newbie who likes a drink!

[BigT34]

Hi all.

as an introduction main reason I’m here is I had a health scare heart related recently and realise it’s possibly last chance to do something about it. Not a heart attack or anything just scary enough to make me really think about it. Overweight and obese being the main issues but really enjoy social drinking. Food wise my partner is really helpful with . It’s exercise (I’ve been referred ) and being a binge drinker I need to work on how to change anyway keep enjoying the weather😀

[SoberDrunk1]

Welcome to the forum. One can determine whether he has a problem or not, when one starts to either moderate or stay stopped. If he has trouble doing either, then he probably an alcoholic. If you are an alcoholic, then the only solution is to have a spiritual awakening. One of the vehicle’s is AA. If you need more info on the 12 steps there are some members including myself here who can help.

[DicCarlson]

Well, good luck on your journey! This is your only life. As Andy Dufresne says in The Shawshank Redemption "Get busy living, or get busy dying"! So many people shy away from the question "How good can I be?" and settle for "How little can I get away with?" Heart health will improve dramatically without booze. I lost 20 pounds after I quit in just a few months! Of course you like social drinking - but alas you can STILL be social without booze. Best advice is to replace booze with another drink - NA beers are great, and Kombutcha over ice is a good alternative. Lots of great advice here...

ainyf.com/

[fauxartist in reply to DicCarlson]

Great reply except one small addition about NA beer...it's not completely alcohol-free, and some of the NA beers like the German brands, etc., actually have even more residual alcohol. I hate to say it, but for me...it's just too close to home...like a pretend stepping stone...one step a way kind of thing.... I have to completely abstain from even the pretend stuff, but...some have said orange juice can have an alcohol percentage....I guess you just have to read the labels and make up our own mind.

For me, being an alcoholic...and saying I can't be an alcoholic if I only have a few drinks, is like saying you are 'Kinda Pregnant'.....you either are or you ain't. One drink is too many for me.

[Isinatra in reply to fauxartist]

I tried the N/A beer and all those virgin concoctions. They were a tease for me. My brain and body kept waiting for the high that comes along with the real stuff and I’d cave.

[fauxartist in reply to Isinatra]

Exactly...well put

[LilyAnnepuppy Ambassador]

I agree with SoberDrunk1. I found that I’m powerless over alcohol and my life was unmanageable. Left to my own devices, I have to drink whether I want to or not.

AA has worked for me, too. Good luck on your journey.

[SquirrelsHolt]

Hi 🙋‍♀️there and i can understand your predicament too. Basically do your research and go from there. No easy solution. Lots of soul searching. Best of luck. Keep us posted please. Cx👍