After lurking for a few hours I finally decided to post lol. Here recently Iāve let drinking get out of hand and my family has expressed concern over it. I donāt know if I am an alcoholic because I donāt drink everyday but I do drink 3-4 times a week and there has been times that I drank everyday for up to 6 months. I used to never black out but recently Iāve started drinking to the point of blacking out and losing a whole dayās worth of memory. When I drink I usually drink up to 4 (sometimes 5) 42oz 8% alcohol by volume steel reserve beers. Thereās been numerous amounts of times that Iāve been ashamed of my drinking. I mostly only feel ashamed of my drinking the day after drinking but once I get drunk again I no longer care or feel guilty over it. Iāve lost several friends due to stupid things Iāve said when drunk. I know Iām a problem drinker but I donāt know if I could be considered an alcoholic.
Considering your post, I think you know the answer to your question ... non-alcoholics do not behave the way you described ... plus, your drinking habits mirrored mine just before I decided I needed help ...
Drinking the way you are means life is passing you by at an alarming rate ... you have become less friendly and more critical of others, even those you love, AND less productive ... which means you are much more miserable than if you didn't drink ...
Perhaps it's time to make a change ... admitting we have a problem is the first step to recovery ... I suggest you take action now and go to a few AA meetings and meet some people just like yourself who have learned how to love life without the alcohol ...
Love ya and God Bless, Pappy
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'Those who leave everything in God's hand will eventually see God's hand in everything.'
If I ever went to rehab or even to AA meeting despite my family being suspicious of me having a problem, they would freak out. I donāt have a car or license at the moment. So I couldnāt sneak and get a ride to any meetings or anything. I wish I could say I had motivation to get help but, I keep convincing myself that I only have a real problem if I drink every day or have DTs. I promise not to drink anymore then next thing I know I am downing 4-5 40oz of steel reserve or a couple pints of Canadians Hardwood Whiskey.
Bulletin, Bulletin, your family already knows you have a problem, in all likelihood ... Instead of freaking out, they'd more likely be proud of you admitting you realize you need help ... Alcoholism is FATAL if left untreated ... I nearly died from it and have lost a number of friends to it ... (both men and women)
Do the smart thing here and get help before it's too late ... you'll be a better, happier person for it ...
Love ya and God Bless, Pappy
__________________
'Those who leave everything in God's hand will eventually see God's hand in everything.'
My father had a serious drinking problem and they said so many bad things about him and Iām afraid they will start talking about me that way. He was considered the family shame yet (weird enough) the family favorite. So, even though theyāve seen this problem many times in our family anyone outside my father is considered a loser by their own words. Iām hoping I get my chance to move out soon so I can seek help outside their home. That way they donāt spend their time talking badly about me or kicking me out as they threatened āanyone in the family who had a substance problemā. Which they obviously decided after my father going to jail which the told him once he gets out he is always welcomed here. All of us were told to leave as soon as he gets out.
My father had a serious drinking problem and they said so many bad things about him and Iām afraid they will start talking about me that way. He was considered the family shame yet (weird enough) the family favorite. So, even though theyāve seen this problem many times in our family anyone outside my father is considered a loser by their own words. Iām hoping I get my chance to move out soon so I can seek help outside their home. That way they donāt spend their time talking badly about me or kicking me out as they threatened āanyone in the family who had a substance problemā. Which they obviously decided after my father going to jail which the told him once he gets out he is always welcomed here. All of us were told to leave as soon as he gets out.
Anybody that posts ,"do i have a problem?" On a site like already knows they have a problem. You know,what you know. Now the question is what the f**k are you going to do about it?
Yeah, Iāve already realized I have an issue and talked to a few family members today and talked to them about attending AA meetings cause Iām over this blacking out every few days shit.
While you're thinking straight, take the action and try AA out ... get a BB (Big Book) at the meeting and read through it ... see if you identify with what is said in there, then plan what you need to do ... Rehabs are very expensive and AA meetings are free unless you want to donate to the group for local expenses, typically a dollar or two to pay for coffee and space to have the meet'n ...
Remember, you're doing this for you, not family or someone else ...
Pappy
__________________
'Those who leave everything in God's hand will eventually see God's hand in everything.'
There are many like you here and at AA meetings. You are not alone. Many of us had difficulty in coming to realize and accept that we needed help. I found it VERY difficult.
Keep thinking about getting of the merry-go-round of alcoholic drinking. If you don't get off, life will probably get LOTS WORSE for you. But we will be here for you. And we will be rooting for you.
