re: That debate was legit

quote:

---

Just bought that book and thanks for all the helpful answers. I'm to the point now where I think a break from it can be the answer. If not then I'll have to quit for good

---

Try that. Go a couple of months without drinking anything and then take a step back and evaluate the situation. If you feel like your life has improved, you feel better, no more stupid mistakes etc then just keep on going. Maybe talk about it and ask those closest to you not to drink around you either so that pressure isn't there, I'm sure they'll be on board. :)

quote:

---

Good reply. There's nothing wrong at all with not drinking, there's plenty wrong with continuing to drink when you shouldn't.

---

It took me a while but it finally sunk in that I was being led by marketing instead of making personal choices.
I'm more prone to risky behavior as it is so I don't need something that further lowers my inhibitions. If I go out to a social event I just drink several cokes and the caffine/sugar makes me chatty and outgoing. Whats funny though is after everyone else has about 4 alcoholic beverages they are bordering on intolerably stupid and obnoxious so I have to leave. I married now but it was super easy to score since you are sober and can offer a ride home.

Yeah I'll try that after I've given myself time to get a clear head. I have never had a problem with beer and wine. I just can't drink it fast enough to make it a problem. Vodka is what gives me issues

quote:

---

I've noticed that after taking weeks off from drinking

---

Congrats on this...that said, I had the opportunity to deal up close and personal with a close relative who had a drinking problem...it boils down to this: There is NOBODY else other than YOURSELF who can police you 24/7 to assure you don't over-do things. There is no magic solution, silver bullet, treatment program, other than finding the power and resolve within to stop this. There are many pitfalls and even the statement of "I know I'll get a lot of 'you should quit drinking completely'" makes me question your understanding of what you are dealing with. There is a reason for this admonishment...the alcohol controls you however the control is only to the extent that you give it the opportunity. If you know from empirical evidence over the years that when you start drinking, you can't do it in moderation...you are acting in the definition of insanity to believe this will change when you drink. It will most definitely not be an issue is you don't allow the first sip though and that is where the inner resolve has to come into play.

Now to help with this inner resolve, you might need some motivation. When you are clear headed, you can look all around you and see some of the consequences of how your drinking issues affect your loved ones. It is not fair to them nor anyone else your problem might rope in and a part of responsibility in life is not forcing your issues upon someone, in particular preventable issues. Furthermore YOU will suffer consequences over time if not sooner by poor decision making here. Ask yourself how you would feel if you had a loved one who did this and use it as motivation.

I wish I had more answer for you but as an adult who claims they can be responsible...you have to find the answers on your own to an extent. You also have to admit to yourself that the alcohol does indeed control you when you give it the chance. I simply wouldn't go there. Best wishes in all this!!!

Thank you! Yeah it's scary for me because all my friends and family drink. My brother for example drinks daily and has no issue with it.

When I'm drinking wine at home or on a work trip I'm fine. It's when I'm tailgating or on a road trip that it becomes a problem

It's about managing it. That's where im at now. Trying to get back to just weekends but sometimes life just sneaks up on you.

I usually get shitfaced unless I'm out with a girl. Like going to sleep at 9am the next morning shitfaced. Drinking doesn't make me tired though. If I am dating someone, the times I won't are when we get down to business somewhere during the night. I'll be good then.

My suggestion is to go out with a girl, eat a lot before, or stick to beer that will make you full



I'm the same way with doing from buzzed to blacking out, but I think that's because I drink massive quantities after the first hour or two. Impulse control is not something I have

quote:

---

Vodka is what gives me issues

---

Why not stop drinking Vodka? Just buy a six pack for the day or a 12 pack for the weekend and not have any more to drink.

My wife and I like to keep a box of wine around just because its handy, but I definitely drink way more wine than I would if its not around. As in probably 4 times as much.

I can try that eventually. I have always picked vodka bc I work out and run a lot