How do I know if I'm an alcoholic?

[loralee]

I have been drinking 3-4 beers on average every day for the past year. I'm a single Mom and have had more than my fair share of stress. I know I use alcohol as a way to not dwell and worry. My kids don't like my drinking. I don't get obnoxious or rude, I just get distant.

How do I know if and when I need to get help?

I don't always like drinking, I feel horrible the next day and wish I wouldn't have drank the night before, but I can't seem to function anymore like I used to.

My fiance went to Kuwait a year ago and came back different. We're hardly a couple anymore.

My 16 year old son got involved with a gang and is currently serving time in a residential treatment center. My 13 year old son is so far doing wonderful, except he hates that I have these few beers every day and I can see how much it hurts him.

I'm afraid to stop drinking because I think I won't be able to handle all this and then I afraid to not stop drinking.

Any advice, comments............

Lora

[QuietLunatic]

Let me rearrange what you said
How do I know if and when I need to get help?

** I know I use alcohol as a way to not dwell and worry. My kids don't like my drinking. I don't get obnoxious or rude, I just get distant.

**I don't always like drinking, I feel horrible the next day and wish I wouldn't have drank the night before, but I can't seem to function anymore like I used to.

**My 16 year old son got involved with a gang and is currently serving time in a residential treatment center. My 13 year old son is so far doing wonderful, except he hates that I have these few beers every day and I can see how much it hurts him.

** I'm afraid to stop drinking because I think I won't be able to handle all this and then I afraid to not stop drinking.


I think you've answered your own question. The drinking is causing more problems than it's solving and it's making your life worse. You need help. Look for your local AA chapter, or call a counselor or doctor and get yourself better coping skills.

[aima123]

I think if you're really have the determination to quit doing something, you can successfully made it. Without any second thoughts, and for the sake of your own kids do it gradually and look for any alternatives on it. If you feel like drinking your beer, try to drink any softdrinks or drink water. Teach your mind to be fair and believe yourself that you can made it. Give your children a peace of mind. I am sure you can quit it. Don't wait until such time that everything is too late. Peace.

[loralee]

Hi Quiet, you've responded to both my posts and I appreciate it. I really like how you turned my post around. I have tried to find AA in my area and can't find any. I've called 800#s and they tell me to go to a hospital. I just want someone that I can talk to from time to time for support. I don't have anyone, so I drink. How do you find AA meetings?

[Ricardo]

Hey loralee, I'm sorry I don't have any information about AA, but I just wanted to offer you some support. It sounds like there are some tough things to deal with in your life. I wish you the best.

I think QuietLunatic said it well, too. ;)

[PneumaticMuffin]

the number that goes around is that 2drinks a day is enough to make you an addict. Its extremely easy to become addicted, an also hard to stop. Maybe you should look at things the other way. Maybe it is extremely hard for you to be addicted, and being sober will make your life extra easy. Look at things from the bright side. Your not quitting something that actually helps you.

[mtajim]

Stop drinking and evry thing will be fine. You should just make sure that you dont use it. Alcohol never relases any stress but add up more to your mind.

[piggy35]

If you're drinking up to 4 to 5 cans of beer a day,than that's pretty much sums it up that you are an alcoholic.Maybe not that bad yet though,but it can be worse,or get worse.The best way to quit,is to think to yourself of how wrong this is doing your body.Admit it first that you are an alcoholic,and than proceed with trying to lay off that many.Start by trying to slow down to drinking like 3 a day,and than for about a week do that,and than simmer down to 2 a day.And than so on.Once you've reached to 1 a day,than you should be able to not want it again ever.This has helped me before when i was drinking heavily.I use to be bad at drinking a whole case before,and than i realized that the alcohol wasn't doing me any good.It was just more hurting myself and my family.The beer and whiskey had to go.And so,i finally laid it down for good.I do believe in this Lord stuff,that He can help you,but if He's trying to hellp you,but you are not,how is that going to help you quit?I've always thought about like that,and seemed to me that if one doesn't help themselves,than nothing can be accomplished.
I would also try to seek professional help as well,if the tips don't work that i've given to you.If not helped you,than you may need to seek professional help immediately.I hope and wish the best for you in the future.I know how hard it is to quit drinking like that.My partner's dad is the same way.But the fact is on him,he doesn't want to quit.But at least you are trying to think about quiting.Good luck to you and best wishes.

[rapistt]

If you want to know that whether you are alcoholic or not you should go to some doctor and get yourself examined. He will give take few tests and on the results.

[easternbrain]

Well Basically it seems to me that you drink to get some relief from your problems for some time and you know that when you would stop drinking you wont be able to get on with your life "easily" so you are tempted to drink.

You know it would take some courage on your behalf but you are not ready to face it head on.

[Roxy]

After reading your thread what I understood is that you don not like drinking but you are taking as a way to get some relief from stress. But you need to understand that this relief is short lived and it will slowly make you addicted, so better stop it now.