How do you know if you are a true alcoholic?
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2013
Posts: 93
How do you know if you are a true alcoholic?
Hi all,
Day 7 and going strong! My cravings have subsided and the cloudiness that I felt the last few days has disappeared. I'm starting to feel like myself again
My question for you all is how do you know if you are a true alcoholic? How can you tell if you are able to still drink in moderation? I am 26 years old and one day would love to go wine tasting with my wife (years from now when our kids are out of the house). How do I know if I will trigger my addiction again, or if perhaps I can drink in moderation? Is there such a thing as moderation? I know some people are able to do it and others are not.
Thoughts? Opinions?
Day 7 and going strong! My cravings have subsided and the cloudiness that I felt the last few days has disappeared. I'm starting to feel like myself again
My question for you all is how do you know if you are a true alcoholic? How can you tell if you are able to still drink in moderation? I am 26 years old and one day would love to go wine tasting with my wife (years from now when our kids are out of the house). How do I know if I will trigger my addiction again, or if perhaps I can drink in moderation? Is there such a thing as moderation? I know some people are able to do it and others are not.
Thoughts? Opinions?
A simple guy making his way
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Maine
Posts: 7,867
A true alcoholic? How does one know if they are a true anything? They simply believe.
I am an artist.
I am a writer.
I am an alcoholic.
I can write or draw something and people will tell me how good I am at it.
I became a very good alcoholic. I may be able to one day go wine tasting. But the nature of a true alcoholic is that, slowly perhaps, over time I will increase that to be beer and wine. Then beer wine and shots.
Addiction is progressive. Like the pot we start with as a teen to the heroin one can crave moment to moment.
A true alocholic to me is one that can self identify with the effects drinking has on their life. And most importantly tries to change that.
I am an artist.
I am a writer.
I am an alcoholic.
I can write or draw something and people will tell me how good I am at it.
I became a very good alcoholic. I may be able to one day go wine tasting. But the nature of a true alcoholic is that, slowly perhaps, over time I will increase that to be beer and wine. Then beer wine and shots.
Addiction is progressive. Like the pot we start with as a teen to the heroin one can crave moment to moment.
A true alocholic to me is one that can self identify with the effects drinking has on their life. And most importantly tries to change that.
Member
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Oklahoma
Posts: 72
I'm sure it depends on each individual but if you struggle with alcohol then I would guess yes more then likely it would trigger your addiction. I know for me moderation has never been an option if I have one I will have several more! Congrats on day 7!
Member
Join Date: Aug 2012
Posts: 3,777
I tried moderation for years. I ended up back in the same position of being drunk all the time. It is not the best of ideas in my opinion.
In the beginning, we tell ourselves all kinds of things. We entertain the idea that drinking will be controlled in the future. It should not have to be controlled. Normal people can take alcohol or leave it. Alcoholics are a different breed all together. Just keep pushing forward and stay sober. You can do this.
In the beginning, we tell ourselves all kinds of things. We entertain the idea that drinking will be controlled in the future. It should not have to be controlled. Normal people can take alcohol or leave it. Alcoholics are a different breed all together. Just keep pushing forward and stay sober. You can do this.
Member
Join Date: May 2013
Location: Northern California
Posts: 563
Originally Posted by Mizzuno 
We entertain the idea that drinking will be controlled in the future. It should not have to be controlled. Normal people can take alcohol or leave it. Alcoholics are a different breed all together.
If I was a normal person I would not have to tell myself "now this time you're only going to have two glasses of wine" or something similar when I'm going out. The fact that I have this dialogue with myself means that I cannot drink like a normal person.
Behold the power of NO
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: WA
Posts: 7,764
I really like strawberries. If I was told I could never eat strawberries again I would be like "oh bummer" then move on with my day. I would not waste hours day dreaming about the day I can eat strawberries safely again. I never locked myself in my room with a bucket of strawberries and binged on them until I passed out. I never made myself vomit so I could eat more strawberries and not gain weight. I love strawberries but they do not control my mind and have very little bearing over my life.
For me an alcoholic is someone who has a dysfunctional relationship with alcohol and let it have power over themselves. It's not what we drink, how much we drink or how often we drink, it's about how it affects us.
For me an alcoholic is someone who has a dysfunctional relationship with alcohol and let it have power over themselves. It's not what we drink, how much we drink or how often we drink, it's about how it affects us.
Mini Novel Post Writer
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: Maine
Posts: 3,649
Hi pleasehelpmeout,
First, congratulations on the 7 days! It's an awesome feeling isn't it?
You need to hang on to that feeling but also be aware that it also can be your AV hidden in disguise. If you haven't seen that term yet that's your Addict Voice or I think of it as my Alcoholic Voice. It tells me "Hey, you have this thing licked, see how easy it was to get through that many days, maybe there's not a problem! Maybe you're not really an alcoholic and you can moderate!"
What I do when I'm hearing that is I go back and find the first post that brought me to this board. It offers me some great insight into what led me here and helps to put me back on point.
Here's a link to your first post:
http://www.soberrecovery.com/forums/...some-help.html
Only you know the answer to whether your a true alcoholic. Typically true alcoholism is when no matter the disturbances alcohol causes you'll continue to finding excuses and ways to do it. Most helpful in pointing you in that direction is also your AV. Just be careful of it.
Who knows, maybe years from now you can attend a wine tasting and be fine. You won't know the answer until the time comes. There's lots of posts on this board from those who figured that they were far enough out to take another stab at it (or let IT take another stab at them) and it didn't go well.
What does your heart tell you? Reread the post. Then, just take it one day at a time because that's all that you need to do right now, let the future bring what it may. Focus on the now.
Keep going strong!
First, congratulations on the 7 days! It's an awesome feeling isn't it?
Originally Posted by pleasehelpmeout
Hi all,
Day 7 and going strong! My cravings have subsided and the cloudiness that I felt the last few days has disappeared. I'm starting to feel like myself again
Day 7 and going strong! My cravings have subsided and the cloudiness that I felt the last few days has disappeared. I'm starting to feel like myself again
What I do when I'm hearing that is I go back and find the first post that brought me to this board. It offers me some great insight into what led me here and helps to put me back on point.
Here's a link to your first post:
http://www.soberrecovery.com/forums/...some-help.html
Only you know the answer to whether your a true alcoholic. Typically true alcoholism is when no matter the disturbances alcohol causes you'll continue to finding excuses and ways to do it. Most helpful in pointing you in that direction is also your AV. Just be careful of it.
Who knows, maybe years from now you can attend a wine tasting and be fine. You won't know the answer until the time comes. There's lots of posts on this board from those who figured that they were far enough out to take another stab at it (or let IT take another stab at them) and it didn't go well.
What does your heart tell you? Reread the post. Then, just take it one day at a time because that's all that you need to do right now, let the future bring what it may. Focus on the now.
Keep going strong!
Laozi Old Man
Join Date: May 2008
Location: Detroit, MI
Posts: 6,665
Originally Posted by pleasehelpmeout
My question for you all is how do you know if you are a true alcoholic?
You sometimes think about robbing a liquor store... for the liquor
You get so drunk you have to crawl up the stairs... feet first
You pour beer in the orange juice and the vodka on the cereal... simply because you got the bottles mixed up
You watch TV with the sound turned all the way down... and the power turned all the way off
Guest
Join Date: Dec 2012
Posts: 7,097
have you ever tried to moderate your drinking? If so,did it work? I guess not,if you're here.
I tried to moderate so many manytimes before finding SR and eventually quitting.If you've not been able to do it before it's unlikely you'll be able to do it in the future. For me, moderation requires so much effort,counting days, counting drinks,counting hours till the next drink, counting days till thenext drink,ensuring I didn't drink too quickly, measuring drinks etc etc etc. So much effort.
Not drinking brings a freedom that moderation doesn't.
I also don't get bothered about terms-alcoholic,addict,problem drinker, excessive social drinker etc-what does it matter. If alcohol is problematic enough for you to be concerned then eliminating alcohol will eliminate the problem,( I know people in AA don't believe that but it's a good start)
I tried to moderate so many manytimes before finding SR and eventually quitting.If you've not been able to do it before it's unlikely you'll be able to do it in the future. For me, moderation requires so much effort,counting days, counting drinks,counting hours till the next drink, counting days till thenext drink,ensuring I didn't drink too quickly, measuring drinks etc etc etc. So much effort.
Not drinking brings a freedom that moderation doesn't.
I also don't get bothered about terms-alcoholic,addict,problem drinker, excessive social drinker etc-what does it matter. If alcohol is problematic enough for you to be concerned then eliminating alcohol will eliminate the problem,( I know people in AA don't believe that but it's a good start)
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2013
Posts: 93
Originally Posted by Boleo
You know you are a "True Alcoholic" if...
You sometimes think about robbing a liquor store... for the liquor
You get so drunk you have to crawl up the stairs... feet first
You pour beer in the orange juice and the vodka on the cereal... simply because you got the bottles mixed up
You watch TV with the sound turned all the way down... and the power turned all the way off
You sometimes think about robbing a liquor store... for the liquor
You get so drunk you have to crawl up the stairs... feet first
You pour beer in the orange juice and the vodka on the cereal... simply because you got the bottles mixed up
You watch TV with the sound turned all the way down... and the power turned all the way off
Member
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: NE Wisconsin USA
Posts: 6,223
I would rephrase the question: How do I know if I have the disease of alcoholism?
In that I would meet with a doctor, nurse, AODA specialist.
And, on a reputable medical website(s) there are many self-tests.
Of course with SR members' posts you will have your question answered in-depth.
Best to you.
In that I would meet with a doctor, nurse, AODA specialist.
And, on a reputable medical website(s) there are many self-tests.
Of course with SR members' posts you will have your question answered in-depth.
Best to you.
Member
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Midwest
Posts: 33
For years I wondered the same thing...am I really an alcoholic? From time to time I would Google alcohlism and take all the tests out there (and usually lie) as well as lie filling out forms at the doctors office asking how many drinks per week. I already knew the answer to my question just was not ready to accept it yet. The analogy Carlotta gave is excellent and really makes it crystal clear!
P.S. I forgot to add the most important thing...WAY TO GO ON BEING SOBER 7 DAYS!
P.S. I forgot to add the most important thing...WAY TO GO ON BEING SOBER 7 DAYS!
Guest
Join Date: Dec 2012
Posts: 7,097
Originally Posted by wiscsober
I would rephrase the question: How do I know if I have the disease of alcoholism?
In that I would meet with a doctor, nurse, AODA specialist.
And, on a reputable medical website(s) there are many self-tests.
Of course with SR members' posts you will have your question answered in-depth.
Best to you.
In that I would meet with a doctor, nurse, AODA specialist.
And, on a reputable medical website(s) there are many self-tests.
Of course with SR members' posts you will have your question answered in-depth.
Best to you.
) op- the newcomers forum is a great place for people to share their experiences with others
Guest
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Canada
Posts: 4,580
So much great wisdom...little to add. Since I have fully absorbed for me..that alcohol is a "poison" ..and is so by its very definition. I have little interest in small hits of poison for any reason. So for the most part, social drinking has lost its luster in my "current" state of mind. That being said, I drank mostly for effect anyway so have one or two is just a "tease" anyway. Why bother? The only reason I would want to drink is to "appear" normal...not look like an idiot at a wine tasting. So I likely won't be attending any. I don't want to make a giant "thing" out of my drinking problem..so I know that's comes into play somehow. Even when I told a lifelong friend the other day that I wasn't drinking anymore, he was cool with it. He just didn't want me making a "thing" out of it..he didn't want me to become "all about the not drinking"...like it was my identity. Like I was gonna wear the t-shirt all the time : ) That's not who I am anyway. I told him I was simply trying to repair my mind since I have ingested troughs and troughs of poison over the years.. just trying to get my head back : )
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Join Date: Jul 2013
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Posts: 132
Originally Posted by Carlotta
I really like strawberries. If I was told I could never eat strawberries again I would be like "oh bummer" then move on with my day. I would not waste hours day dreaming about the day I can eat strawberries safely again.
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I think whether you're a "real alcoholic" or not is irrelevant, a distraction. And I also don't think you're a de facto alcoholic just for asking the question. That's not for me to decide (or anyone else, but that's just my opinion).
The real question is whether you want to try moderation or abstinence. Let's just ask what you have to lose. If moderation is appropriate for you and you try it and are successful, great. I'm reasonably certain for many former problem drinkers they can learn to moderate their drinking successfully and become non problem-drinkers later. That's great.
But let's say moderation isn't appropriate for you, you try it, and well, you die. That would be bad....
Conversely, let's say moderation is appropriate for you (despite your rocky history with booze), and you pursue abstinence instead. What's lost? Not much at all - abstinence is easier than moderation anyways, it costs less money, it's probably healthier, it's safer. So, when you come right down to it, if you've had serious trouble with booze or drugs, trying moderation really doesn't seem to be the best choice from a rational cost-benefit perspective. Abstinence is the best choice, IMHO - and although I'm new at this, I've heard from scores of people that when they do abstinence long enough (despite initially having mixed feelings about it) the majority find it's really the best, most rewarding way to live life.
Anyways, I totally support you doing moderation if you feel you can do it (Google "Moderation Management" if you're interested), but it's not for me.
The real question is whether you want to try moderation or abstinence. Let's just ask what you have to lose. If moderation is appropriate for you and you try it and are successful, great. I'm reasonably certain for many former problem drinkers they can learn to moderate their drinking successfully and become non problem-drinkers later. That's great.
But let's say moderation isn't appropriate for you, you try it, and well, you die. That would be bad....
Conversely, let's say moderation is appropriate for you (despite your rocky history with booze), and you pursue abstinence instead. What's lost? Not much at all - abstinence is easier than moderation anyways, it costs less money, it's probably healthier, it's safer. So, when you come right down to it, if you've had serious trouble with booze or drugs, trying moderation really doesn't seem to be the best choice from a rational cost-benefit perspective. Abstinence is the best choice, IMHO - and although I'm new at this, I've heard from scores of people that when they do abstinence long enough (despite initially having mixed feelings about it) the majority find it's really the best, most rewarding way to live life.
Anyways, I totally support you doing moderation if you feel you can do it (Google "Moderation Management" if you're interested), but it's not for me.
A Smart Bug is a Sober Bug!
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Hot and Muggy South Florida
Posts: 1,396
I knew when I was hunting around the backyard, in my nightgown, in the middle of the night, during a really bad cold front, for the beer my husband hid from me.
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