine, and then still ending up doing it, I planned another activity to fill that time such as taking a walk into town and looking at clothes.

[kitsune]

If drinking in the evening is a habit though, maybe you should do something to interrupt it. So instead of just not having a drink in the evening, plan to do something else. I don't know if that really makes sense. For example, I built up a habit of going to a certain cafe to eat/vomit between my uni lectures. It was kind of part of my routine. So instead of just thinking, today I'll just avoid the cafe and I'll be fine, and then still ending up doing it, I planned another activity to fill that time such as taking a walk into town and looking at clothes.

That's right. You have to break established negative behavior patterns and replace them with new ones.

I remember reading something about alcoholism being closely linked to hypoglycemia. Preventing your blood sugar from spiking and crashing should help alleviate physical cravings for alcohol.

[MarxSchmarx]

Just focus on drinking in moderation.

For example, you should pour your 40s in a glass rather than drink out of the can/bottle. That way you know how much you have left and you actually slow down to try to extend it. Similarly, you should mix hard liquor with soda as this makes it easier to pace oneself. I know people who dilute their wine with water, I'm not a big fan of this but wine has the advantage that it's basically fortified grape juice so you're body gets sick of the sugar. I find it probably the hardest beverage to get plastered on.

The other thing is, if you must get drink everytime you drink, then reserve your drinking for when you plan on getting drunk. Coming off a buzz can be a rather lame feeling.

[Os Cangaceiros]

Just focus on drinking in moderation. For example, you should pour your 40s in a glass rather than out of the can/bottle.

Haha, I actually did this once.

I thought to myself, "WTF am I doing, I'm pouring a 40 into a glass." It just seems weird.

[Ele'ill]

I haven't had alcohol for three days and I'm having problems. My sober brain is far more threatening to myself and causes more destruction than any addiction ever could. This is why I started drugs and alcohol twenty some years ago.

[Ingraham Effingham]

I haven't had alcohol for three days and I'm having problems. My sober brain is far more threatening to myself and causes more destruction than any addiction ever could. This is why I started drugs and alcohol twenty some years ago.

Medication fights the symptoms, not the disease.

I think what motivates most alcoholics towards the drink is fear. Obviously not fear of death, but fear of life, hence the escape.

Don't fear your thoughts: master them, then change them!

If you are too weak, too lazy, that's fine. But deep down you know this is the problem, and posting here is your way of looking for help. Which is fine; others can give words of encouragement. But, only you can change your mind.

Your mind will take care of your mental dependence, as your physical body will take care of physical dependance.

[Jazzratt]

I don't think of myself as an alcoholic. For example I have not drunk today and I currently have a bottle of alcohol at my feet and a couple in the cupboard behind me. However. I've recently been asked by my friends a lot of uncomfortable questions about how often I drink and how much, which I've been laughing off but I'm a bit worried that they're implying I am a problem drinker of some kind.

I've had very harmful habits in the past. I can't really offer any concrete advice though because I've either willpowered out of them or used even more destructive habits (such as smoking) to distract myself.

[miltonwasfried...man]

Good luck Comrade, stick with it. Alcohol killed my uncle and fucked up my grandpa.

[kitsune]

I haven't had alcohol for three days and I'm having problems. My sober brain is far more threatening to myself and causes more destruction than any addiction ever could. This is why I started drugs and alcohol twenty some years ago.

Self-medicating doesn't work very well. It may give some short term relief, but it tends to cause a lot more problems than it solves. Some sort of qualified diagnosis and medication may be very helpful, though.

Benefits from meditation can be profound, though it takes some time. I've heard good things about cognitive behavioral therapy combined with mindfulness meditation.

[Arlekino]

I used drink a lot of oh yes we do got some culture of Soviet Vodka now hardly I am drinking, I should say my family members used drinkers, life is not that good. I lost my dad he was had bottle of vodka and drowned when I was little child. So I am not moralising anyone, don't go too deep on alcohol.

[praxis1966]

I haven't had alcohol for three days and I'm having problems. My sober brain is far more threatening to myself and causes more destruction than any addiction ever could. This is why I started drugs and alcohol twenty some years ago.

I hate to say it because all of that "higher power" nonsense really bugs me, but this is what 12 step programs were invented for. You're going to need guidance of some kind from somewhere... If you can't afford to do it with medical supervision, then you'll probably need a sponsor or some other person who has gone through the same things themselves.

I'm no doctor, but I'm pretty sure that depending on how heavily you drank before you quit, the withdrawals alone are enough to make you think weird shit. I had a buddy who worked in a detox center and he told me a story about this middle aged alcoholic who tried to stab him to death with an umbrella screaming, "God damned Roman soldiers!!!" DTs will make you do, say, and I'm assuming think some pretty strange shit... And that was just the tip of the iceberg as far as his stories went.


IHowever. I've recently been asked by my friends a lot of uncomfortable questions about how often I drink and how much, which I've been laughing off but I'm a bit worried that they're implying I am a problem drinker of some kind.

I've known some 12 steppers in my time, and the sort of cynical answer you'll get if you show up at an AA meeting saying things like, "Well, I don't think I'm an alcoholic, but I'd like some brochures and what not to try and figure out whether I am," is generally, "Go home, drink one drink every day for two weeks. If you can do that without drinking more than one drink each day, then you're not an alcoholic... See you soon!"

[Jazzratt]

I've known some 12 steppers in my time, and the sort of cynical answer you'll get if you show up at an AA meeting saying things like, "Well, I don't think I'm an alcoholic, but I'd like some brochures and what not to try and figure out whether I am," is generally, "Go home, drink one drink every day for two weeks. If you can do that without drinking more than one drink each day, then you're not an alcoholic... See you soon!" Thing is with that assessment is there is a huge difference between having 2+ drinks a day with serious physical symptoms if you don't and having a bunch of drinks now and again. I mean, yeah, if I had money I'd probably have at least two drinks a day - but that doesn't really make me an alchie, my old man drinks three beers a night and he doesn't seem like a real alchie. Seems to me these 12 steppers are just trying to get bums on seats at AA meetings rather than helping people who need it, just like all religious orgs.

[AnonymousOne]

Thing is with that assessment is there is a huge difference between having 2+ drinks a day with serious physical symptoms if you don't and having a bunch of drinks now and again. I mean, yeah, if I had money I'd probably have at least two drinks a day - but that doesn't really make me an alchie, my old man drinks three beers a night and he doesn't seem like a real alchie. Seems to me these 12 steppers are just trying to get bums on seats at AA meetings rather than helping people who need it, just like all religious orgs.

I think the definition of Alcoholism is when the drinking begins to be a problem in your life. I drink, heavily (3+) on the weekend. Or I'll drink a few shots of Johnnie Walker Black, as I'm working on a problem or project. But it doesn't hurt/harm my personal relationships, my professional life, etc. I don't have an addiction or a dependency, I enjoy drinking because it's a social lubricant and I'm normally a very reserved person.

If you feel like your drinking is causing you a problem, then you should start seriously considering if you're an alcoholic. Do you feel like you *have* to drink? If no, tell your friends to fuck off.

[bcbm]

heavily (3+)

man thats like a slow night for me

[praxis1966]

Thing is with that assessment is there is a huge difference between having 2+ drinks a day with serious physical symptoms if you don't and having a bunch of drinks now and again. I mean, yeah, if I had money I'd probably have at least two drinks a day - but that doesn't really make me an alchie, my old man drinks three beers a night and he doesn't seem like a real alchie. Seems to me these 12 steppers are just trying to get bums on seats at AA meetings rather than helping people who need it, just like all religious orgs.

The point is it's a test of self control. If you can have one a night and no more and do it over an extended period of time, then you're not really an addict. Where you're dad's concerned, I'd say the fact that he stops at three (which isn't really enough to get anybody drunk, especially not someone who does it every night) means he probably doesn't have a problem either. But if you have the first one and feel compelled to drink several more after that (to the point of getting out of control) then you could have a problem on your hands. Anyway, I don't know that I agree with that simplistic of a definition... I've known other problem drinkers who only drink once a week, but drink so much they black out every time they do.

[Jazzratt]

I think the definition of Alcoholism is when the drinking begins to be a problem in your life. I drink, heavily (3+) on the weekend.QUOTE] I'm going to befair tou you mate, three drinks isn't heavy - it's basically breakfast for me twice a week. I don't mean to b insulting but I've delt with alcohlism before and three or four pussy drinks of beer never counted for much,

[QUOTE=praxis1966;2190757]The point is it's a test of self control. If you can have one a night and no more and do it over an extended period of time, then you're not really an addict. Where you're dad's concerned, I'd say the fact that he stops at three (which isn't really enough to get anybody drunk, especially not someone who does it every night) means he probably doesn't have a problem either. But if you have the first one and feel compelled to drink several more after that (to the point of getting out of control) then you could have a problem on your hands. Anyway, I don't know that I agree with that simplistic of a definition... I've known other problem drinkers who only drink once a week, but drink so much they black out every time they do. From that assesmant I'm fariely sure I'm no alchie and so I can give advice to Mariel: only drink four times a week!

[AnonymousOne]

I'm going to befair tou you mate, three drinks isn't heavy - it's basically breakfast for me twice a week. I don't mean to b insulting but I've delt with alcohlism before and three or four pussy drinks of beer never counted for much,

Eh, bottles of wine. I can't drink beer, I hate the taste.

Either way, I hope you took more heart with the later part of my post. If you feel like it's interfering with other parts of your life, then consider getting help.

[Ele'ill]

Heavy drinking for me is a bottle of old crow bourbon followed by beer. A normal night is like "three beers" that are 16-24 fl ozs and between 6-13% abv.

[Dr Mindbender]

If you want motivation to stay off the liquor you should watch the panorama documentary that was on BBC tonight.

[Arilou Lalee'lay]

The only advice I can give is that it's easier to not buy something than it is to not use it. Let yourself run out and use laziness/poverty to your advantage, if that's an option. Also I only drink when I'm out of a certain plant so you might try acquiring a taste for that.

Also I second this advice:

If drinking in the evening is a habit though, maybe you should do something to interrupt it. So instead of just not having a drink in the evening, plan to do something else. I don't know if that really makes sense. For example, I built up a habit of going to a certain cafe to eat/vomit between my uni lectures. It was kind of part of my routine. So instead of just thinking, today I'll just avoid the cafe and I'll be fine, and then still ending up doing it, I planned another activity to fill that time such as taking a walk into town and looking at clothes.
Benefits from meditation can be profound, though it takes some time. I've heard good things about cognitive behavioral therapy combined with mindfulness meditation.I was clinically depressed and fixed most of my problems just by applying CBT to myself, no psychologist needed. It takes a lot of work but you have to always challenge your own irrational, negative, thoughts, and ALWAYS remember to catch yourself when you start to spiral, rather than indulging yourself in pessimism/self-hatred/what have you. It's very important to keep a journal, and look for trends before the bad times (or in your case, maybe drinking) that could be triggers. Write whatever else in the journal too, if you'd like.

Meditating has helped too, to a much smaller extent. The most effective kind I've found is Zen: sit, eyes open but relaxed, facing a blank wall. keep your back straight, and choose a sitting position (chair, cross legged, half lotus, or lotus) that is slightly uncomfortable for you after a long period of time. If the pain gets bad, switch to a more comfortable position. Count your breaths, and when you get to ten start over. Think about nothing, just count your breathes. When thoughts enter your mind, gently push them away. You can measure your progress by how well you count. Going over ten is bad. You're supposed to do this for forty minutes.

[Ose]

If you want motivation to stay off the liquor you should watch the panorama documentary that was on BBC tonight.
Yeah, I didn't watch it, but I read a related article in the paper. Stuff about heavy drinkers dying of liver failure in their 20s. It kind of scared me a bit.


Also I only drink when I'm out of a certain plant so you might try acquiring a taste for that.
The main reason why I started drinking every day was as a replacement for smoking too much weed, then I found out that alcohol is far worse. So although it may not seem like a good idea to replace one addiction with another, this might be worth trying.

One thing that I tried recently was to make a calendar and mark each day with a tick or a cross depending on whether I'd had a drink that day or not. My aim was to have no more than four ticks a week. I gave up on it after a while, but it might be useful.

[Quail]

I'm going to befair tou you mate, three drinks isn't heavy - it's basically breakfast for me twice a week. I don't mean to b insulting but I've delt with alcohlism before and three or four pussy drinks of beer never counted for much,
Sorry to be a pain, but I don't really think this is appropriate language.

Also:

If you want motivation to stay off the liquor you should watch the panorama documentary that was on BBC tonight.
I've just watched this and it kind of worries me. The thing is though, whenever something scares me about a damaging behaviour I engage in, I might stop or try to cut down for a week or so, but it doesn't usually scare me enough to actually stop. I don't know if a sharp shock is the best way of motivating yourself to quit.

An exercise that might help with motivation is listing the pros and cons of drinking now and in 5 or 10 years for comparison.