I didn't know i had a problem
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Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: Denver, CO
Posts: 2
I didn't know i had a problem
I recently had an endoscopy and was told that to prevent stomach and esophageal problemsfrom developing I need to quit drinking (along with a list of othe lifestyle changes). No big deal I thought. I have a few drinks a night, but it won't be hard to give up.
I was horribly mistaken. I have never hit rock bottom, or truly lost control of my life because of alcohol, but it worries me that I couldn't stop when I wanted to. This has a hold on me that I wasn't aware of. I feel something similar with certain foods. It is like there is an emptiness in my life that I need to fill and can't.
I need to change, I want to be healthy and be around to see my kids grow up.
I was horribly mistaken. I have never hit rock bottom, or truly lost control of my life because of alcohol, but it worries me that I couldn't stop when I wanted to. This has a hold on me that I wasn't aware of. I feel something similar with certain foods. It is like there is an emptiness in my life that I need to fill and can't.
I need to change, I want to be healthy and be around to see my kids grow up.
Sober since 10th April 2012
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Perth, Western Australia
Posts: 6,047
Originally Posted by prometheusfire 
I have never hit rock bottom, or truly lost control of my life because of alcohol, but it worries me that I couldn't stop when I wanted to.
If evening drinking is a relaxation ritual with you, try replacing the alcohol with NA drinks. You may find that just having a cold glass in your hand is enough, and I bet you'll enjoy being clear-headed.
If you're really having problems with stopping you could seek support from groups, your doctor and SR.
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Join Date: Sep 2014
Location: Melbourne, Australia
Posts: 1,476
can you describe your drinking patterns / habits?
It is important to distinguish between alcoholism and a habit that you have difficulty breaking.
Regular / nightly consumption of a set amount and trouble breaking the habit does not indicate "alcoholism"
Alcohol dependence? ..... Yes.
It is important to distinguish between alcoholism and a habit that you have difficulty breaking.
Regular / nightly consumption of a set amount and trouble breaking the habit does not indicate "alcoholism"
Alcohol dependence? ..... Yes.
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Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: Denver, CO
Posts: 2
Hawks- usually not more than 3-4 drinks a night. I don't really know the difference between alcoholism and alcohol dependence, I just know I haven't been able to make it two nights in a row without drinking in about 3 weeks of trying.
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Join Date: Sep 2014
Location: Melbourne, Australia
Posts: 1,476
Alcoholism is probably most easily described as a "never quenchable thirst"
Example, I buy a case of beer (24) and promise myself that I will make that last 6-7 nights.
Like you having 4 a night (geez I wish)
Reality was, it'd be gone in a night or two, and on the second night, I'd be drunk driving to the bottle store for more.
phenomenon of craving...... It's just more more more till you Black out and pass out.
Watch the movie "leaving las vegas " if you want to get the visual of alcoholism in full flight.
At 4 drinks a night, you've come to depend on alcohol to ease you down at the end of the day, relax you and take your mind off things and probably to help you to sleep somewhat as well.
So ya gotta find different things to do to unwind and relax. A new hobby to replace the old one of drinking.
It's not easy, probably the same as quitting biting nails or any other bad habit.
Keep yourself busy through the routine drink times, I'm guessing you have a little ritual each night at around the same time?
Example, I buy a case of beer (24) and promise myself that I will make that last 6-7 nights.
Like you having 4 a night (geez I wish)
Reality was, it'd be gone in a night or two, and on the second night, I'd be drunk driving to the bottle store for more.
phenomenon of craving...... It's just more more more till you Black out and pass out.
Watch the movie "leaving las vegas " if you want to get the visual of alcoholism in full flight.
At 4 drinks a night, you've come to depend on alcohol to ease you down at the end of the day, relax you and take your mind off things and probably to help you to sleep somewhat as well.
So ya gotta find different things to do to unwind and relax. A new hobby to replace the old one of drinking.
It's not easy, probably the same as quitting biting nails or any other bad habit.
Keep yourself busy through the routine drink times, I'm guessing you have a little ritual each night at around the same time?
Member
Join Date: Mar 2014
Posts: 25,373
If drinking is a problem, stopping is the solution.
I don't think there is one definition of alcoholism. Three or four on a regular basis is still too many if you look at the guidelines for alcohol. It isn't necessarily that guy who drinks all the case of beer every night. It's an inability to control intake in some way. If you can't stop easily, I would be concerned. If it is a necessary part of life - it's a problem.
It will get progressively worse: it's good to get rid of it now.
I don't think there is one definition of alcoholism. Three or four on a regular basis is still too many if you look at the guidelines for alcohol. It isn't necessarily that guy who drinks all the case of beer every night. It's an inability to control intake in some way. If you can't stop easily, I would be concerned. If it is a necessary part of life - it's a problem.
It will get progressively worse: it's good to get rid of it now.
Member
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Colorado Springs, CO
Posts: 2,391
You are the only one who can decide if you are an "alcoholic." Hang around, alcoholic or not, this place is amazing and you would not believe the kind of support that is here.
Welcome, I'm glad you are here.
Welcome, I'm glad you are here.
I hope you find the support you need to quit drinking, both here and in real life. Canine Welfare Advocate
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Norfolk, VA
Posts: 10,962
Originally Posted by prometheusfire
I don't really know the difference between alcoholism and alcohol dependence, I just know I haven't been able to make it two nights in a row without drinking in about 3 weeks of trying.
As we say around here, don't get to hung up on the label. Problem drinker, alcohol dependent, alcoholic. The solution's the same.
Sobriety.
Member
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: East Coast USA
Posts: 120,857
Welcome, prometheusfire, to SR. SR is here for you 24/7/365.
Have you tried to break the cycle of your drinking by changing your routine (working out, walking, working on a hobby, taking a class, etc. during your regular drinking time)?
Have you tried to break the cycle of your drinking by changing your routine (working out, walking, working on a hobby, taking a class, etc. during your regular drinking time)?
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