I'm thinking that I'm going to quit drinking.

[east85]

So today has been a bit worse, the hangover is not over with. I discovered that I hit my head at one point this weekend and that might have been responsible for some of the symptoms reported. My entire body is even more sore than before and I've discovered a small outbreak of poison ivy. The auditory and visual hallucinations have ended. I'm not feeling any better, but I will be in a weeks time after everything heals so I'm looking forward to that.

I just want to wish you the very best of luck! It's a difficult thing to do the way you described you used to drink. But anyhow, ALL THE VERY BEST of LUCK!

Thanks!

You're so lucky to come to this conclusion at a young age. Following through is another story. Best of luck and dump your toxic friends fast.

Yeah, I just wish I would have came to it a little bit earlier even now. I feel like I've been wasting a lot of time.

East85, I don't know if I have any advice to give, but I do need to say that you sound like a very level-headed, responsible person, and you're a strong person for recognising your problem now amd changing your life. Many uni students drink themselves to death in order to fit in.

I was initially going to suggest that you drink moderately, but since you can't do it, then you're doing the right thing. However, may I suggest that you continue to hang out with the friends you have?? They're your friends! By continuing to spend some time with them, you're telling them that you enjoy their company, but you still want to do this for yourself.

If you ditch your friends because you have decided not to drink, then you're just as bad as your friends if they chose not to talk to you because you don't drink.

While you're right, I'm just looking out for myself. I'm not ready to go out to the club or bar yet, and I think the temptation will just be more stifling at first so while I might go out with them eventually, I don't think it's a good idea to do off the bat I guess.

No but if he chooses to stop drinking some of those friends will try to tempt him to keep drinking, that is they may prove to be a stumbling block. Plus if their lifestyles turn out to be very different some of those friends may drift away.

I don't drink anymore, I used to when I was younger but no more. I remember seeing some friends drift away because drinking was so important to them that there was little in common with us. That is all we did was drink together and party.

OP, its great that you looking to change your lifestyle, If you starting to have those side affects that you reported then maybe its time to put the drink down. You'll need something else to replace the habit.

Tomorrow I'll go ahead and visit the gym maybe. I need a few days to recoup.. and then I guess I'll start picking up those old (more healthy) habits again. I'm afraid what you've described could probably also describe a number of my friendships. I guess like I said earlier, I'm social regardless so if it comes down to it I'll find another group. I think the choice here is between continuing to drink like I am and possibly dying or giving it up. I do enjoy some of my friends, but they're secondary to my health...

It's also one of the most effective ways of changing an unwanted behavior, to remove oneself from situations where temptation will occur.

Saying "just consume less" proves you have very limited knowledge in the subject of human behavior, and should therefore not be listened to or give advice in these kind of questions.

----------



I wish you the best of luck, and I'll give you an advice that helped me: never stay later than midnight or two beers, whichever comes first. It was easy for me to leave after two beers because I hadn't become drunk enough, and once you stay past midnight without having had two beers yet the parties just became unattractive. Parties where people are binge drinking just aren't fun when sober, and if your friends can handle their drinking you won't be lured into getting that smashed.

Thanks for the valuable advice and luck. I'll go ahead and take the later than midnight rule for now. My friends are in some cases worse than me however, so eh, they can handle quite a bit but not as much as they consume. I know at some point I'll resume going out.. just not anytime soon I hope.

 

[Surely]

East85, I don't know if I have any advice to give, but I do need to say that you sound like a very level-headed, responsible person, and you're a strong person for recognising your problem now amd changing your life. Many uni students drink themselves to death in order to fit in.

I was initially going to suggest that you drink moderately, but since you can't do it, then you're doing the right thing. However, may I suggest that you continue to hang out with the friends you have?? They're your friends! By continuing to spend some time with them, you're telling them that you enjoy their company, but you still want to do this for yourself.

If you ditch your friends because you have decided not to drink, then you're just as bad as your friends if they chose not to talk to you because you don't drink.

I like this advice the best.

I had a couple of friends that didn't drink when we were in university. They were still able to have a good time hanging out with us while we were drinking, going out to bars/clubs/etc. Of course, there were instances of us offering them drinks or saying "Come on! Have a drink!" but they had the self control to laugh it off (we laughed it off as well) and continue drinking their water or soda.

It was also good for us- we had a couple of built-in designated drivers. They totally didn't mind driving, and we would either pay for parking, pitch in for gas, buy them pizza/breakfast after the bar/club, or they would drive one of our cars.

 

[monokakata]

You may find that your friends aren't a problem. That's "may," but it's possible.

When I quit drinking 26 years ago (at 40+, so the context is not the same as being in college) I was worried that my friends wouldn't let me deal with drinking in my way, but nothing troublesome ever happened, and I lost no friends, or invitations to parties, etc. -- no change at all.

I found it easy enough to hang with drinking friends, but I know for sure that this isn't always the case. I found it easy to have alcohol in the house for visitors, and never want to touch it myself, but again, this is probably unusual.

As others have suggested, try it out on your friends. Maybe you'll get a good surprise.

As for exercise -- I agree. I would probably have had a harder time if I hadn't been a runner. I mention this because one big advantage of running or walking is that you don't need a gym. And depending on where you live, that exercise might be easily gotten by walking out the door. It's a lot easier to take advantage of something that's right outside where you live than it is to head out to a gym.

This is only an opinion, but I think that aerobic exercise is a better helper with addictions or dependencies than (say) lifting.

Anyway, good for you. I think I'd be dead now had I not realized I needed to quit.

 

[sviato]

I'm in 3rd year university and happen to drink often too and was considering quitting recently.

I loved going to the parties and getting drunk with friends and meeting new people and always having a good story from the previous night, but I absolutely hated the hangovers. I'd be like barely able to function the next day and I thought it wasn't worth it anymore.

Shortly after I had an unrelated health issue but couldn't drink and I went to a friend's birthday and everyone was drunk and high and I was the only one who didn't drink and I looked around at the drunk people and realized that not drinking sucks, you're just not at the same level as people around you and it's not an enjoyable atmosphere.

What I did was just cut down my drinking. I can be buzzed or even a bit drunk, but I don't get wasted. You don't need to quit, but learn to control yourself. Now I can have a great time, consume alcohol, and not feel like **** the next day. Learn self-discipline.

 

[-aggie-]

Some interesting posts in this thread, especially from some I consider intelligent.

Alcoholism is not like having some bad habit, where if you make a conscious effort to stop doing it, the impulse goes away. Also, when it comes to having friends or not drinking for the alcoholic, not drinking must win out. The OP needs to quit with no thought as to what these friends are going to do or think. Also, whether or not they support the decision, if they're going to drink like they have been, it is best for the OP to avoid them, at least for a long period of time.

 

[east85]

I had similar problems with alcohol myself, so I did quit for many months. The problems actually stemmed from some other problems in my life, and some of my friends were worried about me too. When the underlying problems vanished, I could drink alcohol again without getting wasted. Everyone who drinks understands the meaning behind "One glass is all right, two are too many and three are not enough", but I couldn't even take one glass without getting wasted... or awfully frustrated if not getting more alcohol.

When you think of a big glass of beer with fresh dewdrops on a scorching summer day, or see all the colorful, exciting drinks in a bar menu, it's easy to forget that alcohol is a volatile, flammable nerve-toxin which has taken millions of lives. It shouldn't be necessary to make any excuses for not pouring such liquids into the body, but your friends may nonetheless have a hard time accepting this. They may not want a "sober eye" to see and remember what they've been doing when drunk.

If possible, you should go to the events you're invited to, yet limit yourself to non-alcoholic beer, non-alcoholic wine and driver's cocktails. Then it will be easier to resist peer pressure to drink since you won't be standing out in the first place.

I'm still a bit hungover even today so I feel like even if I do go out wednesday it wouldn't be worth it. I know I can't limit myself unfortunately, maybe I'd be able to do it if I managed to speak to a counselor or something and see if something is going on. I have honestly tried that approach quite a few times, and it's mainly lead to disaster (just having a few). I don't know what it is or why, but self control is not my strong suit when I'm drunk. I'd say after 2 I really want a third. I have managed to just have one, but for some reason after 2+ it's just been a bad experience.

I know I did quit sometime this year completely for about a month, as in no social drinking at all. I only did it because my bank account was hurting, but I have to say the thought of a nice cold beer was definitely a thing a few times. I didn't really need it. I should have just kept it a habit to not, but even then I did get drunk way too often. Things seem to have picked up, the drinking, along with my social life lately. But you're definitely right, it's mainly just poison branded in a nice bottle. What happened to me the day after was the worst thing I've ever experienced and I've been a drinker for a long while now.

Hmmm... sounds like you've all turned British. We've got a phrase for it - binge drinking. Huge problem here but difficult to solve as we've all either done it or are currently doing it. (The Scottish government is about to introduce minimum alcohol pricing to try and get a grip on it.)

Just tell your mates you're going to try going on the wagon for a month. You're not giving up - just laying of the sauce for a bit. If you want - make an excuse like you've got no money this month and really can't afford it. I know a lot of people who do this. If you're at a college do it a couple of times of year to clean yourself up.

Your capacity for drinking will probably drop markedly afterwards when/if you start again. Also - you can start again on your terms. Perhaps from then on you just drink shandies etc

This is a good call. I guess I probably should have read this before this morning! All went well though, I did tell my friend, at least one, that I was no longer interested in drinking for awhile. Just looking at me it was pretty obvious why (cut on my jaw, etc), they seemed understanding but I don't expect to be invited out often I guess. She is graduating this year so I do feel bad, she's been very excited about going on binges and "partying" hard before she finishes her coursework. A few people are doing the end of year parties now and it's just been extra intense I guess. I don't feel like starting again at this point, but I'll keep this updated on how I'm feeling I suppose.

"May".




Again...."may".

At the beginning, perhaps give your friends the benefit of the doubt. Yes, they'll tease you and give you a difficult time, but if they're decent people, they'll come around.

At least be the best designated driver ever.



But yes, you may need to cut ties if you want your life to head in a different direction.

I'm just going to wait and see what's going to happen. I've already told one of my friends and she took it pretty well, despite her being on the end of year/end of college mentality of time to drink. I think I won't be invited out after all, but if they ask me to come along and ensure everyones safety I wouldn't mind giving it a try. It would be interesting to be that sober person.

I don't know if it will work... we'll see... what they're worrying about and it might be what the OP is finding with his/her mates is that people are tending to buy very cheap alcohol (cider appears to be the current fuel of choice for the youth of today) from a corner shop get tanked up on that and then go out and hit the pubs (then hit each other...)

As Abstract says - you'll get some mickey taking but they'll soon come round - especially if you ferry them around in your car...

If I'm reciprocated I wouldn't be opposed to it. To be fair bottom shelf stuff is usually popular for pre gaming and I think they overdo it, and I overdo it at times. The pub is much more expensive so, it's just the way to go if you want to get drunk without breaking the bank. I guess it's funny that you mention that, because the last day of that binge we basically killed a bottle of vodka to pre game. I had also been killing beers all day with a few friends. I feel like that was a bit too much "pre game" before we went out, especially for me.

 

[Surely]

Some interesting posts in this thread, especially from some I consider intelligent.

Alcoholism is not like having some bad habit, where if you make a conscious effort to stop doing it, the impulse goes away. Also, when it comes to having friends or not drinking for the alcoholic, not drinking must win out. The OP needs to quit with no thought as to what these friends are going to do or think. Also, whether or not they support the decision, if they're going to drink like they have been, it is best for the OP to avoid them, at least for a long period of time.

Alcoholism? All I see is a binge-drinking college kid who gets peer pressured into drinking when he's with his friends. And then, once he's gotten started, he continues to drink because the alcohol is clouding his ability to make the decision to stop. He even stated somewhere above that he doesn't drink when he's alone. Labeling him with alcoholism is premature at this point. Going in another direction, perhaps he's having some sort of allergic reaction to the alcohol?

That being said, if he doesn't start making better decisions regarding his use of alcohol, it could potentially turn into alcoholism.

Obviously, if his friends continue to aggressively goad him into drinking, they are a bunch of dicks and he should dump them. However, if they aren't being aggressive about it, the OP should utilize his self-control, tell them to f off , and not drink.

OP, if you lack the self-control ro not drink, then you should avoid situations that involve alcohol until you think that you're ready to be at a crazy party and only sip on water or a Coke.

 

[east85]

I like this advice the best.

I had a couple of friends that didn't drink when we were in university. They were still able to have a good time hanging out with us while we were drinking, going out to bars/clubs/etc. Of course, there were instances of us offering them drinks or saying "Come on! Have a drink!" but they had the self control to laugh it off (we laughed it off as well) and continue drinking their water or soda.

It was also good for us- we had a couple of built-in designated drivers. They totally didn't mind driving, and we would either pay for parking, pitch in for gas, buy them pizza/breakfast after the bar/club, or they would drive one of our cars.

I guess there is a social life after if I take this into consideration. It's true that most groups have a designated driver. The thing is, we all live uptown and we are virtually living right on top of the bars/night life so location isn't really going to work for designated driving, since we generally walk. Who knows though? Maybe they'll want a sober eye. I don't judge I mean, anything that I've done can't be worse than what I'll witness. I think I'm about the king of stupidity at this point.

You may find that your friends aren't a problem. That's "may," but it's possible.

When I quit drinking 26 years ago (at 40+, so the context is not the same as being in college) I was worried that my friends wouldn't let me deal with drinking in my way, but nothing troublesome ever happened, and I lost no friends, or invitations to parties, etc. -- no change at all.

I found it easy enough to hang with drinking friends, but I know for sure that this isn't always the case. I found it easy to have alcohol in the house for visitors, and never want to touch it myself, but again, this is probably unusual.

As others have suggested, try it out on your friends. Maybe you'll get a good surprise.

As for exercise -- I agree. I would probably have had a harder time if I hadn't been a runner. I mention this because one big advantage of running or walking is that you don't need a gym. And depending on where you live, that exercise might be easily gotten by walking out the door. It's a lot easier to take advantage of something that's right outside where you live than it is to head out to a gym.

This is only an opinion, but I think that aerobic exercise is a better helper with addictions or dependencies than (say) lifting.

Anyway, good for you. I think I'd be dead now had I not realized I needed to quit.

I felt like there had been many times where I could have been easily mugged or killed, anything really. I've been blackout drunk at so many points and it's just scary waking up and not remembering where this or that scrape came from. I'm sure with age if I kept drinking at this rate I would eventually kill an organ. I just don't like it at all. I suppose that running has always been my choice as far as working out goes. The intense cardio gives me "runners high" which ultimately is healthy for you and definitely a strong antidepressant. I had done a lot of running in the past as stated, so it's good to meet another runner. I suppose the reception by my friends will unfold with time, of my new decision. I'd certainly hope for little to no effect, but I guess that will depend on the quality of friendships I have. I have known friends who have quit smoking say, weed, and everyone just ditches them (I don't smoke it, just an observation). As in they had no real friends at all. I have some confidence in my friendships, so I guess we'll see.

I'm in 3rd year university and happen to drink often too and was considering quitting recently.

I loved going to the parties and getting drunk with friends and meeting new people and always having a good story from the previous night, but I absolutely hated the hangovers. I'd be like barely able to function the next day and I thought it wasn't worth it anymore.

Shortly after I had an unrelated health issue but couldn't drink and I went to a friend's birthday and everyone was drunk and high and I was the only one who didn't drink and I looked around at the drunk people and realized that not drinking sucks, you're just not at the same level as people around you and it's not an enjoyable atmosphere.

What I did was just cut down my drinking. I can be buzzed or even a bit drunk, but I don't get wasted. You don't need to quit, but learn to control yourself. Now I can have a great time, consume alcohol, and not feel like **** the next day. Learn self-discipline.

Like I've said in earlier portions of this thread... I feel like I've given myself enough chances to do this. Perhaps after consulting a counselor and seeing if anything is causing this new development and a long break I will reconsider this approach, but it's a huge risk and I'm not really in the mood to gamble with my health anymore. Everyone reacts to drinking a bit differently, and your level of self discipline may be done with ease but I feel with me it's quite the struggle at the moment, for a variety of reasons. I'm going to stay sober for awhile regardless. I do appreciate the advice and perspective however.

Some interesting posts in this thread, especially from some I consider intelligent.

Alcoholism is not like having some bad habit, where if you make a conscious effort to stop doing it, the impulse goes away. Also, when it comes to having friends or not drinking for the alcoholic, not drinking must win out. The OP needs to quit with no thought as to what these friends are going to do or think. Also, whether or not they support the decision, if they're going to drink like they have been, it is best for the OP to avoid them, at least for a long period of time.

I'm not looking to kill my social life. I will definitely avoid events for at least a few weeks maybe, but I am still open to making sure they're alright and still going out with them on occasion. I know there are tons of people who don't drink on campus and things to do that don't involve drinking here, so if need-be I'll just network that way I guess. I had been stone cold sober for a few years and held a great social life, a few friends were even drinkers. I don't see why I can't do it again. I agree with you though, cessation is definitely more important than having to reset my social life. I agree with this so strongly because I feel like there have been nights I have gone out and shouldn't have made it home alive.

 

[east85]

Alcoholism? All I see is a binge-drinking college kid who gets peer pressured into drinking when he's with his friends. And then, once he's gotten started, he continues to drink because the alcohol is clouding his ability to make the decision to stop. He even stated somewhere above that he doesn't drink when he's alone. Labeling him with alcoholism is premature at this point. Going in another direction, perhaps he's having some sort of allergic reaction to the alcohol?

That being said, if he doesn't start making better decisions regarding his use of alcohol, it could potentially turn into alcoholism.

Obviously, if his friends continue to aggressively goad him into drinking, they are a bunch of dicks and he should dump them. However, if they aren't being aggressive about it, the OP should utilize his self-control, tell them to f off , and not drink.
OP, if you lack the self-control ro not drink, then you should avoid situations that involve alcohol until you think that you're ready to be at a crazy party and only sip on water or a Coke.

I think I'm just going to take it easy for awhile, as mentioned before I definitely had a thriving social life even while sober and never drinking- so I guess I can do it again if I want. It's just a simple decision. It's not like I'll not have fun anymore.

I may be allergic to it actually. My friends laugh because I sneeze through the first 4 beers, around 5-6 the sneezing stops, so maybe that's part of it? This actually would kind of make sense because I never used to sneeze when drinking and I don't ever remember having this problem in the past but I don't know how much it would impact the effect.

I do agree with you that I don't feel like a total alcoholic at this point, just like I should have acted better. Like I understand what I'm doing is setting myself up for it, but as you've mentioned I never drink alone and wouldn't consider it. I don't need to drink every day, but I am a heavy weekend drinker due to all the things going on around me (and my decision to partake). But like you said, if I can't adjust the behavior I'm on the way there. I think it was more tame last year, like I'd drink maybe once a month with friends. Not to mention being invited out on Wednesday to drink kind of violates the rules I've had for myself as it was (weekends only).

 

[shinobi-81]

I'm still a bit hungover even today so I feel like even if I do go out wednesday it wouldn't be worth it. I know I can't limit myself unfortunately, maybe I'd be able to do it if I managed to speak to a counselor or something and see if something is going on. I have honestly tried that approach quite a few times, and it's mainly lead to disaster (just having a few). I don't know what it is or why, but self control is not my strong suit when I'm drunk. I'd say after 2 I really want a third. I have managed to just have one, but for some reason after 2+ it's just been a bad experience.

This is for two reasons. One is that alcohol in itself impairs your cognitive abilities along with the skills to resist peer pressure ("clouds your mind"). The second reason is a possible drinking problem. This is not synonymous with alcoholism, in which case you will have strong withdrawals and physical discomfort long after the hangover should be over.

The real problem (the cause of your drinking problem) is not necessarily alcohol-related, but caused by something else in your life which should be worked out. Bad drinking habits like you describe are usually a symptom, not the main problem. You are most likely an unhappy person, but you are the only one in this thread who knows what the underlying problems are. Fix them, and then you can drink.

 

[MovieCutter]

Functioning alchie here. You sound young to be coming to this conclusion so soon. I mean, by all means, you should at least scale back. What kinds of things are you drinking? Is it just tons of cheap beer? Or are you doing a ton of shots? At my peak, I would drink a liter of Captain Morgan a day, my body just kind of got used to it though. Everyone reacts differently.

Now I stick just mainly to a couple glasses of wine a night and maybe a glass of good scotch or bourbon on the weekends. I don't think I'll ever give up drinking completely since ever since I got it under control, it hasn't had any negative impact on my life. I enjoy what I drink and don't drink to get drunk. To each their own.

 

[ucfgrad93]

Sounds like you are making a wise decision OP. Good luck.

 

[east85]

This is for two reasons. One is that alcohol in itself impairs your cognitive abilities along with the skills to resist peer pressure ("clouds your mind"). The second reason is a possible drinking problem. This is not synonymous with alcoholism, in which case you will have strong withdrawals and physical discomfort long after the hangover should be over.

The real problem (the cause of your drinking problem) is not necessarily alcohol-related, but caused by something else in your life which should be worked out. Bad drinking habits like you describe are usually a symptom, not the main problem. You are most likely an unhappy person, but you are the only one in this thread who knows what the underlying problems are. Fix them, and then you can drink.

I figure I'll see if anything is going on. I really only ever feel depressed when I'm coming down. I never used to feel that way when I was younger, but now when I drink it's definitely the worst. I guess I really didn't drink a lot either. Thanks for the info though. I really think that I won't feel anything but we'll see. I'm not having cold sweats or anything as it is, nothing really signing to me ATM that I might be withdrawing. I've always tried my best to never drink when I feel like something is wrong, that was kind of a rule of mine. I really do feel like the drinks are creating the problems though for me, rather than the other way around. I can't think of anything ATM that I'm coping with that would make me want to drink more.

Functioning alchie here. You sound young to be coming to this conclusion so soon. I mean, by all means, you should at least scale back. What kinds of things are you drinking? Is it just tons of cheap beer? Or are you doing a ton of shots? At my peak, I would drink a liter of Captain Morgan a day, my body just kind of got used to it though. Everyone reacts differently.

Now I stick just mainly to a couple glasses of wine a night and maybe a glass of good scotch or bourbon on the weekends. I don't think I'll ever give up drinking completely since ever since I got it under control, it hasn't had any negative impact on my life. I enjoy what I drink and don't drink to get drunk. To each their own.

Yeah I mentioned earlier that I'm possibly allergic, so that might factor in. I do sneeze when I drink the first 4-5 beers. Wine is a lot easier on me than most other types of drinks. It's usually a smoother ride I guess. I usually drink cheap beer, vodka, bourbon, etc. A combination of everything since different things are available when I go out at different places. I know for sure though that when I start doing shots things go pretty quickly for me. Glad you got it under control though. I suppose that I can function without it for awhile. I'm just going to relax and pick up cardio again and maybe at some point in the future I'll be comfortable with doing a little. It's good to know though that it is possible to tone it down, congrats.

Sounds like you are making a wise decision OP. Good luck.

Thanks, I appreciate the luck man.

 

[-aggie-]

This is for two reasons. One is that alcohol in itself impairs your cognitive abilities along with the skills to resist peer pressure ("clouds your mind"). The second reason is a possible drinking problem. This is not synonymous with alcoholism, in which case you will have strong withdrawals and physical discomfort long after the hangover should be over.

The real problem (the cause of your drinking problem) is not necessarily alcohol-related, but caused by something else in your life which should be worked out. Bad drinking habits like you describe are usually a symptom, not the main problem. You are most likely an unhappy person, but you are the only one in this thread who knows what the underlying problems are. Fix them, and then you can drink.

Alcoholism is a disease. It doesn't take any external factors to cause it. It's amazing to see that even as of 2012, people still don't get it.

OP, get off these forums, if you're really seeking advice and get professional help.

 

[InvalidUserID]

Going to college in Manhattan, the temptation to go out and binge drink was there and while I indulged quite a bit and had the typical college party life, I didn't let it affect my life or my school. I told myself that I could have fun as long as it didn't spill over into other parts of my life. You're in college for a purpose and you're on a mission: get that degree.

I applaud you on recognizing your issue. I would tell your "friends" of your plans and if they have a problem with it (God I sound like my mother), then they aren't your friends. I wouldn't try to go at this alone, try to find someone who can help you and be supportive of you. You're trying to better yourself and you've taken the first step.

 

[shinobi-81]

Alcoholism is a disease. It doesn't take any external factors to cause it. It's amazing to see that even as of 2012, people still don't get it.

OP, get off these forums, if you're really seeking advice and get professional help.

You seem to have diagnosed OP with alcoholism rather quickly. He's obviously a binge drinker, but how can you tell he's an alcoholic?

By the way, nobody is born alcoholic, and there's nearly always a reason why they start binge drinking in the first place. I wonder why some people still don't understand that. I bet you've never had a drinking problem yourself.

 

[east85]

Alcoholism is a disease. It doesn't take any external factors to cause it. It's amazing to see that even as of 2012, people still don't get it.

OP, get off these forums, if you're really seeking advice and get professional help.

This is a good outlet so far, the ideas I see bouncing around here are informative and open up my mind to possibilities. The community has been mostly supportive. If I relapse I'll go seek professional help. As far as it stands I'm not drinking, unless you count the coke in my hand (not rum and coke )

I really don't see how environmental and internal concerns wouldn't lead to alcohol abuse though. It's easy for people to drink away their problems, whatever they may be. I don't personally do it at least that I am aware of, but I don't see how it's negative to assume that's a factor. People abuse substances all the time to avoid psychological issues or trauma, resulting in addiction.

The National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence offers a detailed and complete definition of alcoholism, but probably the most simple way to describe it is "a mental obsession that causes a physical compulsion to drink."[/qoute]

Would escapism not be applicable as a "metal obsession"? It seems to be detailed as a subtle habit in most cases, but if this obsession extends to factors such as stress, depression, etc would it not still fall under the same definition?

Keep in mind I'm not making assertions as if I know already, just simply curious of your perspective.

----------

Going to college in Manhattan, the temptation to go out and binge drink was there and while I indulged quite a bit and had the typical college party life, I didn't let it affect my life or my school. I told myself that I could have fun as long as it didn't spill over into other parts of my life. You're in college for a purpose and you're on a mission: get that degree.

I applaud you on recognizing your issue. I would tell your "friends" of your plans and if they have a problem with it (God I sound like my mother), then they aren't your friends. I wouldn't try to go at this alone, try to find someone who can help you and be supportive of you. You're trying to better yourself and you've taken the first step.

Thanks for this response. I honestly think that I'm ready to wind down, like I've already done the scene and had as much exploration of it as I really need. I know that most people probably don't feel that way until they graduate but I'm not built for it. So far I've kept my grades up and done well, I just think that it's so embarrassing the next day, or to go out with a cut on my face from cement. It's just not a good experience, and I know the entire group shares it but I just can't seem to brush it off. The come down that I had I guess was probably stronger than anyone else experiences that I know, but it definitely scared the crap out of me.

I do know a few people that don't drink, so maybe I'll start asking them out to do stuff more, but most of my close friends are definitely drinkers. Hopefully I guess there's someone there. The people I've told IRL have at least been supportive in words, so that's good. I'm glad you were able to manage it, I just have been so far but I think if I let this go I won't be able to in the very near future.

 

[-aggie-]

I wrote what I wrote because he said environmental factors were the cause..

 

[east85]

I wrote what I wrote because he said environmental factors were the cause..

Oh okay, I understand now. Well with that said...

Are they not a cause? I wouldn't tell a heroin addict to go hang out with heroin addicts. I know in the end it's still a choice but there's just something about adding it into the equation that would seem to increase the chance of a relapse. So I'm kind of confused...

 

[\-V-/]

It's really hard to not drink when everyone you know drinks and you feel like a jack ass when you're sober. Also, being sober amongst a bunch of drunk people is probably the least fun thing I've done. I quit drinking a long time ago and I've been pretty happy ever since. It's not really my thing and honestly... if you can't have fun without being drunk... something is wrong with you. There are plenty of sober activities out there for you to do. I drink every once in a while... but it's a rare occurrence these days. Whatever you choose to do I wish you the best of luck.

 

[iJohnHenry]

Being sober around drunk friends is a hoot. Why do you think they can talk someone into being a DD.

If you go to a bar, put a glass in your hand. Two words, iced tea.

(Not the Long Island variety.)

 

[east85]

It's really hard to not drink when everyone you know drinks and you feel like a jack ass when you're sober. Also, being sober amongst a bunch of drunk people is probably the least fun thing I've done. I quit drinking a long time ago and I've been pretty happy ever since. It's not really my thing and honestly... if you can't have fun without being drunk... something is wrong with you. There are plenty of sober activities out there for you to do. I drink every once in a while... but it's a rare occurrence these days. Whatever you choose to do I wish you the best of luck.

Well I'm glad to hear your bit because it's good to hear that you're happier now. If I do go out sober in the future to sit drunk people I'll keep my cool and realize I'm there for a good reason. I guess I'll give it a shot at some point, just not any time soon probably. If it's not for me, it's not for me. I don't want to go out right away, too much temptation I guess.

I can do things and still have fun without being drunk. But here's the thing, since I have been drinking I feel like I've been "burnt" a little bit, so hopefully that lifts and I feel better overall. It's good to hear you've quit and feel better definitely.

 

[\-V-/]

Being sober around drunk friends is a hoot. Why do you think they can talk someone into being a DD.

If you go to a bar, put a glass in your hand. Two words, iced tea.

(Not the Long Island variety.)

Pretending to be drunk doesn't make being around drunk people suck any less... at least for me.

Well I'm glad to hear your bit because it's good to hear that you're happier now. If I do go out sober in the future to sit drunk people I'll keep my cool and realize I'm there for a good reason. I guess I'll give it a shot at some point, just not any time soon probably. If it's not for me, it's not for me. I don't want to go out right away, too much temptation I guess.

I can do things and still have fun without being drunk. But here's the thing, since I have been drinking I feel like I've been "burnt" a little bit, so hopefully that lifts and I feel better overall. It's good to hear you've quit and feel better definitely.

Thanks. :]

I must say though, there's no reason you can't go out with your drinking friends and just hang out, but I've never had a time of doing this where they weren't all trying to get me to drink as well... which can be immensely frustrating when you're committed to being sober... which is why it's much more enjoyable to just hang out with other sober folks. I'll only DD now if I know that my friends are stupid and want to drive themselves, then I'll either come pick them up or call them a cab. Or I'll DD if they buy me things.

 

[iJohnHenry]

Pretending to be drunk doesn't make being around drunk people suck any less... at least for me.

May I inquire how my post even remotely suggest that he fake intoxication??

 

[shinobi-81]

I wrote what I wrote because he said environmental factors were the cause..

It is far-fetched to claim that I have said that environmental factors are the cause (as if there would be only one cause anyway), based on my postings in this thread.