Posted by Marie1 on July 28, 2001, at 9:07:29
In reply to Re: Strange bunch, I think not ..., posted by Willow on July 27, 2001, at 23:01:26
Willow,
Maybe the statement "and I can't go out and not drink" really defines the difference between someone who is an alcoholic and someone who is not. I really envy your ability to either take or leave it. I'm okay until I'm put in a situation where others are drinking, and then it's like a siren song to me. I enjoy the feeling alcohol gives me, until my depression kicks in or the next morning when I feel like shit. My pdoc says that alcoholism is often co-morbid with depression because at first, you feel a lift from the heaviness. But then it just comes back, stronger than ever.
I don't know if this makes any sense to you - it's kind of like explaining the nuances of depression to someone who hasn't had it. I'm glad your kids' Christmasses won't be about watching the adults in their lives make idiots of themselves. That certainly doesn't make for pleasant memories. Take care - hope you have a nice vacation!Marie
> *And I can't go out and not drink.
>
> Why not? I've never really been a drinker, alcohol was for special occassions not every occassion when I was growing up. My in-laws and some casual friends really have a problem with this, but not me. And now with my stomach problems and medications that I'm on alcohol really isn't a good idea.
>
> This past Christmas they were really insistent that I have a DRINK, even though I'm to drive home! I explained to them if they really wanted to be insistent, I would be insistent too, Christmas is a time for family and my family includes my children. A bunch of adults "drinking" (I mean one after another) is not what children want for Christmas family gatherings. Meanwhile going home I asked my children what they thought about the "Christmas celebration" at their grandparents and they replied boring.
>
> So maybe being with a bunch of impair people when one is sober is boring. Not always, but I do usually spend time just relaxing enjoying other aspects of the enviornment.
>
> >
> > I have a problem with the "higher power" thing too. How do you get around that?
>
> I'm not religious. To me a "higher power" represents what humanity, society strives for and I believe it is attainable. For me this isn't a God like prescence, more of a Jesus persona. Someone who is caring and understanding, proctective of those in need. So for example, when you feel your own strength slipping you ask for assistance from a "higher power" which is the really the strength within yourself.
>
> Just my opinions!
>
> Willow
poster:Marie1
thread:8045
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20010726/msgs/8162.html