Ok

[GrapeGirl]

So I like to drink. I don't drink every day....but when I do drink, I can't stop after one. I hear I would make a really good lawyer if they allowed you to practice it drunk because after I have one drink, then I begin to rationalize why I need another. Then I do it again and again until I don't remember anything. Someone has to tell me the next morning what a great time I had.

And if I don't get a drink, then I get really moody. I didn't realize it, but others did. But then I feel bad. But I still get moody even if I don't drink. I obsess over it a lot. I think a beer or bourbon or schnapps would go good with anything and everything. I noticed I'll start drinking in the afternoons rather than waiting until evening if I'm by myself.

ANd that would be okay, but I always feel really bad after I sober up. But then I do it again without giving it a second thought.

So I can admit that I might have a problem. People close to me have suggested AA meetings, but I really feel that I wouldn't belong there. IF I was to go to a meeting, how would I find one close to me? Do they have one for specific age groups?

 

[BlessEwe]

I am so glad you posted here and are looking into answers for yourself. I did see that you took some self tests and now have concerns.

Only you can come to the conclusion that you are addicted/an alcoholic.


Stopping now and seeking help will stop the progression provided below.




SOCIAL DRINKERS — Most Americans are characterized as social drinkers. Statistics indicate, however, that one of every 16 drinkers will become alcoholic.

WARNING SIGNS — The individual begins to drink more frequently and more than his associates. He drinks for confidence or to tolerate or escape problems. No party or other occasion is complete without a couple of drinks.

EARLY ALCOHOLISM — With increasing frequency, the individual drinks too much. "Blackouts," or temporary amnesia, occur during or following drinking episodes. He drinks more rapidly than others, sneaks drinks and in other ways conceals the quantity that he drinks. He resents any reference to his drinking habits.

BASIC ALCOHOLISM — The individual begins to lose control as to the time, place and amount of his drinking. He gets drunk unintentionally. He hides and protects his liquor supply. He drinks to overcome the hangover from his prior drinking. He tries new patterns of drinking as to time and place of drinking. He attempts cures by moving to new locations or by changing his drinking companions.

CHRONIC ALCOHOLISM — The individual becomes a loner in his drinking. He develops alibis, excuses and rationalizations to cover up or explain his drinking. Personality and behavior changes occur that affect all relationships — family, employment, community. Extended binges, physical tremors, hallucinations and delirium, complete rejection of social reality, malnutrition with accompanying illness and disease and early death all occur as chronic alcoholism progresses.


Quote" and behavioral changes including irritability when unable to drink. <<< Something you mentioned brought up a red flag, read more about this in the link below

http://goodmentalhealth4u.com/32


Am I an alcoholic> or google this question

http://alcoholism.about.com/od/tests/a/quiz_alcoholic.htm

Some people don't realize they have a problem until they sit in AA meetings and hear others stories. Denial can sometimes be so hard to break through, and many do not make it for help. Feel free to ask any questions that you have, there are so many wonderful people here in recovery



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[madison1101]

I felt the same way you do at one time. I can tell you that alcoholism is a progressive, fatal illness. It will get worse, if not stopped. Total abstinence is necessary to stop it. AA can help you.

You don't have to relate to every single person in AA. I don't. I just know that they know how to do something I can't do by myself, and that is stop drinking and learn to live life sober.

To learn more about AA, you can go to their website. www.aa.org

To find meetings here is their link.
http://www.aa.org/lang/en/meeting_finder.cfm?origpage=29

Good luck.
Trish