How much is too much?

[americianhardcorechristian]

How do you know when you have gone over the edge? Was it the first time you woke up in a place you didn't know? Was it the first time you got in a fight with your best friend? Or maybe the first time you ended up in the hostital? Or was it after you did something small that you regreat?

Im not speaking completely from experiance and I know Im too young to be dringking in the first place. But how do you know when you abuse it?

(Serching for answers) (Please share)

 

[Skaloop]

How do you know when you have gone over the edge? Was it the first time you woke up in a place you didn't know? Was it the first time you got in a fight with your best friend? Or maybe the first time you ended up in the hostital? Or was it after you did something small that you regreat?

Im not speaking completely from experiance and I know Im too young to be dringking in the first place. But how do you know when you abuse it?

(Serching for answers) (Please share)

For me, I went too far when I started secretly drinking on my own. My wife would be out for work or school or with friends, and I would drink, alone, to excess. I've always drank lots, but it was generally in a more social setting, and even if I did do it alone, I didn't keep it a secret. I didn't hide it. But more recently, I started doing it behind the back of the one who loves me most.

Then when she caught me, that was my rock-bottom; I almost lost her, and I cannot allow that to happen. The problem is not so much drinking in and of itself; I intend to drink again, in a healthy and responsible manner that I control. It was the secrecy and the lying about it that was the harmful part.

That was five weeks ago. I haven't had a single drink since. I'm getting counselling to deal with the trigger issues (work stress, etc.) and except for a glass of wine on our anniversary next week, we've both sworn off alcohol until 2007. By then, I will have myself in order and be ready to be responsible.

Basically, I think that when it starts harming others (and/or your relationship with others) that it's moved beyond the issue of a personal choice with personal consequences.

Hope that helped!

 

[UnitynLove]

I think when you need it to function in your regular life.

 

[americianhardcorechristian]

thanks you for your replies they have helped a lot.

 

[wmc1982]

1 beer is too many and a thousand isn't enough

 

[Gentle]

I never felt I drank too much but it's a very individual thing. I can but don't anymore, drink like a fish with no problems...others I see have only 2 and they are starting to lose it
best to leave it IMO
peace

 

[MarkChristopher]

For me, I went too far when I started secretly drinking on my own. My wife would be out for work or school or with friends, and I would drink, alone, to excess. I've always drank lots, but it was generally in a more social setting, and even if I did do it alone, I didn't keep it a secret. I didn't hide it. But more recently, I started doing it behind the back of the one who loves me most.

Then when she caught me, that was my rock-bottom; I almost lost her, and I cannot allow that to happen. The problem is not so much drinking in and of itself; I intend to drink again, in a healthy and responsible manner that I control. It was the secrecy and the lying about it that was the harmful part.

That was five weeks ago. I haven't had a single drink since. I'm getting counselling to deal with the trigger issues (work stress, etc.) and except for a glass of wine on our anniversary next week, we've both sworn off alcohol until 2007. By then, I will have myself in order and be ready to be responsible.

Basically, I think that when it starts harming others (and/or your relationship with others) that it's moved beyond the issue of a personal choice with personal consequences.

Hope that helped!

Those are some very interesting observations. You pattern of drinking was a lot like mine. Take the shortest route (with the tallest beers I could buy) to bet the maximum "buzz effect". The effect of your drinking was a lot like mine as well.

Its interesting to note that you intend to go back to drink sometime next year. I've come to the realization that I can't. I cannot be satisfied with just one drink. Its best for me in all situations to completely abstain. Sobriety is the best thing for me.

I wish you well on your recovery.

God Bless!