Alcoholism (page 2)

ashitaka

Since I'm a self-proclaimed alchie, I can tell you that my personality changes when I drink, but it's for the better. The wife likes me more when I drink, I can tell. All of my funny-easygoing side comes back for a brief time period, and I can think strait again. Panic attacks subside for a time. Since I'm pretty sure I have mental health issues, I probably am self-medicating. It works, but my body won't be able to take it forever. I have to go to a psychiatrist soon and get some real meds, instead of drinking in order to make myself normal again.

I don't drink all that much, but I do like to drink everyday, at least to a strong buzz, when I can afford to.

Textbook alchie.

Stinky, give me a buzz at home or an IM if it so pleases you, I'll be home all day.

ash

Room 215

So, once you've determined that you're exhibiting several of the disturbing `warning signals' described above, what's the most constructive response? To bring yourself up short and count on will power and self-recognition to ``nip it in the bud," or to reach out? At what point does one give p on the self-control option and go for help?

Or are we (speaking as an American) culturally more guilt-ridden than say the Brits, Scandinavians or Eastern Europeans, and less tolerant of the occasional over-indulgence? Such is our culture in the U.S., doubtless a vestige of Puritanism and Prohibition, one is often defensive to having a taste for any alcohol at all. One example is the frustratinfg failure of a well-funded campaign by the domestic wine industry to convince the American public that moderate wine consumption is consonant with a healthful lifestyle; in particular are disgtilled spirits demonized.

And can a person whose gotten to the ``problem" stage ever revert/scale back to social drinking? Or must he/she swear off alcohol? There are so many divergent opinions.

BLISSISIGNORANCE

Hey SP................................good question.

My 1st husband was an alcoholic. He went from having everything to ending up with nothing. Even lost his life, actually, threw it away, he committed suicide.

Alot of people feel that alcoholism is determined by amount. But it really has more to do with the effect.

A person can have 5 drinks a day and not be an alcoholic. Another may get drunk once a month and be alcoholic. It is more about the effect drinking has on the person and those around him/her, rather than how much or how often they drink.

There is alot of information, books, support groups and AA for getting a clear and correct understanding about alcoholism. There are many misconceptions about this disease and some may be misinformed and give incorrect advice or opinions.

I recommend going to experts, to people who have been or have dealt with alcoholics. They know better than anyone. And do some reading.

Cheers, Bliss

cruzanheart

And watch out for the "expert" who feels that even enjoying one drink makes you an alcoholic -- you can go too far either way, in my opinion. (Read James Thurber's "The Bear Who Could Take It Or Leave It Alone" in his book "Fables For Our Time.") Personally, I think if you felt the need to ask the question, you might need to look into the subject, if only for your own peace of mind.

Good luck, SP -- we love you and wish you the best!

Nina

Room 215

Bliss, I think you hit on maybe the crucial element -- it's DEPENDENCE.... whether it's one, three or five drinks a day, is the consumption of alcohol a compulsion or a ``take-it-or-leave-it'' proposition for you? That's the key question.

moonwillow

Oh Stinky hun please be careful. Try to find something besides a drink please! Can you find a friend to call you don't even have to talk about what's troubleing you just start talking and get your mind in a different mode. Gives ya a hug, hang in there girl! Don't give the bottle a chance!

drwtsn32

(((Bridget)))

I don't have anything meaningful to contribute...just know that I'm here for you.

StinkyPantz

You all are sweet. I don't want ya freakin' out though. I have been feeling depressed because I can't sleep. . or maybe I can't sleep because I'm depressed? Okay, okay, that sounds scary; but seriously, me and ashitaka seem to have the same response to alcohol. I don't drink everyday, but I do like a strong buzz every few days. What scares me, is that I will crave alcohol when I'm sad. It calms me. . and that's pretty pathetic. I am ashamed of myself really. I'm smart enough to know what's good for me and what's not. Wanna know my "issue" lately? I feel like I am not of value to anyone . That may be totally wrong or unfounded, but hey our brain works in mysterious ways, huh? I used to volunteer (serve food in shelters, Big Brothers & Sisters) maybe I should get more involved.

I am such a loser LOL

Yerusalyim

It's not so much HOW MUCH you drink, but rather how drinking affects your life. If drinking causes you problems, either with job, the law, your spouse, your kids or your friends...you're a problem drinker.

obiwan

((awww stinky))

I do the volunteer thing as well, and it does help. You have alot of worth here.

ps check your pm

Alcoholism

Share this