Lusher

I wanted to share one of the more common anxieties that I use to have when I drank. This was pretty much all of the time if the circumstances were there, and I was just curious how common this is.

For example:

When I would attend a small dinner party, or some other small get together, I’d often (always) get a bit anxious that there won't be enough alcohol. Even if I had already tuned-up before I arrived.

If it was a group of 2-3 couples for example, and I learned that the host only purchased a 12-pack of beer for the evening, that would actually disturb me the entire night, even if I already had a decent amount of alcohol already in me. Just the fact that there’s only a modest limit of beer left would run through my mind the entire time, and sort of put a damper on evening. I’d actually get the desire to leave and go home where my booze was plentiful. (Just another booze annoyance that I don't miss.)

Is this a common trait?

Wastinglife

I would always monitor the booze situation when I went to other peoples' houses. If it wasn't much of a drinking occasion, I would be counting down the minutes until I could get home to really get my drink on.

b086

yes, definitely. it certainly helps to hear that other people share(d) some of the same crazinesses that dogged us. but is there any other reason why you ask?

sugarbear1

I used to buy some, put it in the bottom drawer of the host's fridge, then drink theirs first, knowing I had "mine" later.....

yep.

bookmaven

If I thought there wasn't going to be enough alcohol I wouldn't even start drinking.

AllNew

I would bring some in my purse and "top up" in the restroom...

Alynn

I also brought it in my purse to drink in restroom. Sad...

Stang

I'd just leave and go get drunk.

DoubleFelix

I've done all these. Seems pretty common among us!

sectownkid

I would raid the hosts fridge when no one was looking and hide three to four beers in my backpack, and then keep drinking their stash.

Also annoying no matter where I went; the library, family dinner, hiking or rock climbing I needed beer or severe anxiety or depression would set it.

I am certain that many restaurant or library janitors were shocked to find dozens of tall cans in trash cans or shoved above light fixtures, where ever I could stash them..

I also drank anywhere from 10 to 15 beers at work daily and am amazed that no one noticed.. But they would ask me if I was alright when I was out of money and booze like something wasn't right lol..

Backwards way to live straight up

margherita

Yes, that is why I made sure to go to parties already drunk and I would allllllways bring my own bottle with me (as a gift to the host but really it was my bottle and it was for me only)

XIIIXXIXXVI

I used to have this same issue! So to be on the safe side, I'd usually bring a small bottle in my purse to sneak and drink from in the bathroom... >.< I cringe at the thought because more often than not, this made for horrifically embarrassing morning-after memories (or lack thereof.)

B

Lusher

Thanks for the replies. I see that is a fairly common trait.
This forum is really the only resource that I've participated in since I've quit drinking. I knew there were common denominators with alcoholics, but I really did not realize just how common or how many.

As I read through this site, I see people with MANY of the same exact routines and traits that I had too, and I was curious about this one as well. I see I was not alone with these feelings of anxiety either, and over such a small thing too. I think that just speaks to the power of alcohol if you're (were) a problem drinker, like me. Scary stuff!

Thanks again for the replies.

EndGameNYC

I might not even have gone. Sad.

When I got sober, there were times when I'd still be irritated that the host/hostess/destination (in my estimation) didn't stock enough booze for the people who were drinking.

TylerDurden99

Yeah, if I was drinking on a certain night and if there wasn't at least 12 beer that I had available to me, then I would be all out of sorts. I wouldn't start drinking until I had at least 12 beer - preferably more - available.

BBQBOY

Yes, we do have this in common. Could not believe the host/hostess didn't have enough alcohol available. Also I still notice when people leave a half glass of booze on the table and leave...What's up with that. Stinkin' Thinkin'

bookmaven

I have not experienced that since I've been sober. I just feel sorry for the alcoholics who are still suffering but never upset with the host.

JanieJ

Always took my own booze, so that I had a plentiful supply. So glad those days are gone, so grateful.

lunar

I would make a lame excuse, not to go,
so I could stay home and drink alone.

Persys

I can totally relate, used to happen to me all the time. When you were leaving a party did you ever get strange looks because you were taking with you the booze you brought "for the host"? I never realized how strange it was to leave a nice dinner party with half of my twelve pack or a half-bottle of wine that I carried in with me. I guess normal people just leave that behind? I needed it for the rest of the night... So glad I never have to do that again.