Scared of becoming an alcoholic,what should i do?

Question

I have severe anxiety and self medicate with alcohol when i have to be social. I dont drink everyday or get drunk but i like the way it makes me feel when i'm just 'tipsy',i feel so confident and relaxed and feel like i can talk to anybody. Recently i keep thinking about alcohol and when i'm next going to have a drink,i'm kinda having a craving for it. My dad was an alcoholic so i'm scared of becoming one.

Answer 1

Oh dear how i can relate to this,I'm a recovering alcoholic so please bear with me,first alcoholism can be hereditary,as it is in my case as both sides of my family were drinkers,i have been to hell and back quite a few times,living in shelters and car parks,or waking up in a field somewhere,the hardest part is admitting that you are an alcoholic,because our so called society looks down there noses at people like us,but things are improving there slowly,i really do think you have a problem,you don't have to drink every day to be an alcoholic,but please DO NOT be scared,it's ok there is plenty of help out there for you,please go and have a chat with your Dr,if you feel that you can't because you may not know him well,look in the yellow pages,AA was not for me but it has help thousands of others,but there are other options out there,please i urge you to seek help,before you waste your life away like me,there is a life without alcohol honestly,i wish you all the best,take care and find someone to talk to soon,Kathy

Answer 2

Alcoholism also runs in my family, and, like yourself, I've found myself enjoying the socially lubricating effects of alcohol a bit more than I should. I know myself well enough to know that I do have alcoholic tendencies, so I try to not drink too often or to overdo it when I do decide to have a drink or two. I see no need to deny myself totally, as sometimes, having a drink really is a nice way to relax and be social, but if I ever became concerned enough about my behavior, my inability to control my cravings for alcohol, or if I noticed myself drinking with more frequency, I believe I would stop for a while, if not entirely. If you fear you are starting to lose control, perhaps it may be time to attend a meeting or two, just to remind yourself of where you don't want to be.

Answer 3

The most important thing on your side may be that you recognize your risk. Many people don't see the signs.

I personally believe that someone with ADD, who is also the child of an alcoholic parent, definitely has an "addictive" gene. With your father being an alcoholic, your risk of becoming an alcoholic is about 50 percent. Since there is also a tremendous amount of crossover between ADD and alcoholism (addiction), your concern is justified.


ADD is commonly, perhaps excessively, treated with stimulants, which interestingly will often reduce the risk of a more severe addictive disease. When I first heard about the increasing incidence of amphetamine addiction in this country, I thought that perhaps we were creating these addicts by treating so many children and adolescents with stimulants (amphetamines). I quickly searched the medical literature and found that, in fact, the opposite was true. Addictive individuals whose ADD has been treated actually have a lower risk of more severe forms of addiction. In your case, it would be reasonable to have your ADD treated, keeping yourself as psychologically healthy as possible. This will likely diminish your potential to use substances as an escape from some unpleasant mood and to ultimately trigger the addictive process. After the age of 18, however, I believe that, in the setting of addictive chemistry, ADD should no longer be treated with stimulants.

Answer 4

I also worry about becoming an alcoholic, and I'm just terrible in social situations. I agree with the theory that we may carry an addictive gene. What I do to put myself at ease about becoming an alcoholic is, I test myself often. Agree to not drink for a specified time. I usually chose lent, and I prove to myself each year, I can do it. If you can go without, you probably don't have a prob.

Answer 5

Go to your doctor. He may be able to prescribe a more effective medication for your anxiety. Also, voice your concerns about alcohol. Hopefully, the medication will take the edge off, so you won't feel the need to drink.

Answer 6

If u know ur limit DO NOT go over it. especially with meds.
make it kind of a treat (do good at work or at the house watever then have a small drink) OR
just dont think about it get a hobby or just find something to occupy you when u want to drink.
DONT BE SAD!! DEPRESSION SOMETIMES LEADS TO ALCOHOLISM!!!!
Be Happy Be Healthy

Answer 7

becoming a teenager doesn't automatically mean you'll start screaming at your parents, and the fact that you worry about it is a step in the right direction and shows that you are already more mature than your sister. However, when you hit puberty/start getting a period - unfortunately the hormones come right along with it and we all get a little out of whack.

Answer 8

She didn't say she had "ADD", she said she has "severe anxiety". If your father was an alcoholic you never should have started drinking. There are tons of ways to treat anxiety. Go see a doctor and lay off the sauce.

Answer 9

Drink yourself through it and don't care what the puritans think. Why are you so hung up on lables? I'm an alcoholic and I'm not afraid of becoming anything. Some people can function, some can't. If you can't, you're screwed and suicide is the only solution for you. Otherwise, get off your moral high horse and have some fun.

Answer 10

you have predisposition now.. so its risky.. quit drinking is a good start.. especially if you do ti to self medicate. That in itself is addiction. Try smoking a bowl..yikes.. seriously.. do you know what a runners high is?.. endorphins.. get some.. exercise is excellent for anx!. and endorphins? you can have ALL you want..