I drink about a liter of vodka a week. Sometimes in social settings, but almost always by myself while I wind-down before bed. It never interferes with my work, I never drink enough in one sitting to get drunk, and I can go without it if I want to (and I do on occasion when I dont have time to go to the liquor store). I don't necessarily think I have a problem, but I am worried about possible health consequences. Thoughts?
2006-12-02 09:09:07 · 21 answers · asked by Two E 2 in Health ➔ Other - Health
Well, even if you aren't now, you would need to be quite careful because it's easy to reach a tipping point where it's harder and harder to do without it.
One good rule of thumb is that if alcohol has ever caused problems in your life (fights with a bf/gf, work problems, dui, etc.) then you have a problem with it.
Vodka's not the healthiest thing in the world, and a liter (about a quart) is a fair amount to be burning through in a week.
The label doesn't matter. Thinking you are NOT an alcoholic does not absolve you of any problems caused by alcohol, so what you need to look it is your behavior as a result of alcohol, not how you categorize yourself. If you think it is creating problems, or potential problems, then you may wish to take steps to change your lifestyle.
2006-12-02 09:13:52 · answer #1 · answered by T J 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It doesn't really sound like you are an alcoholic to me. And if you are, you might be a functioning alcoholic. I consider myself to be a functioning alcoholic. I drink every day but my life has not crumbled because of it. But I must admit that I still do have a problem and that I am an alcoholic. Yes, you must be concerned about health consequences. Especially with the hard liquor. Once the liver is damaged, it can never be repaired. I have seen a few people get liver disease at a somewhat young age. It is devestating.
2006-12-02 09:19:18 · answer #2 · answered by cannonball 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
One of my friends has a similar problem to yourself, but enjoys wine. He has spoken to his doctor who suggested that he doesn't stop drinking entirely as this can lead to undue stress. It's probably wise to cut down though as your drinking around 40-50 units of alcohol a week, maybe more, depends on the size of the bottle. This makes you, by british standards, a very heavy drinker. Ideally you only want to be drinking 10 units a week.
If you think you have a problem then get some help with it, you don't have to be an alcoholic to have a problem with alcohol. But it's not something shameful to have. It is an addictive substance, one that many can't live without. Try getting a smaller bottle each time and see if you drink less. But only if you think you need to, unless you want to cut down you won't be able to.
Good luck, whatever you decide to do.
2006-12-02 09:15:32 · answer #3 · answered by mad_caesar 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well if you don't get drunk when you drink, then you definitely do not have a problem. In addition if you can go without alcohol for a significant amount of time. You really don't have a problem. If you are worried about health problems,you should stop drinking. I hope this helps.
2006-12-02 09:37:39 · answer #4 · answered by form-one 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
From my experience I am almost sure that you are becoming addicted to alcohol.
Vodka is a distilled alcohol beverage (almost pure ethanol) and it can be extremely dangerous to your health.
I would go to a AAA meeting. They have a set of special questions. Depending on the number of "yes" answers you give you will find out if you need help or not.
2006-12-02 09:17:21 · answer #5 · answered by Vovó (Grandma) 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Up to -- not greater than -- two one-shot drinks a day may be healthy. Beyond that isn't. You drink more than that. Check with your doctor.
Drinking alone a lot is a possible bad sign.
2006-12-02 09:13:47 · answer #6 · answered by jackbutler5555 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
well if you are worried about it you definitely have a problem.
If you know how much you drink and are trying to control it you may have a problem.
If you seek counseling or help you are an alcoholic. You must decide whether or not your health is worth it.
2006-12-02 09:23:02 · answer #7 · answered by Pat B 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You should cut down the vodka.
2006-12-02 09:11:07 · answer #8 · answered by Webballs 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Call AA and you can talk to someone who may be able to help answer your question. I'm NOT laughing at you. Give them a call.
2006-12-02 09:14:24 · answer #9 · answered by R W 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My strongest advice is simple. Go and ask a professional for help. If you ask your own Doctor he/she will refer you to someone who can try and help you.
2006-12-02 09:17:38 · answer #10 · answered by CT 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋