I just graduated from college and seem to be actually drinking more now that I have more free time and less activities... it's affecting my health as I'm always tired and a bit overweight. The problem is most of my friends are alcoholics and the ones who aren't are really boring. How should I go about killing this addiction?
Alcoholism - Kicking the habit
- Thread starter gashin
- Start date
- th_trl_thread_readers 0
- Status
Gashin, Bless your heart...alcohol is a tough one. There is an ECF social forum, I think it's called "Friends of Bill W.", you might want to look at. My personal recommendation would be for you to look into Alcoholics Anonymous. Addictions of any kind respond best when you have a good support system, and I think AA is one of the best. Good luck to you. I applaud your courage in reaching out for help.
I personally don't like the AA route. Most of those people are self-centered and self-righteous who like to meander on about they're problems and make them your problem, which is exactly what I'm going to do to you now. (just kidding)
I used to drink heavily, and I mean like 1-2 bottles of whiskey a day. The way I quit? I just stopped. Sure there were things that motivated me to quit but the one thing that really made me want to, was me not wanting to drink anymore.
You will go through problems with your friends though. Mine seem to think I'm weird for not drinking anymore, or they treat me like I "let them down" or some bs like that. Bottom line is that I don't waste my time forgetting the night before or waking up in jail anymore.
Best advice is to just keep yourself busy, and find something or someone to help you spend your time away from just hangin' out and boozin'. You could try AA, not saying the orginzation doesn't help people, but it's really up to YOU.
I used to drink heavily, and I mean like 1-2 bottles of whiskey a day. The way I quit? I just stopped. Sure there were things that motivated me to quit but the one thing that really made me want to, was me not wanting to drink anymore.
You will go through problems with your friends though. Mine seem to think I'm weird for not drinking anymore, or they treat me like I "let them down" or some bs like that. Bottom line is that I don't waste my time forgetting the night before or waking up in jail anymore.
Best advice is to just keep yourself busy, and find something or someone to help you spend your time away from just hangin' out and boozin'. You could try AA, not saying the orginzation doesn't help people, but it's really up to YOU.
Thanks for the support guys. I think I'll try to quit cold turkey also. I drank with my friends on Sunday and I honestly saw how dangerous alcohol is, with one of my friends puking her brains out and cheating on her boyfriend (she actually did worst last week) and even trying to hit on me. Its just just getting worst with my friends and they always want to drink till they puke. I'm just straight out going to tell them I'm not going to drink with them anymore.
Gashin,
It is great that you recognize the problem. You are young - don't let it ruin your life, and it will if you allow it.
My ex was an alcoholic. Our life was a three ring circus. Drinking ruined my life and my Children's. I should have gotten out at the first sign. I didn't. I stayed 15 years and tried to fix everything - big mistake! I could tell you stories that would make your hair stand up.
I have made a good life for myself, but it took many years. I educated myself and got counseling. The saddest part is my children can never get their childhood back. So very sad.
I don't drink because I despise what it did to my Family. I avoid people who abuse also. It just brings back bad memories.
Do whatever works best for you. Just DO IT! LIFE IS NOT A DRESS REHERSAL. There are no 'do overs'.
It is great that you recognize the problem. You are young - don't let it ruin your life, and it will if you allow it.
My ex was an alcoholic. Our life was a three ring circus. Drinking ruined my life and my Children's. I should have gotten out at the first sign. I didn't. I stayed 15 years and tried to fix everything - big mistake! I could tell you stories that would make your hair stand up.
I have made a good life for myself, but it took many years. I educated myself and got counseling. The saddest part is my children can never get their childhood back. So very sad.
I don't drink because I despise what it did to my Family. I avoid people who abuse also. It just brings back bad memories.
Do whatever works best for you. Just DO IT! LIFE IS NOT A DRESS REHERSAL. There are no 'do overs'.
Good for you. I did the cold turkey thing myself quite a few years ago. It was tough, but I feel much healthier now. The hard thing was avoiding my friends who drank, but I had to because they bothered me about drinking so much.
I wish you well with this.
I wish you well with this.
I also quit cold turkey. About 48 hours into it, I remember sitting on the bed to watch Leno. Next thing I can remember is the EMTs asking me my name, where I was, etc. I couldn't tell 'em as I didn't know.
I had a seizure. What a .....!
I turned 45 May 21st and it was the first sober birthday I have had in 30 years.
June 28th will be one year without alcohol.
QUE SERA SERA
I had a seizure. What a .....!
I turned 45 May 21st and it was the first sober birthday I have had in 30 years.
June 28th will be one year without alcohol.
QUE SERA SERA
Sad to hear how bad alcohol has affected you and your children 
. It seems like it gradually creeps up and destroys lives and people just let it happen because they don't realize its an addiction. Thanks for the support everyone, I'm going to do it and never drink a drop again . It's just too dangerous and I know if I go back even once I'll fall into it again.
I'll remember this:
It'll bring me back into focus if I'm tempted.
Thanks!
. It seems like it gradually creeps up and destroys lives and people just let it happen because they don't realize its an addiction. Thanks for the support everyone, I'm going to do it and never drink a drop again . It's just too dangerous and I know if I go back even once I'll fall into it again.I'll remember this:
It'll bring me back into focus if I'm tempted.
Thanks!
FOBW and AA are one in the same. I have not had alcohol since around 1994. I do not go to meetings but I did go to one when I first gave up drinking.
Gashin, There are a number of ways to quit drinking. By your own free will, through court mandate, by virtue of forced incarceration, by virtue of forced hospitalization, by having a loved one force a choice of the booze or them... well I think you probably get the idea.
JMHO but I think by your own free will is the least uncomfortable method to get through an uncomfortable transition in life.
DW
Hi Gashin, You are doing the right thing. Staying away from drinkers is a good place to start. The AA program also works well. I have posted the "12 Steps" in the Friends of Bill W. forum for people to study and they really do help. I've been clean and sober for 6 years and I am now a certified alcohol and drug abuse counselor and I can tell you one thing, no one ever says how much they regret the time they were sober.
Staying sober really changes your life. Mainly because after a few months you really start to make better decisions and choices that make life better.
Much love my friend.
Staying sober really changes your life. Mainly because after a few months you really start to make better decisions and choices that make life better.
Much love my friend.
i strugle still but i finding that vaping is helping my alcohol cravings. i have to stay busy and focus on other things. .friends that drink are not a problem let them but i was getting so sick i needed to stop. aa is great if you need a support group but will send yu drinking if you get a real whinner group. it's up to you and you need to talk talk talk if only to yourself through journaling find another love and take one day at a time
another love and take one day at a time
This is an issue that's very close to the vest for me. I went through the same thing a little over 20 years ago. My drinking was ruining my career. I had no family of my own at the time, and was living half-way around the world from my parents and brothers.
Bottom line: I quit cold turkey. Not being religious, AA didn't appeal to me. I stopped socializing with my 'friends' as it soon became apparent that they were rather 'drinking buddies' who didn't really have my well-being at heart. Rather than being supportive, they were subversive. I limited my activities to places that didn't even serve alcohol... and didn't really go out at night at all. It was tough. I filled my time with hobbies instead. I learned automotive skills and bought a junker to work on (1970 Olds Cutlass Supreme... ah the memories).
I went to work, I came home. Was it boring? Well... it was different, that's for sure. In the long run? Worth it.
Now... 22 years later, I work in a bar on the weekends. The very few folks who know I'm alcoholic have asked me if it's tough working around it. On the contrary... seeing the drunken fools each night reminds me that I used to be them... and while it seemed fun at the time, it certainly doesn't look like fun from the outside. All I feel for them is pity. I can understand someone tying one on every once in a while (although I won't) but I see some folks who get completely hammered every time they come out... and it makes me sad.
Good luck... it's worth the quitting.
Bottom line: I quit cold turkey. Not being religious, AA didn't appeal to me. I stopped socializing with my 'friends' as it soon became apparent that they were rather 'drinking buddies' who didn't really have my well-being at heart. Rather than being supportive, they were subversive. I limited my activities to places that didn't even serve alcohol... and didn't really go out at night at all. It was tough. I filled my time with hobbies instead. I learned automotive skills and bought a junker to work on (1970 Olds Cutlass Supreme... ah the memories).
I went to work, I came home. Was it boring? Well... it was different, that's for sure. In the long run? Worth it.
Now... 22 years later, I work in a bar on the weekends. The very few folks who know I'm alcoholic have asked me if it's tough working around it. On the contrary... seeing the drunken fools each night reminds me that I used to be them... and while it seemed fun at the time, it certainly doesn't look like fun from the outside. All I feel for them is pity. I can understand someone tying one on every once in a while (although I won't) but I see some folks who get completely hammered every time they come out... and it makes me sad.
Good luck... it's worth the quitting.
Congrats to all who are clean and sober! 
During the time I was living with an alcoholic, I tried to keep it from everyone. I felt so alone. I thought I was so unique - living in the hell I was in. I thought I was living with a freak. The more I talk to people about it, the more I find - it is OH - SOOO common.
Life is so much more bearable without it. In fact - it is fun!
Stay strong and keep up the good work!
During the time I was living with an alcoholic, I tried to keep it from everyone. I felt so alone. I thought I was so unique - living in the hell I was in. I thought I was living with a freak.
The more I talk to people about it, the more I find - it is OH - SOOO common. Life is so much more bearable without it. In fact - it is fun!
Stay strong and keep up the good work!
Update - I stayed alcohol free until Saturday. Had a couple drinks . But I successfully rejected calls for binge drinking from my friends and I think they're mad. Anyway, so far so good, I didn't even drink one of the cold ones in the fridge today when watching the finals. I started to hang out with this girl that's straight edge so I'm getting good influence from her
. But I successfully rejected calls for binge drinking from my friends and I think they're mad. Anyway, so far so good, I didn't even drink one of the cold ones in the fridge today when watching the finals. I started to hang out with this girl that's straight edge so I'm getting good influence from her 
Good on ya!!! Another non-alcoholic here, I just got bored of it and the yucky feeling the day after. I no longer talk to my drinking buddies and will leave the liver damage to them thank you very much 2 cans at the most for me or half a small 20ml bottle of vodka at the weekend and all is good!
2 cans at the most for me or half a small 20ml bottle of vodka at the weekend and all is good!Glad to know that so many here are alcohol-free .
.Good on ya!!! Another non-alcoholic here, I just got bored of it and the yucky feeling the day after. I no longer talk to my drinking buddies and will leave the liver damage to them thank you very much
This is an interesting thread because lately I have been asking myself if Im becoming an alcoholic, there are many definitions out there which constitute alcoholism,
First off all my friends are involved with families and dont have the money or desire to go out boozing so as far as enablers or environment they are non existent
The second factor is I dont drink to get drunk, no blackouts, no duis, no slurred speech, no hangovers, no abusive behavior, no vomiting, and no problems at work or with my relationships
But here is my concern, I drink every day; and to make matters worse I work 4 days and then have 4 days off. So every week is like a little mini 4day vacation. On the days I work Im fine, I have one to three drinks and go to bed. However on my days off I drink all day starting early and finishing up before my wife comes home. It takes about 40minutes for a male my size to process one drink, on my days off I have about one drink every hour, so I never get drunk but I am drinking all day.
Now I can easily stop, Ive done it before to loose weight, no withdrawals or anything; but I like to drink, I like the taste of a single malt scotch or a cold beer on a hot summers day, I like to drink when I cook and I like to drink when I listen to music, its something I enjoy to do. Now over a course of a week I may drink a lot but since Im not getting drunk Im not sure if I have a problem.
Now just for the record, I have a degree in Psychology, Im from New England (known for being a place of heavy drinkers), and I come from an Irish family.
I know alcoholism when I see it, how it ruins not only the persons life but everyone around them, Ive known a lot of drug addicts as well; I know the face of addiction, but with my drinking it just doesnt meet any of the tell tale signs.
But I have to wonder am I in denial?
First off all my friends are involved with families and dont have the money or desire to go out boozing so as far as enablers or environment they are non existent
The second factor is I dont drink to get drunk, no blackouts, no duis, no slurred speech, no hangovers, no abusive behavior, no vomiting, and no problems at work or with my relationships
But here is my concern, I drink every day; and to make matters worse I work 4 days and then have 4 days off. So every week is like a little mini 4day vacation. On the days I work Im fine, I have one to three drinks and go to bed. However on my days off I drink all day starting early and finishing up before my wife comes home. It takes about 40minutes for a male my size to process one drink, on my days off I have about one drink every hour, so I never get drunk but I am drinking all day.
Now I can easily stop, Ive done it before to loose weight, no withdrawals or anything; but I like to drink, I like the taste of a single malt scotch or a cold beer on a hot summers day, I like to drink when I cook and I like to drink when I listen to music, its something I enjoy to do. Now over a course of a week I may drink a lot but since Im not getting drunk Im not sure if I have a problem.
Now just for the record, I have a degree in Psychology, Im from New England (known for being a place of heavy drinkers), and I come from an Irish family.
I know alcoholism when I see it, how it ruins not only the persons life but everyone around them, Ive known a lot of drug addicts as well; I know the face of addiction, but with my drinking it just doesnt meet any of the tell tale signs.
But I have to wonder am I in denial?
K - only you can say. I would be scared if I were married to you.
Check this out
If I drink alcohol, How Much is Too Much? www.AlcoholScreening.org
Hope this helps you.
Check this out
If I drink alcohol, How Much is Too Much? www.AlcoholScreening.org
Hope this helps you.
Alcoholics don't necessarily drink to get drunk. A lot of us drink (or did drink) to function. My father regularly drank Southern Comfort before heading off to work each day, just like 'normal' folks have coffee.
If you drink to feel 'normal' then that's a good sign of alcoholism.
If you drink to feel 'normal' then that's a good sign of alcoholism.
HI, My name is Brenda from Lubbock, TX and I am new to this site. I Was browsing around on here and came across your concern about Alcoholism. We all have different experiences and we all must write our own story. Personally I have been in recovery for over six years, Such a short time compared to the years wasted in my addiction. I am a very active member of AA. At first it was about how do I stay sober but now it is about helping others. I had to have a sufficient substitute and it is vastly more than that. I have a group of friends that build each other up and we have so much fun. It's not about OMG I can't drink r use today. It's about being the best I can in all areas of my life. Now for the Analogs I think you guys call them. I am struggling. One day at a Time
- Status
Similar threads
- Locked
