re: Alcoholism: Why it sucks.

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No seriously, I haven't had a drink for almost 3 weeks now and it's been pretty simple so far.

It's like smoking, some people can go cold turkey easier than others.

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It's nothing like smoking

I dont get it. I dont understand. Im not trying to be harsh, but why cant you just not buy alcohol? Why cant you have self control? Why cant you be disciplined? If you see and know that drinking in excess is messing up your life, why dont you just stop, or at least control it when you start? It's a mind game. It's not as if alcohol magically jumps into your grocery bag. Dont buy it. Dont drive to the liquor store. You are the enabler. Im not trolling and not trying to be a dick, but I just dont understand it. Is it just a mentally weak person that cant control their urges? Im not picking on mentally weak people, not everyone is made of the same stuff. What does the term alcholism even truly mean? Why is it considered a disease when it's completely self-inflicted?

maybe im drunk, but are your avatar and sig image upside down?

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I keep beating it and losing

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Willpower, We have to be willing to be willing.

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I know I can do better. I'm not weak

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You can't have a major desire to be drunk and still succeed.

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I have a problem. Luckily I have the support of friends and family and my situation isn't that dire. But I'm constantly aware that it could be, and to those of us who plan on having a future, that's unacceptable.

I try to keep things light here, but this site is too special and full of good people to not share insight.

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I respect you for saying this....it is guys like you in the program that I can accept as humble and gracious.

I have 7 years sobriety and I know it is a daily battle...I continue to take it one day at a time, one step at a time.

Thank you for sharing this, it helps me stay sober one more day.

These are logical questions with illogical answers. It is a disease because there is no known cure (defn of disease). It comes down to each individual's physical makeup (genetics included) and their life experiences. Unfortunately, you almost have to go down that path in order to truly understand the answers to your questions. Alcoholics and depression go hand and hand. And, people with a tendency to overdo alcohol often have a tendency to overdo a lot of things. It is a coping mechanism. You have to keep digging to understand what you are trying to cope with.

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Why cant you be disciplined? If you see and know that drinking in excess is messing up your life, why dont you just stop, or at least control it when you start? It's a mind game

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It's not a mind game, it is a physical dependency. When you are addicted to a drug, you cannot function properly without that drug.

The disease bankrupts us spiritually, physically, emotionally,and physcologicaly,

I thought I was crazy really. And I was till I got sober

It has been 6 months since my last drink (longest since age 14). Before these last 6 months, I was off and on for 3 years (longest period in that run was 3 months, twice). I drank something daily for about 15 years (not always to oblivion).

There are alcoholics and there are problem drinkers, though most say they are one in the same. Problem drinkers may only drink on weekends, but when they do it is usually pretty hardcore (don't just stop with 2 beers). There comes a point when your drinking starts to interfere with the lives of those around you, and before you know it, nobody really wants to be around you.

The craving for Alcohol goes against human nature. For example, (often used comparison) if you touch a hot stove and it burns you, odds are you won't touch that stove again. On the contrary, alcohol can burn you over and over, and yet, you keep going back for more?! Not logical. It is in fact, baffling.

THE single most difference maker for me was getting someone to talk to daily, to hold me accountable, a friend who I respected enough that I didn't want to disappoint at the end of the day by having to tell them I drank. Someone to get me through those first 5 months. After the first 4 months or so, it starts to become easier. But, there is no understating the impact that daily accountability has. Much love and prayers to you all.

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FTR: my interest in this thread is bc I wouldn't necessarily consider myself an alcoholic but I do have a problem with drinking and driving and though I have made it through my 23 years relatively unscathed from it, it's becoming so bad that I'm just not gonna be able to get drunk anymore unless my vehicle isn't near me

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Way back in the day when I would go out and know I was going to drink, I would lock my keys in my car way before started drinking. Back then, you could call a cop and they would pick you up at the bar and drive you home. Even had them come in the morning and pick me up to bring me to the bar to pick up my car.

I don't think that will happen now.

Lucas, I think you're right for the most part.