Am I an Alcoholic

[KingGheedora]

You do have a problem. If you don't do anything now it will progress into full out alcoholism. Some might classify you now as an alcoholic, but whatever, it can only get worse from here, without you taking some action.

Get some exercise. I guarantee you whatever physical activity involved in your work with kids is not the same as a 30 minute run.

 

[ballmode]

nah

 

[db]

If you can't control it, you have a problem. The key word is *control*.
Also, you are using alcohol to solve a problem (stress/worry/whatever). Which means the original problem doesn't go away. It's unproductive and will eventually hurt you over time.
1. Try working off the stress by doing exercise, or getting a message, sitting in the jacuzzi, etc.
2. Try to find more effective ways to deal with the issues at work, while you are at work.

I know that "sounds easy, but it's not". But it is worth doing. If you can't do it alone, go to an AA meeting. You'd be surprised what it's like.

 

[totalcommand]

Originally posted by: SirStev0

Originally posted by: Brainonska511
If you find you can't make it through the day without a drink, as you described above, you may want to seek out help, either professionally or maybe an AA meeting.

I would only go to AA if you are a religious person, otherwise they are of no help.

Maybe another support group.

Or you could try cutting yourself off. If stress is the cause of your drinking maybe try to get rid of the stress. See if the drinking ends with that. Alcoholism is a physical addiction, but I am a firm believer of mind over matter. Make yourself stop drinking, try some new kind of stress release, and see where it gets you...

not true at all. i had a non-religious friend go to AA and they helped him a lot.

 

[db]

AA has nothing to do with "religion". At some point during the 12 steps it is good to consider what it is that you can use as a solid foundation from which to put trust in or derive meaning/inspiration from. For some people that is god, for others it is themselves, or any number of other things.

A proper AA meeting will be welcoming, non-judgmental, understanding, and caring. The people are in the same boat as you, in various stages. Some are first-timers; some don't drink anymore but continue attending b/c it is so supportive, caring and helpful. This is a place where you can put the bullsh!t away and be real if you want.
Nobody forces you to do anything. You'd be surprised how many people are in same situation Why should you have to reinvent the wheel? If you go to a meeting that is other than that, it is not a proper AA meeting and you should find a different one.

 

[miniMUNCH]

Maybe work on the sources of stress in your life.

So much stress stems from getting in over your head financially. If you don't need your high paying job (i.e. you could do just fine on half your income) then you can just let things at the office slide.

 

[clamum]

Have you looked into the possibility of switching jobs?

 

[angminas]

Well, the rule of thumb for alcohol is, if you wonder if you have a problem, you probably do. (That's rule of thumb, not infallible prophecy.) But "having a problem" is not the same as "puking, stinking, staggering drunk every day". You're probably not overboozed, you're overstressed. But that situation has a way of reversing itself very quickly.

When you're craving (something to relieve the incredible stress which just happens to be alcohol at the moment) as much as you indicate, your stress level is probably dangerously high. Alcohol is a great toy, but a poor medication.

You should probably stop drinking martinis for several weeks and maybe get the gin out of the house. And no fair replacing it with something else that's mainly for a fast buzz. Drinking for a fast buzz = sirens in the distance. If you can handle just a couple beers, fine. Drinking two beers a night for three weeks and still craving booze like mad = sirens right outside your door. Don't allow yourself to fantasize about booze while you're not drinking, and don't allow yourself to be bitter about not fantasizing.

When you have reduced the booze temptation, maybe focus less on the alcohol and more on the stress. Someone who knows you and your situation well would be able to help you with a specific strategy, since there are innumerable stress-reducing strategies. Exercise, prayer, artsy-craftsy-creative stuff, puzzles (of all kinds), and talking earnestly with friends and family about your situation might be good places to start. Maybe you even need a different job. Not every person is suited for every job, and some jobs aren't suitable for anybody.

We are all bound by habits, so getting used to drinking as you do isn't a huge deal yet. You are wise to be looking into it before it's a big problem. There are a lot of people who drink as much as you do, or far more, and never have any trouble with it...and a lot who would quickly become alcoholics drinking like you do. It's more the state of mind than the amount you drink.

G'luck

 

[dighn]

 

[Juno]

i had been drinking heavily in college. at 20, i learned my liver wasn't able to handle that amount of alcohol due to series of vomiting. ever since, i reduced my drinking limits and began to drink socially.

now i'm 22 and have been sober since last december. i feel so much good now.

edit: due to failure of health, i still have others to worry about.

 

[Azraele]

You're using alcohol as a means to alleviate stress. You need to find a healthy way to deal with the stress. You have the start of a problem, and it needs to be nipped in the bud before it gets out of hand.

 

[imported_Mike]

Mo money, mo problems.

werd to the streets

 

[bobdelt]

until it has affected your work or social life, i wouldnt worry about it, or seek help. If youre drinking on the job, or meeting friends after work and you have to sneek into a bar to get a drink before you do, then you might have a problem. The way youre drinking right now is not destroying your life. In the states it might not be considered acceptable but in some european countries i bet its perfectly fine.

 

[Amused]

Originally posted by: K1052

Originally posted by: Isla

Originally posted by: K1052

Originally posted by: Jadow
Sometomes I don't even take my coat off before I grab the gin bottle.

I'm not sure if I would call you an alcoholic yet but the above isn't a good sign.


Personally I prefer the gym for regular stress relief and it's better for me.

Yeah, I can't really get to the gym and my work is pretty physical to begin with (teaching little kids, there is no sitting still!!!) and my REAL addiction is hot bubble baths every night. Without them, I would be a raging maniac.

A healthy stress relief alternative would be worth checking into!

Based on the OP's description of his job being chained to his desk, like myself, I thought it a reasonable suggestion. Whatever works.

Keeps me from getting fat as an added bonus.

You couldn't get fat if you tried.

But I agree with you 100%. Heading to the gym is a great stress reliever.

Also, keeping no alcohol at home is a good idea.

My rules have always been: Never drink at home unless I'm having a party, never drink alone and do not keep alcohol in the house.

I've never had an alcohol problem, but from watching others these seemed to be what got them in trouble most.

 

[K1052]

Originally posted by: Amused

Originally posted by: K1052

Originally posted by: Isla

Originally posted by: K1052

Originally posted by: Jadow
Sometomes I don't even take my coat off before I grab the gin bottle.

I'm not sure if I would call you an alcoholic yet but the above isn't a good sign.


Personally I prefer the gym for regular stress relief and it's better for me.

Yeah, I can't really get to the gym and my work is pretty physical to begin with (teaching little kids, there is no sitting still!!!) and my REAL addiction is hot bubble baths every night. Without them, I would be a raging maniac.

A healthy stress relief alternative would be worth checking into!

Based on the OP's description of his job being chained to his desk, like myself, I thought it a reasonable suggestion. Whatever works.

Keeps me from getting fat as an added bonus.

You couldn't get fat if you tried.

But I agree with you 100%. Heading to the gym is a great stress reliever.

Also, keeping no alcohol at home is a good idea.

My rules have always been: Never drink at home unless I'm having a party, never drink alone and do not keep alcohol in the house.

I've never had an alcohol problem, but from watching others these seemed to be what got them in trouble most.

I went from 30 to 31 pant size :Q
Damn tasty Chicago food

 

[Amused]

Originally posted by: K1052


I went from 30 to 31 pant size :Q
Damn tasty Chicago food

You're finally growing up. Soon you'll be able to shop in the men's section.

Seriously, though. If you can finally put on weight, I'd suggest lifting seriously. See how much muscle you can put on.

 

[K1052]

Originally posted by: Amused

Originally posted by: K1052


I went from 30 to 31 pant size :Q
Damn tasty Chicago food

You're finally growing up. Soon you'll be able to shop in the men's section.

Seriously, though. If you can finally put on weight, I'd suggest lifting seriously. See how much muscle you can put on.

But the kids section is cheaper :laugh:

Already ahead of you on the lifting part. Gained about 12lbs in the last 6 months, which for me is a lot.

 

[IceBergSLiM]

This is more a sign to quit your job than a sign to quit your drinking.

Start working out after work see if you still need that drink.

 

[Vegitto]

Originally posted by: Brainonska511
If you find you can't make it through the day without a drink, as you described above, you may want to seek out help, either professionally or maybe an AA meeting.

AA is a fscking cult. They might help people, true, but only if 'you accept that there is a higher power, and you are powerless without it'..

 

[j00fek]

might wanna try AA or somthing

 

[jemcam]

There are healthier ways to deal with stress than drinking. Is it not better to deal with your stresses in a way that allows you to deal with them permanenetly rather than make you forget about them through drinking?

Remember above all that alcoholism is a progressive disease, that is, it gets worse as time goes on.

PM me if you really think you want to stop drinking. Yes, I've been in your shoes. Also, I wouldn't take the advice of anyone who has never dealt with this problem themselves successfully.

I can tell you what worked for me, but I'm not posting it on a forum for obvious reasons, there are too many immature people on this board.

 

[Amused]

Originally posted by: K1052

Already ahead of you on the lifting part. Gained about 12lbs in the last 6 months, which for me is a lot.

Sweet! Keep it up. You can continue with the gains if you focus on clean protein and lift smart. PM me if you want tips on how to get the most from your lifting.

 

[Amused]

Originally posted by: jemcam
There are healthier ways to deal with stress than drinking. Is it not better to deal with your stresses in a way that allows you to deal with them permanenetly rather than make you forget about them through drinking?

Remember above all that alcoholism is a progressive disease, that is, it gets worse as time goes on.

PM me if you really think you want to stop drinking. Yes, I've been in your shoes. Also, I wouldn't take the advice of anyone who has never dealt with this problem themselves successfully.

I can tell you what worked for me, but I'm not posting it on a forum for obvious reasons, there are too many immature people on this board.

I wouldn't say he needs to stop.

I would say he needs other outlets for his stress and to moderate his drinking.

 

[K1052]

Originally posted by: Amused

Originally posted by: K1052

Already ahead of you on the lifting part. Gained about 12lbs in the last 6 months, which for me is a lot.

Sweet! Keep it up. You can continue with the gains if you focus on clean protein and lift smart. PM me if you want tips on how to get the most from your lifting.

Thanks

 

[theprodigalrebel]

You don't sound like an alcoholic...yet. //Note the emphasis on yet