On the verge of a drinking problem

[Bonnie707]

I'm on the verge of a serious drinking problem and I'm trying to control myself. Right now I usually have 2-3 drinks after work every day. That amount isn't enough for me to become intoxicated. Although some days I get a bit tipsy during the work week even when I have to work at 0900 the next morning. If it's a weekend night and I don't have anything going on, I can easily put away a six pack and a 750 ml of wine.

I'm not really a social drinker and drink alone at my apartment. I'm certainly not a "party girl." To be honest I don't have that many friends. I was diagnosed with depression and social anxiety in my early 20's. I'm 25 now. I spent some time on anti-depressants and in therapy. I'm on neither at the moment. But when I find myself having a mental health relapse I often turn to alcohol.

I try to turn to the Lord instead of alcohol. I grew up in a Christian family but my parents didn't really push/encourage me to find Christ. In college I started to discover Him on my own. My life have improved tremendously with Christ in my life. But I need to get rid of the alcohol.

I don't consider myself a "drunkard" as described as the person that will not inherent the kingdom of God. Maybe it's because I've gotten used to the drinking, but I'm still function and never get hang overs. I've probably had 6-7 drinks tonight as I'm typing this.

I'm not sure what to do. I'm still not as close to the Lord as I want to be. If I was to die suddenly, I can't say if I would be saved or not. Alcohol is a distraction and I need to get rid of it. This could easily turn into a big problem for me as I have numerous people in my family that are alcoholics.

I need to make the change before things get even worse. Thank you for your help and suggestions.

 

[Lilly Owl]

When you drink regularly you build up a tolerance for the effect of the alcohol inebriating the body.

Stop what you regularly do so as to get into that repetitive behavior.
You say you have a couple or more drinks after work every day. Stop doing that every day.

Some people are allergic to alcohol. The craving they have is for the sugar the body craves and that then compels the alcoholic to imbibe.
Allergy to alcohol manifests symptoms such as sneezing shortly after you begin to drink. Flushing of skin to red. Aches in the extremities.

Replace the sugar craving that can manifest in alcoholic cravings with good sugars, like sliced carrots, apples, pears, berries, etc... Or juices.

The way to solve your problem is when you realize you have one. It seems you have. If you want to see if you've crossed the threshold into alcoholism test yourself.
This is the weekend. Next week when you go to work on Monday, or the next day you go to work, don't go get those drinks after. And commit to abstaining for a whole week of work.
And while you're doing that drink lots of water. Not tap, because that can be treated now days. Spring water is great. Mineral water is excellent too.
If you can't do it, you've got your answer.

The alcoholic says; I can quit anytime.
Well, if they could, they would.

God be with you.

 

[Bonnie707]

Hello Lily Owl and thank you for your reply. You're right I have been getting into a repetitive pattern of drinking. I'll get home a grab a drink out of the fridge before fixing dinner. It's part of my evening routine. I've been doing it too long that a couple of drinks don't affect me. If I need to feel the effects of the alcohol I might then take a couple of shots.

I'll give that a try and will try to make it a week without drinking after work. I usually go to the grocery store on the weekend. Alcohol is always on my list. I won't pick anymore up this weekend. Plus it's expensive! Although I always seem to have a supply of alcohol around. Alcohol is usually the dominant item in my fridge.

I don't live by my family and moved halfway across the country for my job. But when my family comes to visit I have to take all of the beer out of the fridge and bottles of liquor out of my cabinets and hide them in a closet. I don't know how my mom in particular would feel about seeing me with all of the booze. That should be a sign right there I have a problem. It might be different if I had friends over and the alcohol was for entertaining. But it's all for me.

I'll try to make these changes and cut out my drinking. Thanks for your thoughts and advice!

 

[changewithgrace]

Hey there. Makes me happy to see that you recognised this and caught it early. Drinking at home to has been fortunate since you have not got in any trebles with law or anything like myself. For me it gradually got worse and it took a long time and several bad things to happen before I decided to want to make a change. Keep with it and it won't develop to anything worse. Bless you

 

[Lilly Owl]

I shall continue to keep you in my prayers. And I am proud of you that you recognized you have an issue and that you care enough about yourself to want to find peace and healing from that routine. God be with you.

I know someone who has a health food store they acquired last year. If you want natural health assistance let me know, here or by PM, and I'll ask them what they'd recommend in their inventory.

Hello Lily Owl and thank you for your reply. You're right I have been getting into a repetitive pattern of drinking. I'll get home a grab a drink out of the fridge before fixing dinner. It's part of my evening routine. I've been doing it too long that a couple of drinks don't affect me. If I need to feel the effects of the alcohol I might then take a couple of shots.

I'll give that a try and will try to make it a week without drinking after work. I usually go to the grocery store on the weekend. Alcohol is always on my list. I won't pick anymore up this weekend. Plus it's expensive! Although I always seem to have a supply of alcohol around. Alcohol is usually the dominant item in my fridge.

I don't live by my family and moved halfway across the country for my job. But when my family comes to visit I have to take all of the beer out of the fridge and bottles of liquor out of my cabinets and hide them in a closet. I don't know how my mom in particular would feel about seeing me with all of the booze. That should be a sign right there I have a problem. It might be different if I had friends over and the alcohol was for entertaining. But it's all for me.

I'll try to make these changes and cut out my drinking. Thanks for your thoughts and advice!

 

[Bonnie707]

Hey there. Makes me happy to see that you recognised this and caught it early. Drinking at home to has been fortunate since you have not got in any trebles with law or anything like myself. For me it gradually got worse and it took a long time and several bad things to happen before I decided to want to make a change. Keep with it and it won't develop to anything worse. Bless you

Hi changewithgrace and thank you for your reply. I'm sorry to hear about your troubles but am glad that you have decided to make a change. I do feel fortunate I caught this early. Although it can be a problem drinking all alone because I don't have anyone there to judge me. I'll control my drinking a bit better when I'm around friends. Just because none of my friends drink as much as I do so I'll end up drinking less than usual since I'm drinking on pace with them. I realize I need to get this under control for my professional life as well. I manager a recreation center. I've had both my employees and supervisor call me later in the evening (during the week) when I've been drinking. Needless to say it was quite embarrassing.

Best of luck to you.

I shall continue to keep you in my prayers. And I am proud of you that you recognized you have an issue and that you care enough about yourself to want to find peace and healing from that routine. God be with you.

I know someone who has a health food store they acquired last year. If you want natural health assistance let me know, here or by PM, and I'll ask them what they'd recommend in their inventory.

Thank you Lilly Owl I appreciate your prayers. I'd be interested to hear what a natural health expert would recommend as a replacement for all the chemicals: whether it be the anti-depressants in my past or the alcohol that I'm dealing with now. I'm certain there are better ways to handle things than what I've been doing! Thanks again

 

[UKChristian]

I can relate to a lot of what you're saying. I'm 31 and was drinking very heavily until the second half of last year. I don't think I'm an alcoholic as I made a conscious decision last year to drink a lot less, partly as I believe it's affecting my physical health. Due to anxiety I won't go to a Dr to see if this is actually the case or not though.

Anyway I just wanted to give you some words of encouragement. I've found since I've severely limited my drinking from what it was, I have a lot more money at my disposal. One of my interests is live music and I couldn't go to that many concerts as despite earning a reasonable wage, I spent a large part of it on beer. Now I can afford to go to a lot more concerts. I've also taken to going to the cinema a lot more as well. Basically anything to keep me out of the pub. Treat yourself with doing something or buying something you like or are interested in every now & then with the money you save. It's a good feeling

I will keep you in my prayers and you are welcome to PM me if you wish.

 

[Bonnie707]

I can relate to a lot of what you're saying. I'm 31 and was drinking very heavily until the second half of last year. I don't think I'm an alcoholic as I made a conscious decision last year to drink a lot less, partly as I believe it's affecting my physical health. Due to anxiety I won't go to a Dr to see if this is actually the case or not though.

Anyway I just wanted to give you some words of encouragement. I've found since I've severely limited my drinking from what it was, I have a lot more money at my disposal. One of my interests is live music and I couldn't go to that many concerts as despite earning a reasonable wage, I spent a large part of it on beer. Now I can afford to go to a lot more concerts. I've also taken to going to the cinema a lot more as well. Basically anything to keep me out of the pub. Treat yourself with doing something or buying something you like or are interested in every now & then with the money you save. It's a good feeling

I will keep you in my prayers and you are welcome to PM me if you wish.

Hi UkChristian and thank you for your reply. I'm glad to hear you've turned yourself around and are drinking far less than you had been in the past. And even better you found a hobby in live music rather than visiting the pubs! That's a great idea, I like it. I'll take the money I would usually spend on alcohol and invest in somewhere else. Either towards a hobby or even in a savings account just to have the money rather than drink it away. I went to the grocery store this weekend. My bill was at least $30.00 less because I didn't pick up my usual weekly supply of alcohol!

Thanks again for your reply! I appreciate your thoughts and prayers. Best of luck to you as well!

 

[artqween]

I'm on the verge of a serious drinking problem and I'm trying to control myself. Right now I usually have 2-3 drinks after work every day. That amount isn't enough for me to become intoxicated. Although some days I get a bit tipsy during the work week even when I have to work at 0900 the next morning. If it's a weekend night and I don't have anything going on, I can easily put away a six pack and a 750 ml of wine.

I'm not really a social drinker and drink alone at my apartment. I'm certainly not a "party girl." To be honest I don't have that many friends. I was diagnosed with depression and social anxiety in my early 20's. I'm 25 now. I spent some time on anti-depressants and in therapy. I'm on neither at the moment. But when I find myself having a mental health relapse I often turn to alcohol.

I try to turn to the Lord instead of alcohol. I grew up in a Christian family but my parents didn't really push/encourage me to find Christ. In college I started to discover Him on my own. My life have improved tremendously with Christ in my life. But I need to get rid of the alcohol.

I don't consider myself a "drunkard" as described as the person that will not inherent the kingdom of God. Maybe it's because I've gotten used to the drinking, but I'm still function and never get hang overs. I've probably had 6-7 drinks tonight as I'm typing this.

I'm not sure what to do. I'm still not as close to the Lord as I want to be. If I was to die suddenly, I can't say if I would be saved or not. Alcohol is a distraction and I need to get rid of it. This could easily turn into a big problem for me as I have numerous people in my family that are alcoholics.

I need to make the change before things get even worse. Thank you for your help and suggestions.

Hi friend.. Huge request reconsider snd get help with ur anxiety. And possibly ur cocktail issue. U seem to have one
Ur family and family dr. Can help with both. Cutting back may not help. Ur body is in danger.. Ur kidneys,..
u can do serious injury through alcohol
Abuse. Unfort.ly.. U may have worse prob. Than u care to admit :-(. In my opinion. Pray about ur situation. They do a realistic soil search on how much u actually consume. Ask ur parents for help and ur friends. U dont have to do this alone . Go to support groups at ur local hospital. There r remedies ur dr. Can get u. Hi and plezd to meet u. U csn also sign up for disability for both of ur situations. suggestion.
Good luck... Friend

 

[Alivewire]

In my opinion, one's salvation is determined by one thing .....Faith! I think that establishes a relationship between God and the individual. With the sacrifice and gift God afforded humanity, the death of his son, (for us) , showed his love and hope for us. As our creator, he offered conditions and expectations he had for us. We fell short and tarnished what could have been a perfect situation. This shows that God allowed us to act and live as individuals.As far as drinking or substance abuse, we can look at Noah! He felt shame and embarrassed himself to both his family and the favor of God. His relationship and faith in what he believed about God, was sufficient in God's eyes to "use" him as an example for all of humanity!
I think it illustrates that we all are sinful, regardless of our tendencies. Drinking,jealousy,sex,anger,envy etc.... The message is simple......recognize the weakness you may have that contradicts God's word. Take advantage of what is available to correct it. In your case, the internet and forum advice.

I think part of our responsibility is to help ourselves as well as others. Addiction or the decisions that can lead up to an addiction, are normally linked to a flawed thought process. In it's essence, human reactions and treatment, often start or stop our actions. I think it is important to realize that God already knows this and is eager to "Work with you" in combatting this! You have taken a step that is evidence of your willingness to work with God!
I'd be excited and confident that he will guide you and protect you! Follow your heart and don't doubt it!

 

[genetheking]

Proverbs 20:1
Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.

Also Proverbs Who has woe?
Who has sorrow?
Who has contentions?
Who has complaints?
Who has wounds without cause?
Who has redness of eyes?
30 Those who linger long at the wine,
Those who go in search of mixed wine.
31 Do not look on the wine when it is red,
When it sparkles in the cup,
When it swirls around smoothly;
32 At the last it bites like a serpent,
And stings like a viper.
33 Your eyes will see strange things,
And your heart will utter perverse things.
34 Yes, you will be like one who lies down in the midst of the sea,
Or like one who lies at the top of the mast, saying:
35 “They have struck me, but I was not hurt;
They have beaten me, but I did not feel it.
When shall I awake, that I may seek another drink?

1 Corinthians 3:17
If anyone defiles the temple of God, God will destroy him. For the temple of God is holy, which temple you are.

1 Corinthians 6:19
Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own?

Look I'm not trying to condemn you for your drinking habits I'm just showing you what the Bible says aboout it. Nobody's perfect and we all go through our fair share of trials and sinning.

 

[madison1101]

Hi friend.. Huge request reconsider snd get help with ur anxiety. And possibly ur cocktail issue. U seem to have one
Ur family and family dr. Can help with both. Cutting back may not help. Ur body is in danger.. Ur kidneys,..
u can do serious injury through alcohol
Abuse. Unfort.ly.. U may have worse prob. Than u care to admit :-(. In my opinion. Pray about ur situation. They do a realistic soil search on how much u actually consume. Ask ur parents for help and ur friends. U dont have to do this alone . Go to support groups at ur local hospital. There r remedies ur dr. Can get u. Hi and plezd to meet u. U csn also sign up for disability for both of ur situations. suggestion.
Good luck... Friend

I would appreciate not having to read text speak. On the Internet, it's not acceptable. I don't read posts with text speak. It's very lazy.

 

[madison1101]

I was without Internet for a couple months, and am just getting back here this week.

To the original poster, how has your attempt to not drink during the work week gone?

I am active in Alcoholics Anonymous. I've heard every possible story there is about people's drinking problems, and what led to their occupying a seat in AA. My suggestion is, try attending a few AA meetings, and see if you relate to any of the stories. You can also read some AA literature on its website, Alcoholics Anonymous :.

AA is a spiritual program, with 12 Steps, which when taken, changes the way a person relates to God, other's, and life in general. There are no dues or fees. They pass the basket. The only requirement for membership is the desire to stop drinking. It's okay for people who aren't sure whether they're alcoholics to attend meetings and find out.

I only drank at home. I didn't drink everyday. In fact, when I first started attending meetings, there would be weeks between binges. I didn't think I was really an alcoholic because of the lack of drinking. I only stopped drinking because my psychotherapist insisted on it. Each time I relapsed, my drinking got worse. I also came to realize that my life was better when I was sober. Plus, I was able to handle life's stresses more sanely. I was a total addict to food, alcohol, drugs and acting out 20 years ago. God totally changed me about 12 years ago. My older son, had told me that if I had not changed, he and his siblings would not be in my life. Prior to my transformation, I had destroyed my marriage and alienated my three children.

Now, I was supposed to move from Pennsylvania to Michigan, to live near my daughter and grandchildren, at the end of December. Unfortunately, I broke my foot, and needed surgery, just before my move. Instead of moving, I had to go live with my sister, and mother, while my belongings came to Michigan on schedule. Being at my sister's was extremely stressful for many reasons, especially my mentally mother. When the doctor said I was ready to travel to Michigan, he said I couldn't drive for two weeks, because it was my right foot that I broke. During this entire seven week period, I never thought of drinking. I used a lot of self-soothing techniques, and kept in touch with my AA sponsor. I wasn't even able to get to AA meetings. Because I wasn't able to drive, all three of my children were willing to drive me to Michigan, flying, or taking a bus, for the trip home, or to Pennsylvania. These are the same kids who wanted nothing to do with me as soon as they left home for college.

Sorry to be so wordy. I just find telling my story sometimes helps other people.

 

[artqween]

I would appreciate not having to read text speak. On the Internet, it's not acceptable. I don't read posts with text speak. It's very lazy.

What r u talking about??

 

[RuthD]

I think that person needs to have tolerance of other people's differences in communicating.

 

[artqween]

I think that person needs to have tolerance of other people's differences in communicating.

RuthD who won the St.Patricks day character contest??? What happened to our party??? sorry for the interruption friends..

 

[servant of Merciful Love]

RuthD who won the St.Patricks day character contest??? What happened to our party???

The thread is in Blessings Exchange
St. Patricks Day Dress Up and Celebration
It is still going on ~

Back to the topic ~
I am praying for your strength, hope, and healing.
May God bless you in His merciful Love

 

[artqween]

The thread is in Blessings Exchange
St. Patricks Day Dress Up and Celebration
It is still going on ~

Back to the topic ~
I am praying for your strength, hope, and healing.
May God bless you in His merciful Love

Thanx

 

[madison1101]

Thanx

Artqween,
I am very sorry for being critical of your use of text speak, and I need to ask you to forgive me.

 

[artqween]

Artqween,
I am very sorry for being critical of your use of text speak, and I need to ask you to forgive me.

Thank u..