Do I have a problem with alcohol?
Posted , 10 users are following.
So in April last year I began going out with friends again. I had just gotten out of an abusive relationship and it was nice to go out and have the freedom I wasn't used to. I began drinking on the weekends with friends & occasionally as time went on also on the weekdays. Only I began noticing how I'd drink my glass quicker than all my friends around me and would be onto the next glass within minutes. Sometimes I'd try slow myself down incase anybody noticed but I find that difficult. As times gone on my nights out seem to get worse and worse. In july last year I suffered a brain bleed whilst out drinking and I thought that would stop me but its not. Anytime I'm out I loose all sense of control, end up in strangers homes and beds and do wreckless things that I wouldnt do sober, ive ended up in hospital 4 times in the space of 11 months due to alcohol. I feel ashamed in the morning and when im drinking its like i cant stop. Its affecting my relationships around me and im loosing friends over my behaviour. My family say I shouldnt drink and there concerned but its really difficult. Every time I think 'ill be better this time, I wont act silly' etc but It just gets worse each time. On saturday when I was out we were walking to a different club & I can remember being angry inside my head cause they wouldn't hurry up and I felt like I was literally craving alcohol and of course yet again I ended up legless, lost & talking to strangers. So I guess what I'm asking is do I have a problem & is there any advice I can be given?
0 likes, 31 replies
TheToad chelsey300796
Posted
I think you might have a problem. But you've come to the right place for advice, help and encouragement. The replies will soon arrive and remember, you won't be judged.
Robin2015 chelsey300796
Posted
? Robin
pistal666 chelsey300796
Posted
Chelsey, It's kinda strange that after reading your complete Car Crash of a story, that you are asking if you have a problem. You must be able to see that this is not good for you, and it's worrying that you don't seem to have any perspective on this issue. It makes me think that you have had a really tough time in the past, especially as you mention the abusive relationship. You reconise that you have your freedom now, but you have become self destructive. I don't think from this snapshot of your life, that Drink is the only issue. I think problems run a little deeper. I don't know how close you are to the people around you, but is there anyone you could talk frankly to? Regardless, I would seek professional help because this is not going to just go away. If you are unhappy with loosing friends, blacking out, sleeping with strangers, waking up in Hospital and dealing with cravings, then you have a problem 100%, but I think there is a chance you are self medicating for another issue, whether it's depression, low self esteem, anxiety or any other of a long list. You would be wise to set up as many nets as you can, finding out numbers of possible local help you might be able to utilise. There are many people on here that can give you a plethora of advice that have gone through a similar situation. But try and make this a turning point and a chance of self recognition............Or, I could be wrong and you are fine.
I hope you stay on here so we can find out, and maybe help a little.
AL
chelsey300796 pistal666
Posted
Hi, thankyou for the reply. I have had a tough time and I was in the relationship for nearly 5 years so when I did get out I struggled. I have friends but alot of them are at their whits end due to my behaviour cause it doesn't change when I'm out drinking. There is AA meetings down the road from me and its something called 'steps' but I'm no sure whether or not I can just walk in as it's something I'm not familiar with.
pistal666 chelsey300796
Posted
Hi Chelsey, You should have no problem walking in to an AA meeting, although you would probably find it very nerve racking, but generally speaking they are a friendly bunch. If you phoned AA, they would probably put you intouch with someone local and your age to help you out. AA is not for everyone, so don't give up if you don't find it helpful, there are other organisations that my suit you better, where you can go in and talk 1-1 and get a more taylored plan for you, and sort out Medication for you without you having to go to the Doctor. Are you in the UK, if you are, what County do you live in?
vickylou chelsey300796
Posted
Hi Chelsey
welcome to the forum! You're certainly not alone, most of us have been where you are and you can change.
Bleed on the brain, I'm sure RHGB, a knowledgable regular here will reply with detailed info from personal experience, which I hope he won't mind my mentioning.
Sounds like a change is needed. In most cases, medication is the best and most successful method. Will reply later in detail if needed, but am sure you'll get plenty of replies before then.
good luck and well done for recognising you need some help.
ADEfree chelsey300796
Posted
Chelsey, I'd suggest getting this under control and if you can't simply give it up, take a look at The Sinclair Method:
https://patient.info/health/sinclair-method-for-alcohol-use-disorder
I've done this myself to go from a couple of six packs every night to less than a six pack per month. I've read the stories of quite a few bingers that usually black out when the drink. It's not long into using the above method that the blackouts become history. It's not going to bring your drinking to a sudden halt overnight, but you will start moving in the de-addicted direction month by month. I've been in the low-risk drinking range since August and I couldn't be happier with my results.
pistal666 ADEfree
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vickylou pistal666
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I'm certain he doesn't!!
chelsey300796 ADEfree
Posted
Hi,
I've read it and I'm going to look more into it and give my GP a visit. Thankyou
pistal666 vickylou
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ADEfree pistal666
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None at all, Pistal.
It's just that I see so many people being told that Alcohol Use Disorder is a character flaw or a bad personal choice, so many that think AA/abstinence is the only solution. That they have to hit "rock bottom" and suffer all manner of loss before they're "ready to quit". This even from doctors that should know better, but who get almost no training in addictions. This is the "advice" people are given 90% of the time, yet it only works about 10% of the time.
So, no. I don't get any money (even indirectly) to tell people about TSM or how Naltrexone or Selincro can help them. I have contributed money to the foundations that are spreading the word though and have spent a lot of time helping people understand that Medication Assisted Treatment can help them eliminate alcohol from their lives or get their drinking firmly under control virtually 100% of the time.
ADEfree chelsey300796
Posted
You're quite welcome, Chelsey! I'm going to send you a few links via Private Message that will help you understand what's available in your area and the steps you have to take. It varies from one county to the next and it's good to be armed with this info ahead of time.
Here's a link to your messages:
https://patient.info/forums/me/messages ;
pistal666 ADEfree
Posted
ADEfree pistal666
Posted
It depends on whether it's Naltrexone or Selincro and varies by the individual. For Naltrexone the spread looks to be 4-13 hours. For TSM, the general guidance to have another in the 9th hour if you're going to be drinking beyond 12 hours after the first pill. For Selincro, the half life appears to be around 11 hours, but check it out with a pharmacist for the particulars.
pistal666 ADEfree
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vickylou pistal666
Posted
Jeez
not angry at all, was merely implying how passionate and committed ADE is about TSM and how well it's helped him
pistal666 vickylou
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ADEfree vickylou
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vickylou
Posted
I'd just like to point out in response to a pm that I am not an angry person and I don't need HRT haha
gwen45436 vickylou
Posted
Respect to ADE I say.