So I've been drunk every night since Friday or Saturday. Last night I didn't have anything, and I felt so great this morning. I normally don't drink this much, but I've been really down lately, and I've had 2 deaths in my family in a month, 3 since December. (Two grandparents, one pet.)
These binges happen every few months with periods of little drinking in between, and each time I say they won't reoccur. They do. Part of it is me, and part of it is the people who I hang out with. I internalize too much and need to take care of my issues. My roommate is an alcoholic (she has a minifridge in her bedroom solely for alcohol), and most of my friends/aquaintences are either drunks or problem drinkers. (My University has a huge drinking culture as well.)
I'm moving on my own in less than a month, so I'm hoping that will help (things could sway either way though). I just feel so much better physically if I drink in moderation or not at all. Plus, I'm sick of becoming an emotional wreck after I've had a few. I am also a very reserved person sober, and I feel like I let my guard down too much after I drink...Compared to most, it's not bad at all, but for me it feels like too much. I don't like how unpredictable I am; either I'll be fun or miserable and crying.
So...Is anyone else in a similar boat or wanting to join me in cutting back? Would you suggest cold turkey or gradual? Finally, what to do about my friends? Should I not associate with them as much, or tell them I'm trying to drink less? (Self-control is difficult for me in social situations especially, because I have social anxiety...)
I'm really proud of you for taking these steps to get back the control over your drinking - that's excellant! And I'm glad you can see all these benefits to it, keep these in mind if you ever feel bad or like you want to - maybe even writing them down so you can keep re-reading them will help you stay firm!
As regards going cold turkey/cutting back - it's really down to whether you are getting any help for your drinking or thought about it? It might be good to speak to a helpline even annonymously so they can advice you further as it's different for anyone. The times I've drunk quite frequently, I went cold turkey which is hard but it helps to get the control back. It's whatever is good for you as an individual. Maybe you could tell one of your friends you trust what you are doing so they know why you won't be out so much while you wait to move out? Keep it up, you're doing great!
Thanks. For awhile, I was able to drink in moderation while going out, but I think stress, family issues, etc. got the best of me. The past month or so I've been drinking more than I would like to...Not everyday for the most part, but too much imo. I just wanted to forget about everything and not be so anxious...
I worry that if I go cold turkey, I'll resort to SI. (I was really bad with it in high school, and I substituted booze for it once I got to college.) I was thinking I could only drink on the weekends, and bring only $10 in cash if I go out...I drink Jack and Coke, so that amounts to about 3 drinks. (Paced throughout the night - sometimes I'm not so good at that, and all the whiskey catches up to me at once. Not good, especially since I'm not the biggest person.)
I've managed to not even keep whiskey in my apartment anymore...Too easy to go overkill and do stupid stuff with sharp things. However, I've resorted to beer and the occasional bottle of wine...Not drinking alone sounds like a good idea in general...
There are times when it's so hard, though. What do you do to distract yourself or get over it?
I'm someone who self-injures. I am also an alcoholic in recovery. I have found that the two are very related. When I feel very bad I want either or both, and to escape from the same emotional things.
Walk or do other kinds of exercise. Write in a journal. Talk to someone about your emotions. Think not just about what you are feeling, but also why? Ask yourself if you can get through the feelings without SI or drinking. Sometimes it is possible to just wait it out.
When I'm out where drinking is going on, i sip fizzy drinks/soda pop to i don't feel deprived or anything. I just say that i'm a soda pop kinda person.
You might look at the Alcoholics Anonymous web site, to see if you identify with anything there. I'm not saying you are an alcoholic, just that they might have something that would help.
You can always come here and talk to us! I have problems with SI and am an alcoholic so I understand, and my PM box is always open.
My husband is my best friend.
In forgiving others, we are not exonerating them. They may not deserve exoneration. Rather, in forgiving others we are giving up our anger over the fact that what happened is not what "should" have happened or that our life is not the way it "should" have been.
I'm someone who self-injures. I am also an alcoholic in recovery. I have found that the two are very related. When I feel very bad I want either or both, and to escape from the same emotional things.
Walk or do other kinds of exercise. Write in a journal. Talk to someone about your emotions. Think not just about what you are feeling, but also why? Ask yourself if you can get through the feelings without SI or drinking. Sometimes it is possible to just wait it out.
When I'm out where drinking is going on, i sip fizzy drinks/soda pop to i don't feel deprived or anything. I just say that i'm a soda pop kinda person.
You might look at the Alcoholics Anonymous web site, to see if you identify with anything there. I'm not saying you are an alcoholic, just that they might have something that would help.
You can always come here and talk to us! I have problems with SI and am an alcoholic so I understand, and my PM box is always open.
Thank you for your help. I know I could drink soda while out, but I am 99.9% certain that the people I know would look at me strange... Plus, I have such bad social anxiety, that I can only enjoy being at a bar or party if slightly intoxicated...Maybe I just shouldn't go to those places for a bit. *shrugs*
I am trying to cut back too. I've drank almost every day for the past 2 years now im trying to have alcohol free days and days where i drink half as much as i did before.
I am trying to cut back too. I've drank almost every day for the past 2 years now im trying to have alcohol free days and days where i drink half as much as i did before.
help.
I am really going to try and take it one day at a time, because I feel like telling myself that I can't drink for a solid week seems very overwhelming...
That being said, I had numerous opportunities to get pretty wasted this weekend, and I didn't. I had a few drinks both Friday and Saturday nights with my family - I could have gone out to the bars with my brother afterwards - but I chose not to. It just didn't seem appealing to me.
When I realize I've been drinking too much over the course of an extended period of time, I try and focus on how good I feel the next day when I don't drink - hence the thread. However, this doesn't always work, as last week was pretty bad for me...Maybe try and pay attention to that - the days when you feel good?
I think we both need to find distractions or outlets of some sort...Feel free to PM me at any time though.
We certainly need distractions and outlets. If you go to some of those places without drinking alcohol, you will become more comfortable there.
I don't go to large parties, they make me nervous. That is okay.
My husband is my best friend.
In forgiving others, we are not exonerating them. They may not deserve exoneration. Rather, in forgiving others we are giving up our anger over the fact that what happened is not what "should" have happened or that our life is not the way it "should" have been.
For awhile, I was able to drink in moderation while going out, but I think stress, family issues, etc. got the best of me. The past month or so I've been drinking more than I would like to...Not everyday for the most part, but too much imo. I just wanted to forget about everything and not be so anxious...
Plus, I have such bad social anxiety, that I can only enjoy being at a bar or party if slightly intoxicated...Maybe I just shouldn't go to those places for a bit. *shrugs*
