Hello

TazziRN, RN · Jan 31, 2008

If you think you have an addiction, I would suggest attending some AA meetings. You do not have to talk, you can just sit there and listen. What you hear may help you decide if you have a problem and want to stay and get sober, or it may convince you that you don't and that you are fine.

Thunderwolf, MSN, RN · Jan 31, 2008

Thank you for sharing. There are some who can drink here and there and can do without...no problem. It is but a social drink or an occasional drink to help unwind. Some folks, depending upon one's culture, may have "a drink" only at dinner. Some, just right before bed, to help unwind. For many, having a drink is not a problem or sign of alcoholism. Having an occasional drink or two, with the key word being occasional, is not an indication of a problem. However, for many, it just doesn't consist of an occasional drink...but, leads to many drinks. Just like an old Lays potato chip commercial once said, "You just can't eat just one". This is one indictor of problem drinking. Another indicator is that we begin thinking about the next drink very often. Another indicator is when we start putting things into place to make that drink happen....planning for it and/or rushing others out the door or rushing ourself thru an event/activity so that way a drink is possible. Another indicator of problem drinking is when we honestly cannot do without the drink for a stretch of time....psychologically or physically or both. During these times, we tend to be more irritable/anxious without it, sleep may be disrupted. Our honesty as a person begins to slip...telling little white lies to downplay the change in us. These are usually early indicators of problem drinking...way before it literally takes control and changes our life for the worst....DUI's, poor performance in school or work, loss of income, loss of relationships, loss of nutrition (because the drink becomes our food), et cetera. However, by the time we begin thinking about control or having the ability to control it or not, it has already raised a red flag...for it acknowledges a sense of doubt in us. If there is doubt, it may already be a problem. I really appreciate your honest asking about this for yourself. Honesty is so key and crucial to recovery. I encourage you to keep coming to our forum, to post...or even to just continue to read what others write as they tell their stories. Often times, we discover ourselves thru others. My sincerest thanks, my friend, for reaching out to ask. You have my best in your finding the answers you seek.

Tweety, BSN, RN · Jan 31, 2008

In my experience there is no such thing as being in control of alcohol.

If you're concerned, why not try not drinking for six months and see if you can do it on your own.

Cattitude · Feb 3, 2008

In my experience there is no such thing as being in control of alcohol.
If you're concerned, why not try not drinking for six months and see if you can do it on your own.

Good idea Tweety. One of the facilitators at my group always tells someone that is unsure to do 90 days without drinking. The person who is not addicted can do it with no problem. It is the alcoholic who just cannot finish the 90.

Stringer · Feb 3, 2008

Hi im not sure if have an addiction. Im pretty sure I do, however it seems to be controllable. I have 2 children and I am in nursing school (2nd semester) and I like beer. I have never drank around my kids. I have them 5-4 days a week, with the other time spent amongst grandparents. When my children are not around I want to drink my beer. I have never sent my children away just so I can drink. Drinking with my children not here makes me feel so good. I always want my children around and would never push them away, But when they are not here the first thing I wanna do is go get beer.Im pretty sure it has had an effect on my grades, though I am no where near failing:innerconf.
Whadda you guys think?

Hi and thanks for your post.

Ultimately, even if others here think you do or do not have a problem, only your decision will end up having any weight.

I'm not sure if anything I say applies to you, but for me, I maintained the notion of "controllable" under conditions that appear ridiculous now. For life in general, I really think control is an illusion. But that's just me.

Take Care

bigredrn57 · Feb 8, 2008

Hi, it doen't matter what we think. It matters what you think. Why don't you try a little controlled drinking? Two 12 ounce beers per day for 30 days. No more, no less. If you can't do this odds are that you may be one of us. Then I would suggest you go to an AA meeting and see what you have in common with us. Hopefully you won't have to bottom completely out to realize there is a problem. Be good to yourself.