Alcohol

[Alittlelost]

How do you know if you have a problem?

Lately (the last few weeks) I have needed to have a drink before leaving my flat or having contact with anybody else. If I'm honest it's been going on since seeing a new therapist. My therapist and CPN (mainly therapist) have both commented on it. The problem is I didn't see this as a problem until today.

So basically how do you know?

Sorry if this isn't the place to ask.

 

[Zipperhead]

I know allot of people will disagree but here goes.

Alcohol has been blamed as the route of all evil in our society. It is fashionable to blame alcohol for everything. I honestly believe that a large proportion of Diagnosed alcoholics are simply blaming thier problems on a bottle because it's easier then accepting responsibility for thier own actions. The question really becomes, "Are you in control, or is the bottle?" If you have a drink because it calms you, fine. If you have a drink because you can't function unless you do, not so fine. Are you embarassed by your habits? Are your actions effecting others? Or are you just enjoying a few drinks, and relaxing abit? We live in a society where the responsible use of alcohol is legal and socially acceptable. Don't blame the bottle if your actions are not responsible.

Having said this, if your actions are not responsible, then maybe it's time to take some action. I limit the amount of alcohol I have on hand. I know I can get carried away. But I also know that I enjoy a drink, and as long as I watch myself, I can continue to drink responsibly.

 

[Alittlelost]

Thank you Zipperhead. I agree with you completely. I haven't seen my drinking habits as a problem until it was pointed out by pdocs. Drinking on your own is seen as taboo in my services. I'm not blaming the booze for my problems at all, I just need to check that I'm not overlooking things.

 

[anthony]

The more apt question as to whether you have a problem or not is to simply ask, how much alcohol are you consuming per day and per week total?

 

[mamachick]

You stated in your post "I have needed to have a drink..." I think that when we find ourselves needing, we could be on that slippery slope and the potential for dependency is there. Do you have a drink before going to see your T and your CPN? Alcohol can take the edge off for social anxiety, but it can also cause avoidance. You said that you noticed this since starting with this new T-is there something about the new T that you are uncomfortable with? Are you doing a lot of trauma work?

I think many professionals are quick to be concerned about alcohol consumption today and many times unnecessarily, yet if you have noticed a change in your needs and you have posted, it sounds like you might be concerned as well.

 

[Deleted member 1860]

ITA with brat on the "needing" sentiment.

It seems that you're using alcohol as a coping tool and that usually isn't a good thing. I want to urge you to work on your other coping skills instead.

 

[gigi2690]

I've actually been wondering this too. I'm 22, and for the most part drinking (even to excess) is seen as acceptable for my age, but I wonder. I often have a drink or two at night to help me sleep (I find less nightmares that way), but I don't do it every night. I often have a drink in the middle of the day to just ease the symptoms of ptsd, the anxiety, the pain, the triggers, it just smooths it over a little. But again, not every day. I don't know if it is a problem, but the stigma around drinking... especially drinking alone... makes me wonder.

 

[heidi]

Is it more for social anxiety? Or is it to deal with the stress of therapy? Does your therapist make you uncomfortable? Or is it the therapy itself?
I think self medicating with alcohol can always be a dangerous. If not addicted now.. it's just not good to play around with.

 

[KP the nut]

Drinking on your own is seen as taboo in my services. .

I sometimes drink on my own, H works away quite a bit and I enjoy a glass of wine whilst relaxing. I was drinking to excess, oh that is hard to admit.

Now I only drink maybe 3 nights each week and then only a max of 3 glasses of wine. This puts me in the allowed weekly alcohol allowance for women. As Anthony asks, are you within the weekly limits?

I have a friend who maintains, if you need to ask the question, then yes, you probably are.

 

[Heather]

This puts me in the allowed weekly alcohol allowance for women. .

Just curious Kath, what is the allowed weekly allowance for women? Where'd you get this information? Something you came up with for yourself or some place else?

 

[goingonhope]

In my past, it's been suggested to me that if I wondered if I had a drinking problem, or I questioned whether, I drank as I did, ...out of need or want, ......for me to simply try stopping for a determined period of time (neither too long nor too short a period of time, but enough for me to help determine thereafter for myself, whether or not I had a drinking problem.

Take care and be safe Alittlelost.

 

[anthony]

Just curious Kath, what is the allowed weekly allowance for women? Where'd you get this information? Something you came up with for yourself or some place else?

Most countries governments and/or alcohol based programs have a defined acceptable limit based on medical science. For example, Australian Government has: http://www.alcohol.gov.au/internet/alcohol/publishing.nsf/Content/guide-adult

When you continue reading alcohol standards, you will also find that the recommendation is no more than 5 days per week in which you consume alcohol, giving your body 2 clear days per week without any. This reduces dependence, even at low consumption levels.