bishop3971

Is control the biggest issue in alcoholism? I'm asking because I do/did drink quite a bit and I've since dramatically cut back. I really only go out on the weekends and I don't drink at home. Since I'm within walking distance of the bars at The Greene, I do tend to drink a little more on the weekends. I stop when I want to stop and walk home. I haven't gotten into any fights or anything like that.

I like to drink but I think I should still drink less.

bbthumper

I always look at 2 things. Choice and control.
Can you quit entirely if you honestly want to? (Choice)
Can you always control hw much you drink?

According to the big book of AA, if you answer no to one or both, you are probably alcoholic.

bishop3971

Could I quit entirely? I'm not really sure because I've never tried. I might give that a go for a few weeks and see. Again it is easy to drink here because I can walk home and driving isn't an issue.

I never drink anymore than I intended (at least now) and I very, very rarely drink more than 2-3 beers during the week.

doggonecarl

If you have to control it, it's already out of control.

CarolD

I do hope you will consider ...
.what is alcohol doing to impact and/or improve anything?


Are you working towards a specific goal?
Has your ability to learn new things slipped away?
Are you being a person who is generally positive?
Do you often feel the world is against you?
Do all your friends consist of bar flies?

Drinking and driving is not part of my history either
Legal problems never happened ....I did not neglect
small childrten or ruin a marriage.
My health did not suffer lasting damage.

Still...I know my drinking was not in my best interest
I went from social drinking..into heavy ..then active alcoholism.
I never knew what day or which drink slid me downwards..

Welcome to our recovery community...

Vall

Dear Bishop3971,

You don't sound to me as someone with a big problem.

I came here to SR because I felt that I had been drinking more than I should/usually do due to my father's terminal illness and the fact that I couldn't bare to see him, my protector, my lovely Dad in so much pain. My fab brother is a recovering alcoholic, and has many serious ailments too which makes me very sad. He is the only one in our rather big family who has "gone overboard"

When I started reading here before I dared to join :> I thought I perhaps had a slight problem. After being here for a week or so I started to think that I may have more than a slight problem...as I can identify with so many of the comments. The thing is though, I don't drink a lot persay but I know I am using it as a sort of crutch which is not ideal.

I am rather good at control. My Psyche usually tells me when to stop. I am never drunk, don't know what that is as I know (my psyche knows) when to stop and I trust it.

But I am afraid that one day I will not listen to MP.

I could never tell someone what to do. One of my closest friends has suffered for many years living with her alcoholic husband - I am there for her every step of the way but I would never tell her to leave him (although that's what I think she should do) as it has to be her decision. I bite my tongue constantly.

It has to be our decision.

Not sure if that helps ;> sorry