How to control or stop drinking

[Poodlefanforlife]

Hi I’m 31 and I drink 0-1 times per week. Unfortunately once I start drinking I can’t seem to control the amount. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve blacked out and how stupid I feel the days after.

My New Years resolution was to not black out this year, and I already screwed that one up from last night. Today I’m laying in bed with a hangover and my mind racing about what happened last night.

What do you suggest I do to control to stop drinking?

[Isinatra]

Sorry no one got back to you til now. Sundays are slow sometimes and we’re not a real busy community. We have no administrators, moderators or volunteers for this very serious subject. Just people like you and I. I tried to control my drinking for years. Couldn’t do it successfully or for very long until I joined a twelve step program and I’ve been sober for twenty years. At the time, my twelve step program was AA and still is. They can help you stop drinking if that’s what you need. Here, in this community , are many personal stories that people have posted. Take the time to read them. You just might read about yourself in them.

[Camper33]

Hi

I don't think there is an easy way, as Isinatra has said, read other posts they are very similar stories to yourself and are all asking for help, we tried for dry January and started on the 4th and lasted 25 days but had a drink on Saturday which I felt guilty about but didn't get a drink yesterday and hopefully stay off it again for a while.

Not sure what you drink or if it's the house or going out but if it's in the house could you not get as much in to limit the amount.

Good luck

[chrisbuy63]

Please look into Naltrexone and read the many testimonies of people who have been able to stop drinking alcohol with it's help and then go armed with information and talk to your GP in confidence. It is great that you are able to accept you have a problem that is often the hardest part in recovery.

[Rosepetal60]

I’m wondering if you drink alcohol because you are thirsty when eating a meal. I’ve made that mistake in the past. I upped my water again recently for several reasons. One of which is to be diligent on the day I allow myself a couple of glasses of wine in an evening.so I have an alert on my phone to have 1/2 pint of spring water before my meal and 1/2 pint of water by my side as well. And that way, I can make the 1 or 2 glasses of wine last all evening. Also by leaving the room odd times to do other things like playing free cell or starting to make a card, something that needs my concentration away from the room where the wine is.

[scotty-112]

Hi Poodlefanforlife,

As previously mentioned in the other responses, it really is worth your time having a good look at other posts from this community as you may find posts you can personally relate to and find great gems of advice that can really help.

Personally i really feel that controlling your intake is a very difficult task if you are prone to drinkng to excess after the taste of the first drink. For me working on staying abstinent has been the best option.

Have you considered being part of a group of like minded individuals such as AA? Also taking part in this community is another positive step to take.

Good luck, keep us updated

Scotty : )

[Poodlefanforlife]

Hi Scotty. I’m open to looking into resources but I wouldn’t consider myself an “alcoholic”. I would say I have an alcohol problem from time to time. Maybe once every 6 months, usually if I have cocktails or take shots is when I wake up, absolutely embarrassed and depressed as I think what did I do or say.

I’m always safe with my friends and husband and they reassure me I never do anything embarrassing.

It’s just the depression and anxiety that kicks in days after is not worth it.

I hate the taste of alcohol and would never drink it for the enjoyment of the “taste”, it’s for the buzz.

I’m very shy and quiet so it helps me let loose and gain confidence to be more social.

I’d love to quit but I’m wondering if others can relate to this feeling and what types of tactics do you use to not order drinks when out with friends. I would never want to stop hanging out with friends.

[scotty-112 in reply to Poodlefanforlife]

Hi Poodlefanforlife,

Theres not much more i can add to what Isinatra said.

But brilliant that you are open to looking into resources, there is plenty of information on here : )

I do apologise when i said 'the taste' i didn't mean just specifically the taste of alcohol but also the feelings after consuming etc ( should've worded it better)

I hope you find useful advice and information on here : )

Scotty

[Isinatra]

Normal drinkers don’t have a problem controlling their drinking. If a person can’t control the amount they drink, they have a problem with alcohol. Problem drinkers don’t always have to have blackouts to indicate a problem. To get rid of the problem, which is alcohol, don’t consume alcohol. Part of being able to not drink usually includes changing your lifestyle. It doesn’t mean you can’t be with your friends. Be with your friends when they aren’t drinking. If they don’t have a problem with alcohol, then there’s no problem with socializing without alcohol. A person with a problem with alcohol has to decide which is more important to them. The alcohol or a better life without it. If a person chooses alcohol, then it’s more than a problem. It has control now over the person and they have become addicted. The addiction is sneaky and progressive. Just like cancer. It’s a deadly disease and it shortens lives. Does this knowledge prevent people from drinking who are addicted to alcohol? Sometimes, but more often not. The sad part is the addiction can become so great that sometimes even a major tragedy won’t stop a person, much less than a few written words on a page. This is the reality of alcoholism left untreated. Shame and stigma prevents people from asking for help. It’s a big obstacle that needs to be removed from the picture.