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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 8 of 8. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by DannaB on December 30, 2006, at 23:36:34
For the first time, I'm really concerned about my drinking.
I rarely drink at home, and I don't go out all that often, but I've had a habit of having "one too many" on many occasions. Well, just recently I went out and I drank on an empty stomach. Luckily I had a friend watching out for me who got me home safely, but I got very sick and even a bit bruised up. This incident really scared me, as I have basically no recollection of the later portion of the night and am so embarassed that this has happened. God forbid...what if I do something really horrible?
I don't think I have what may typically be considered alcoholism, but I certainly have a problem of knowing when to stop. This is something I need to address NOW before it becomes really serious. Like I said, this incident scared me quite a bit. However, unfortunately many of my friends socialize around alcohol...they go to bars or have parties where many people drink. I don't know the first thing as far as getting started...should I do it cold turkey or try to limit myself to one drink...should I tell people or keep it to myself? I'm scared and I just don't know the best way to approach this.
Posted by Declan on January 1, 2007, at 2:30:37
In reply to Drinking getting out of control, posted by DannaB on December 30, 2006, at 23:36:34
Why not try drinking half as much as you have been?
(Because once you start you will keep drinking regardless?)
It should be possible to practice moderation, don't you think?.
You can remind yourself that you like drinking and if you can't drink in moderation you won't be able to drink at all.
Posted by ClearSkies on January 1, 2007, at 8:15:05
In reply to Knowing when to stop » DannaB, posted by Declan on January 1, 2007, at 2:30:37
This strategy only worked in theory for me. I also recall a news item where the founder of a moderate drinking movement was arrested for a DUI a few years ago.
That would have been me if I hadn't had the habit of drinking at home, in secret. I'd only drive before the drinking started, to get my supply.Sorry to interject such a negative view of moderation. It is, however, a way to measure whether drinking really is a problem for an individual.
ClearSkies
Posted by Declan on January 1, 2007, at 14:45:38
In reply to Re: Knowing when to stop » Declan, posted by ClearSkies on January 1, 2007, at 8:15:05
I never had a real problem with drink, so it's easy for me to talk about moderation.
Even so, knowing that alcohol affects my sleep badly has led to me reducing the amount I drink to under half what it used to be.Knowing when to stop and practice moderation seems to have been taken from us due to some cultural thingo?
After all, opiates were OTC(effectively) in Australia before 1968.I've spent a lot of time around people who say, as they are mixing up the next dose, that they are going to stop tomorrow.
All or nothing.
But we don't have to permit ourselves everything.What is it that sometimes enables us to stop?
My parent's generation would not have liked to so easily lose control of themselves.
Posted by Sebastian on January 1, 2007, at 21:14:06
In reply to Re: Knowing when to stop » ClearSkies, posted by Declan on January 1, 2007, at 14:45:38
I find it harder to moderate my drinking when I'm out. I'm having fun and don't care how much I drink. But I do start to moderate that if I can or else I suffer the next day. So drinking alown is easyer to drink less.
Posted by James K on January 4, 2007, at 3:17:58
In reply to Re: Knowing when to stop, posted by Sebastian on January 1, 2007, at 21:14:06
To appear out of nowhere and then disappear again, I agree with both Declan and ClearSkies. As one who knows, if you don't want to do it, then stop. If you want to continue doing it then control. The choice becomes more difficult as the years go by.
Posted by Sebastian on January 18, 2007, at 17:58:34
In reply to Re: Knowing when to stop, posted by James K on January 4, 2007, at 3:17:58
It helps with depression. Mj helps with anxiety. Just had to say it. These drugs are less harmfull than zyprexa.
Posted by Impermanence on January 30, 2007, at 14:28:08
In reply to Drinking getting out of control, posted by DannaB on December 30, 2006, at 23:36:34
Being aware of your alcoholism (and it is alcoholism) at an early stage is a beautiful gift, Use it wisely. If you don't like what you're becoming, fix it now while you still have a choice.
This is the end of the thread.
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