[jlsRN]

I gave up wine and beer for Lent, I'm not an alcoholic but it is extremely habit forming for me, and could very well lead to alcoholism. I'm feeling so much better, that I've decided to give it up until at least next Easter, in 2009. I'll reevaluate at that time.

I drink beer and wine to relax and get a little bit of a buzz. I'll give it up for awhile, then start up again with one beer or glass of wine, then two. When I get to three I always get tired of it. I don't drink every day, but there is always an escalating pattern.

I didn't grow up around much drinking, but I was adopted and I found my birth mother's family, and alcoholism runs in the family with a gradual onset. My birth mother was an alcoholic. I never drank much until age 30, but once I started there always was this escalating pattern, which is the same pattern that runs in my genetic family.

One thing about drinking a couple of beers a day is that it is fattening. I'm trying to maintain my weight even though I am going through menopause and am 50 now. I really want to stay healthy for the sake of my family, and also for myself.

So, I'm giving up all beer and wine (I don't drink hard liquor) until Easter of 2009 and wanted to share that here, thanks for reading.

[VivaLasViejas]

jlsRN~I have a few thoughts on this, please PM me if you'd like to talk.

[TazziRN]

JLS, the escalation you describe is definitely an alcoholic pattern. Just my opinion.

[donster]

Originally Posted by jlsRN

I gave up wine and beer for Lent, I'm not an alcoholic but it is extremely habit forming for me, and could very well lead to alcoholism. I'm feeling so much better, that I've decided to give it up until at least next Easter, in 2009. I'll reevaluate at that time.

I drink beer and wine to relax and get a little bit of a buzz. I'll give it up for awhile, then start up again with one beer or glass of wine, then two. When I get to three I always get tired of it. I don't drink every day, but there is always an escalating pattern.

I didn't grow up around much drinking, but I was adopted and I found my birth mother's family, and alcoholism runs in the family with a gradual onset. My birth mother was an alcoholic. I never drank much until age 30, but once I started there always was this escalating pattern, which is the same pattern that runs in my genetic family.

One thing about drinking a couple of beers a day is that it is fattening. I'm trying to maintain my weight even though I am going through menopause and am 50 now. I really want to stay healthy for the sake of my family, and also for myself.

So, I'm giving up all beer and wine (I don't drink hard liquor) until Easter of 2009 and wanted to share that here, thanks for reading.

I just wanted to wish you all sorts of good luck and best wishes. Sending cyberhugs!

[jlsRN]

Originally Posted by TazziRN

JLS, the escalation you describe is definitely an alcoholic pattern. Just my opinion.

That's why I just want to give it up. My goal is one year, at which time I'll probably renew it for another year. I feel better not drinking beer and wine and don't want to keep repeating this pattern, it's getting old.

[Suesquatch]

If I may make a suggestion, giving up alcohol for long periods of time is hard. Giving up up just for today is easier.

[Suesquatch]

A day at a time, jls. A year is overwhelming.

[elkpark]

Originally Posted by Don3218

I just wanted to wish you all sorts of good luck and best wishes. Sending cyberhugs!

Ditto!

[jlsRN]

I don't think a year is overwhelming. It's an entirely achievable goal.

[TazziRN]

Originally Posted by jlsRN

I don't think a year is overwhelming. It's an entirely achievable goal.

No, JLS.....what Sue meant is that the AA/NA motto is "ONE day at a time." If we reach for a goal longer than that, the chances of relapse are high. If we just focus on the next 24 hours, we have a better chance.