To have a drink or not

[Deleted member 29920]

it just makes them more, well, drunk

and irritating(in my experience)

 

[BoN-bOn]

I think the answer to that may be different for everyone & if you can handle it, I say go ahead. As for me, over the last few years...I CAN’T handle it anymore. I tend to drink too much every time in an attempt to squash any memories or feelings that come up & I think alcohol triggers a lot of bad memories for me. I’ve always enjoyed having a drink on occasion, but over the last few years since my symptoms have peaked & ive started the healing process...it’s not a good combination & has caused a lot of unnecessary problems for me that could have been avoided if I hadn’t insisted that I could handle “just a few.” Of course I can’t blame the PTSD for those problems, but I think those of us with PTSD have to be extra careful not to rely on any kind of substance to “relax,” or “unwind,” because it can become habitual & spiral out of control before you know it. I wish I had more control & could enjoy “just one” occasionally but I just can’t anymore & it isn’t worth jeopardizing all of the hard work I’ve done towards my healing, my relationships, & my career.

 

[gealach]

I was a binge drinker for about 6 months, and like you I quit on my own without rehab or withdrawal. I was able to figure out that I was using alcohol as an unhealthy coping mechanism, and as an escape. I don't think it developed into an addiction.

I waited about 2 years before I had another drink, and it was okay, I think because I understood my motive for having the occasional drink (no addiction or compulsion, not as a coping mechanism, no peer pressure). I do have the occasional drink, but they're very few and far between. The works for me, maybe not for others, may or may not work for you.

I think you would need to understand your limits and tolerance, and your motivation.

 

[IamFree]

Thanks. Guys I have come to a decision. I have realised it's not a good. Idea to consider. Right now. I should. Preserve my abstinence. Right now. Just because. I feel a little. Bit better must not lure my self in to false sense. Of security. I am still working. On many obstacles. At the same time. I do not want to to live in fear. Of it and I think its. Exhausting for me to say I. Never will again. But right now there is no good reason. I should drink. May E that's how it will stay.

 

[KwanYingirl]

@IamFree i am a recovering alcoholic sober now since 1991. Before I went to AA, I would drink then stop then pick up again over and over for years. It occupied so much of my mind. Waiting for it to be time to have a drink, planning how much I could drink and still be “normal”, etc. there was never just one drink for me. Once I started a drink I was planning how to get through the day with whatever amount of booze I had on hand. Clearly, in my case, I had no control over alcohol.
Only you can make the choice whether to drink or not. But if I can be any support for you feel free to send me a post.

 

[Still Standing]

Choosing to be a fly in the ointment, here, I would say that there is wisdom in the counsel of many. If you are asking the question, says to me that you are struggling with the choice. What is it that says to you that you should venture into an avenue that was troubling for you in the past? Is it to confirm the success in overcoming and enjoying new-found self-control? Or is it a tad bit of caution? Myself, being a wimp, I would stay in the arena of abstinence. There is enough on the plate of a person with PTSD, to be adding in a new challenge. As many have said, the decision is yours. Only you can decide what is best for you. Best to ya!

 

[IamFree]

It's true what you say the fact I am having to think about so much says to me there is some fear. I guess I am scared of ending up on a slippery slope again. My healing process is not complete enough yet. It's way to risky at this time in my life. I still dont know yet if I am someone who can drink again so I choose abstinence

 

[KwanYingirl]

Even after all my years of sobriety, I still start everyday reminding myself that I lost my sanity to wine. There is no proof that drinking alcohol helps with anything, it simply intoxicates the brain. However, you have PTSD, and that in and of itself is very very difficult to live with. I have some awful coping mechanisms still. I have gotten relief from medications. If I take them that is. Don’t be too hard on yourself. You deserve loving kindness.