Functional Alcoholic Seeks a Change
Member
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: New England
Posts: 1,926
Originally Posted by Dee74 
Welcome GreenPepper 
I think most of us felt we were high functioning...but honestly, compared to how I function now sober, I wasn't really functioning at all. I hope you'll give things a lot of thought during your sober time - why not go a month or so and see how that goes? D
I think most of us felt we were high functioning...but honestly, compared to how I function now sober, I wasn't really functioning at all. I hope you'll give things a lot of thought during your sober time - why not go a month or so and see how that goes? DSent from my iPhone using SoberRecovery
Member
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: Australia
Posts: 340
Originally Posted by GreenPepper
Hi All,
I'm 27 years old and an IT professional. I am in the process of selling my first business to a larger firm, and have a promising future as a partner in the new firm. I have managed to do all this while still heavily drinking.
I started drinking when I was 18 or so. By 19 and 20 I was drinking almost every day. At that age, it doesn't really affect you the same as it does now. Fast forward another 7 years and here I am. My problem is that I am noticing stuff start to slip. I find my hangovers are paired with anxiety and sweating etc., so I sometimes reschedule meetings and stuff doesn't get done. None of this has really bit me in the ass yet.
I ran some numbers today. I am spending about $39,000 a year on bars, restaurants, and alcohol purchases which is completely insane. I also calculated that I am losing about 6 months per year being hungover or drinking. Also insane. I need to make a change.
I've been through therapy, and I know where this comes from. I drink out of boredom and wanting to be social. I am a regular at at least 6 bars where I know all the staff and they make me feel good. I the problem here is 2 fold. Almost every one of my friendships is a bar staff, and secondly, once I have 2 or 3, it's difficult to cut myself off. I like to go to the next bar and the next bar until I've had my fill of social time.
I don't want to quit completely, but I have committed to staying sober for the next 4 nights (until Friday) in order to clear my mind and make a plan. I am off to a good start tonight as I have planned various non-bar activities until bed time. I am going to make sure I have a plan for every night this week and this weekend.
If I can live by the ground rule that "I never drink alone"...that includes going to a bar by myself, then I think I just might have a chance. I also know that I need to join some clubs and make some friends that either don't drink, or just do it once in a while.
Thanks for hearing my story,
GreenPepper
I'm 27 years old and an IT professional. I am in the process of selling my first business to a larger firm, and have a promising future as a partner in the new firm. I have managed to do all this while still heavily drinking.
I started drinking when I was 18 or so. By 19 and 20 I was drinking almost every day. At that age, it doesn't really affect you the same as it does now. Fast forward another 7 years and here I am. My problem is that I am noticing stuff start to slip. I find my hangovers are paired with anxiety and sweating etc., so I sometimes reschedule meetings and stuff doesn't get done. None of this has really bit me in the ass yet.
I ran some numbers today. I am spending about $39,000 a year on bars, restaurants, and alcohol purchases which is completely insane. I also calculated that I am losing about 6 months per year being hungover or drinking. Also insane. I need to make a change.
I've been through therapy, and I know where this comes from. I drink out of boredom and wanting to be social. I am a regular at at least 6 bars where I know all the staff and they make me feel good. I the problem here is 2 fold. Almost every one of my friendships is a bar staff, and secondly, once I have 2 or 3, it's difficult to cut myself off. I like to go to the next bar and the next bar until I've had my fill of social time.
I don't want to quit completely, but I have committed to staying sober for the next 4 nights (until Friday) in order to clear my mind and make a plan. I am off to a good start tonight as I have planned various non-bar activities until bed time. I am going to make sure I have a plan for every night this week and this weekend.
If I can live by the ground rule that "I never drink alone"...that includes going to a bar by myself, then I think I just might have a chance. I also know that I need to join some clubs and make some friends that either don't drink, or just do it once in a while.
Thanks for hearing my story,
GreenPepper
Hope to see you around.
Member
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: New England
Posts: 1,926
Originally Posted by Tonymblue
Welcome to the forum. Glad youre addressing your problem. It gets worse as you get older. I was never able to moderate. One drink was flicking a switch to on. It was all or nothing. Abstinence is my only solution.
Sorry to be so blunt but I have lost male and female friends in their 20's, 30's and 40's to this F-ing disease and it has almost killed me several times. It's nothing to mess around with.
I wish you the best of luck. There's a reason you came to this site. Normal drinkers don't try to moderate their drinking. Normal drinkers don't even think about it. Try the 30 days. Do lots of thinking. I just don't want you or anyone to suffer as I have.
Prayers....
Sent from my iPhone using SoberRecovery
Member
Join Date: May 2014
Location: Mare Crisium
Posts: 1,930
Hey GreenPepper!
Excellent post!
You are a very successful young person.
I wish I could be 27 again and have the sense
that you have to realize the problem. Time has
a funny trait of going by faster as you age.
I fully understand the $$$$$$ wasted, the time
wasted, the brainpower wasted, all from alcohol.
Congratulations on addressing your issue!
I can't tell you what to do, but moderation
never worked for me. Hang in there!
Excellent post!
You are a very successful young person.
I wish I could be 27 again and have the sense
that you have to realize the problem. Time has
a funny trait of going by faster as you age.
I fully understand the $$$$$$ wasted, the time
wasted, the brainpower wasted, all from alcohol.
Congratulations on addressing your issue!
I can't tell you what to do, but moderation
never worked for me. Hang in there!
Member
Join Date: Jun 2014
Posts: 1,909
Functional is not the type of alcoholism but merely a stage. Please bear in mind that alcoholism is progressive and very sneaky.
I have tried to moderate for many years. At times it was successful, and I was able to take months-long breaks, and even drink socially, but overall the process was exhausting. Ultimately I ended up binging.
I wish you well, please be mindful!
I have tried to moderate for many years. At times it was successful, and I was able to take months-long breaks, and even drink socially, but overall the process was exhausting. Ultimately I ended up binging.
I wish you well, please be mindful!
Member
Join Date: Jul 2014
Posts: 2,978
Originally Posted by melki
Functional is not the type of alcoholism but merely a stage. Please bear in mind that alcoholism is progressive and very sneaky.
I have tried to moderate for many years. At times it was successful, and I was able to take months-long breaks, and even drink socially, but overall the process was exhausting. Ultimately I ended up binging.
I wish you well, please be mindful!
I have tried to moderate for many years. At times it was successful, and I was able to take months-long breaks, and even drink socially, but overall the process was exhausting. Ultimately I ended up binging.
I wish you well, please be mindful!
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