BlackoutDelta

I just graduated college, I thought that my drinking would stop as I left that atmosphere. But now I struggle because I still want to go to parties and stuff in Chicago, do I need to cut myself off from that scene as a whole? How do I navigate still having fun with friends...it seems everyone at my age drinks.

I can go days and weeks without drinking, but most of the times I drink I blackout...but not always. Does this make me an alcoholic?

sugarbear1

normal drinkers don't drink to a blackout

only you can determine if you are an alcoholic or not

why do you drink and when you do so, why drink so much?

PurpleKnight

Welcome to the Forum!!

The only question you need to answer, is alcohol affecting your life in a negative way, if so then you may need to make some changes to your drinking!!

Anna

It's up to you to decide if you are alcoholic or not, but blacking out is extremely dangerous. And, not everyone your age (or any age) drinks. It just seems that way to those of us who drink. Recovery usually involves making lifestyle changes.

MrBen

The truth is none of us know. There's no set requirements. If the only alcoholics were in rags on the street, well, none of us would be here because how on earth do we have access to a computer? =)

Just ask yourself whether your life if made worse by alcohol, if the answer if yes, then maybe you should consider a lifestyle change. That's all there is to it.

As for the friends thing, I meet my friends at bars and just don't drink. Others only meet at non drinking establishments. There are easy ways around it and a friend who doesn't want to be around you unless your drinking isn't really a friend just a "drinking buddy". Trust me, those people aren't worth your time. I learned that the hard way.

coastalgirl

Man, do I feel ya. I too just graduated and haven't strayed from the 'levels' I drank in school, really. While I am still new at this too, I would say I agree with purpleknight in that if alcohol is negatively affecting you, relationships, your work, etc. then it's not something to ignore in my opinion. I don't drink to black out intentionally (though it has happened a few times) but I don't think that's the only sign/indicator of a problem.

least

It's possible to have fun sober but it does take some lifestyle changes.

I hope the support here can help you get sober for good.