Drink problem

[Phil 3,107]

After much self searching and reflection I have to admit I have a drink problem.

 I don’t think I’m an alcoholic, I can go weeks between drinks, but once started I find it hard to stop, I’m a binge drinker. I don’t get aggressive but I’m sure I make a fool of myself.

Do I need to stop altogether? Can I learn how to say enough? 

[DavidM 7,897]

You’ve took a big first step with any problem ... admittance . Good luck to you

[JDINTHEHIZZOUSE 755]

Get in touch with i.t recovery,d,m me for details,these guys aren't your usual "hi my names phil" kind of group,they boast high success rates and helped me through a particularly bad spell of drinking when I was perhaps the shittest husband and father that I could have been.

[Johnoco 6,522]

If you can stop drinking for weeks at a time, I'm not sure it's that big a problem (although it's obviously giving you cause for concern)

I often don't drink for a bit then drink loads. But I generally mean to drink a lot when I am in the mood. If I want to drink I do. You obviously have a large element of control so I wouldn't panic too much. Maybe try to stop making a t it of yourself.

[Futtocks 12,330]

4 minutes ago, Johnoco said:

If you can stop drinking for weeks at a time, I'm not sure it's that big a problem (although it's obviously giving you cause for concern)

If it worries you, it is wise to act. I say that someone who drinks a lot more and hasn't brought himself to do anything about it yet.

[Bedfordshire Bronco 1,133]

6 hours ago, Phil said:

After much self searching and reflection I have to admit I have a drink problem.

 I don’t think I’m an alcoholic, I can go weeks between drinks, but once started I find it hard to stop, I’m a binge drinker. I don’t get aggressive but I’m sure I make a fool of myself.

Do I need to stop altogether? Can I learn how to say enough? 

I'm a childish binge drinker too but about 4 years ago I came up with a solution that at least limits me..... Absolutely no booze Monday--Friday then reigns off Saturday from 5pm and Sunday from 7pm....works for me in the sense I keep units below 45 a week... I am aware this isn't healthy but its better than the alternative 

I cut out the other days initially by getting stuck into non alcohol beers on off days... Some great ones in tesco... Lots of hoppy IPAs that fool the brain into thinking you are drinking...... I also allowed myself to eat whatever I wanted on Fridays to cover the 'treat' bit... I don't need to do it any more

[Johnoco 6,522]

1 hour ago, Futtocks said:

If it worries you, it is wise to act. I say that someone who drinks a lot more and hasn't brought himself to do anything about it yet.

You’re right, only you know if it’s genuinely a problem and if it’s concerning you, maybe take steps.  I used to drink loads more than I do now, I used to be a bit of a p1$$ artist if I’m honest. But in 2013 I virtually stopped for almost 2 years. Then I decided to drink again because I wanted to. But I don’t think I could drink as much as I used to, even if I tried. 
 

 

[bbfaz 458]

From knowing people who've struggled with this, non-dependent alcoholism, the one thing that I've heard time and again is that you can't negotiate with alcohol. If it's not causing serious issues, you may be fine but if you're blacking out, I'd come off it. 

[Wiltshire Rhino 2,625]

On 22/12/2019 at 11:04, Phil said:

Do I need to stop altogether? Can I learn how to say enough? 

The answer to the first question is totally your choice. Nobody else can make it for you. 

The second question, when I decided to reduce what I drank I would go out with only enough money for 3 pints. At first my mates were "so you're not getting in a round then?". When I explained why they were fine although there was a bit of banter at my expense. Drinking at home was easier. I'd make sure there was less alcohol in the house and only one can in the fridge. If it's not available you find something else. My tea intake has increased. 

Stay strong mate! 

Edited December 24, 2019 by Wiltshire Rhino

[JohnM 6,165]

I've stopped altogether. Maybe 2 or 3 pints since December 2017. Interferes with medication. Found it easiest just to pack it in altogether rather than moderation.  Wife has given up, too, in case she is called on to drive me to hospital in a hurry.

[Shadow 5,107]

I found when I was unwell and the docs put me on Beta Blockers and Statins I stopped drinking  largely because I didn't like it, my palette changed quite significantly, I couldn't eat spicy foods, wine tasted the same but I didn't like it and I started liking celery.

Once I dropped the statins it all went back to normal but I have reduced the amount of alcohol consumed, sort of got out of the habit I suppose.

Edited December 23, 2019 by Shadow

[ivans82 691]

Drinking patterns have changed drastically since licensing hours were abolished , peoples behaviour changed over night .When i first started drinking in the 70`s people used to go out every night and the pubs were always quite full , whereas now they are mostly empty through the week and packed at weekends . Drinking was more a social thing  going out for a couple a drinks and a craic , whereas now it seems the fashion is to stay in all week and go out and go mad at week ends .Another change is back in the day the barmen would send you on your way if he thought you had had enough , nowadays you`ll get served until you pass out , it`s just the way society has gone , and it makes it so much harder to tackle any drinking problem .  

[Damien 7,688]

19 minutes ago, ivans82 said:

Drinking patterns have changed drastically since licensing hours were abolished , peoples behaviour changed over night .When i first started drinking in the 70`s people used to go out every night and the pubs were always quite full , whereas now they are mostly empty through the week and packed at weekends . Drinking was more a social thing  going out for a couple a drinks and a craic , whereas now it seems the fashion is to stay in all week and go out and go mad at week ends .Another change is back in the day the barmen would send you on your way if he thought you had had enough , nowadays you`ll get served until you pass out , it`s just the way society has gone , and it makes it so much harder to tackle any drinking problem .  

I think cost has played a big deal in those changes too.

[TheDuke 201]

My habits are similar to the OP, I do occasionally have a nightcap at home to assist with sleeping

im not concerned though, I only go for a good swill for social reasons not on my lonesome

a 40 mile commute has curbed my drinking in the week 

[Johnoco 6,522]

4 hours ago, TheDuke said:

My habits are similar to the OP, I do occasionally have a nightcap at home to assist with sleeping

im not concerned though, I only go for a good swill for social reasons not on my lonesome

a 40 mile commute has curbed my drinking in the week 

Same thing as me when I worked far from home. I was restricted to a certain amount of days when I could drink as getting up at 4am meant you couldn’t risk being over the limit in the morning, so it was pointless even having one. That said, when I wasn’t working I made up for it.

I’m currently in the midst of a dry spell, knowing that I’ll drink too much in the coming week or so. I have even had a few stressful, hard shifts at work but didn’t have a few after that - which I most definitely would have in the past.

So while technically I’m probably classed as a binge drinker or something, it’s not something that concerns me. Possibly a big driver of not going overboard is knowing several alcoholics and people who have died from alcohol abuse and not wanting to end up like them. 

[JohnM 6,165]

According to Eating Wll, 

Myth 2. A glass of wine before bed will help you get a better night's rest.

The Truth: Because alcohol is a sedative, drinking wine, beer or other alcoholic beverages may help you fall asleep, but as little as two drinks can cause you to sleep less restfully and wake up more frequently. And alcohol-related sleep disturbances are worse for women, say researchers at the University of Michigan. Drink moderately, if at all, and avoid drinking within a few hours of bedtime.

 

[Johnoco 6,522]

12 minutes ago, JohnM said:

According to Eating Wll, 

Myth 2. A glass of wine before bed will help you get a better night's rest.

The Truth: Because alcohol is a sedative, drinking wine, beer or other alcoholic beverages may help you fall asleep, but as little as two drinks can cause you to sleep less restfully and wake up more frequently. And alcohol-related sleep disturbances are worse for women, say researchers at the University of Michigan. Drink moderately, if at all, and avoid drinking within a few hours of bedtime.

 

It’s horses for courses though. Some people stay awake subconsciously worrying about stuff, even if it’s as trivial as not hearing the alarm. Having a drink or two can help them drift off straight away, others maybe not. But I don’t think there’s a definite answer. I don’t think a couple will have you waking up after a few hours with a raging thirst like a skinful would. 

[Irish Saint 836]

On ‎22‎/‎12‎/‎2019 at 11:04, Phil said:

After much self searching and reflection I have to admit I have a drink problem.

, but once started I find it hard to stop, I’m a binge drinker. I don’t get aggressive but I’m sure I make a fool of myself.

Do I need to stop altogether? Can I learn how to say enough? 

Identify with this couldn't stop wanted to get out of my head I am one of those "my name is"  and thanks to them I am sober 28 years one day at time.

Best wishes Phil.

Edited December 24, 2019 by Irish Saint

[Damien 7,688]

24 minutes ago, Johnoco said:

It’s horses for courses though. Some people stay awake subconsciously worrying about stuff, even if it’s as trivial as not hearing the alarm. Having a drink or two can help them drift off straight away, others maybe not. But I don’t think there’s a definite answer. I don’t think a couple will have you waking up after a few hours with a raging thirst like a skinful would. 

I do think that drink interrupts sleep greatly and gives you a poor quality sleep. For me it does anyway and I don't particularly sleep well even after just a few drinks even though I may be hangover free the next day.

[Johnoco 6,522]

12 minutes ago, Damien said:

I do think that drink interrupts sleep greatly and gives you a poor quality sleep. For me it does anyway and I don't particularly sleep well even after just a few drinks even though I may be hangover free the next day.

Well exactly, it varies from person to person. If I drink, I don’t wake up except for a pee. I occasionally get up and use the bathroom too. 

[Marauder 812]

Feast or famine for me.

[Wolford6 1,832]

My really good friend has exactly the same behavioural issue. Unfortunately, she doesn't see it as a  problem and we fall out over it.

[Bleep1673 1,159]

23 hours ago, Irish Saint said:

Identify with this couldn't stop wanted to get out of my head I am one of those "my name is"  and thanks to them I am sober 28 years one day at time.

Best wishes Phil.

I am one of those too. I had my last alcoholic drink exactly one year ago today, Christmas day 2018.

[Bearman 3,796]

21 hours ago, Marauder said:

Feast or famine for me.

Me too. Feast today 

Then I will take it or leave it. The days of two gallons a night are long gone

[Mark S 743]

I can’t get past 2 glasses of wine without falling asleep. I think it a combination of being 40 with a one year old and the amount of hours I work. I am going to have a couple of weeks in Jan.