Am I an alcoholic? If so, any advice?

Question

I drink about once a week but when I do I drive to the liquor store almost as if I'm on a mission. I get home or go out to friends and I start drinking and I drink and drink and drink even if I know I'm drunk..it's like I just want to keep on drinking. The next morning I'm so hungover and I'm sick all day, throwing up and with a headache and I wonder how I managed to drink so much because I don't conciously think of it at the time. I keep telling myself that I will never drink again but I ALWAYS DO. Am I an alcoholic?

Answer 1

Unfortunately I have been around that type of behavior quite a bit. I don't say it like it was an imposition and I was disgusted with the people involved - that isn't it at all. I mention it because a couple of my dearest, lovable friends and a very close relative started out the same way. They 'binge' drank once a week, then advanced to having a few the next day to make themselves feel better. The progression continued to a very severe point. They have all quit, they are so much happier as are their families and friends.

It doesn't sound good in your description. I am no MD or professional counselor. But I strongly recommend that you lay off for a while. The worst it will be will be a pleasant 'day after' instead of the sickness and guilt. If you find it too hard to kick the alcohol then see a professional - catch it early! I will pray for you and hope that it turns out OK. Just by asking the question in 'public' you have started to correct the potential problem. A great first step! Good luck and may God bless you!

Answer 2

I have alot of appreciation for this question i do the same friggin thing as you almost once a week. I often wonder if i am an alcoholic too, i have a pretty good tolerance for liquor so i can drink alot, i have seriously thought about going to an AA class but im afraid i will see someone i know. I always thought of alcoholics as people that just stay home and drink all day but i wonder if this awful binge i get into like you qualifies for being an alcoholic, i will be checking this for more answers myself because i am interested in what advice you get. It is very hard not to splurge but i wish i could contain myself better and actually be able to limit myself. my problem much like yours i have no limits when it comes to drinking and i scare myself sometimes. Good luck! hopefully we will both get some helpful advice on how not to be a lush.

Answer 3

Some people drink during crisis periods in their lives and then when the crisis is past they just stop drinking.
Alcoholism is a progressive disease, but what most people do not know is that a person is alcoholic long before they have ever touched a drop. The drinking is a symptom of the disease.
This is a disease that affects the way we think. If your brain (self talk) is constantly telling you how worthless, useless, stupid, no good you are and you can not shut it off...well, the possibility is there.
When you say you are on a mission, that makes me pause...I know that feeling.
For more info think about going to an OPEN AA meeting, where alcholics, family, friends or anyone wanting info are welcome. Listen to what these people have to say if you can relate...or they sound just like you, take heed.
Whatever you do, I wish you the best.

Answer 4

hmm well although you do exhibit some unhealthy habits and patterns (as you yourself have identified), alcoholics by definition NEED alcohol to function on a daily basis. When your once a week ritual comes around, is it your weekly "wind down"? Is it your way of relaxing after a long week? Is it a social ritual within your circle of friends? Whatever the reason, it might do you good to establish some other methods of chilling out and socializing. For example, instead of bar-hopping with friends, maybe organize a Sunday morning round of golf, jogging, etc with the boys? Its pretty clear that you recognize that your current situation isn't very healthy, and just think, in 15 - 20 years time what your insides will look like if you keep this up....
Good luck!

Answer 5

You don't have to drink every day to be an alcoholic. My grandfather drank maybe once a month, but when he decided that he wanted to drink he could not fight the urge and he could not stop drinking.

As a recovering addict myself, I learned in substance abuse meetings that addiction isn't about how much you use, its about what happens when you DO use. And from the description you've given here, when you drink it totally emcompasses everything about you. You aren't able to stop or even slow down. And you aren't able to break out of your routine of drinking.

You need to get some help. Obviously you've not been able to do it on your own. Call 1-800-511-9229, its an addiction helpline number. If you explain to them your situation, they'll point you in the right direction. Good luck!

Answer 6

You are not an alcoholic however, keep in mind that if you drink yourself into a oblivious state all the time "your friends" won't want you at their get togethers...no one likes to babysit!!
First sign that you have a problem is if you get up the next day and you are so sick...but you...have another drink to ease your hang over!! Eventually your life will revolve around drinking and the price you pay..."everything you love & everything you have". Ask yourself now...Is it worth it?

Answer 7

u r classified as a binge drinker and yes that is alcoholism. i have the same problem. i dont have to drink but i want to and when i do i dont know my limit, even if i'm totally wasted i keep on going. i stopped drinking for a long tim, but have started drinking again. i'm not that bad anymore but occasionally still fall into the same pattern. just know this if u cant cut back on your own and decide to get help (AA) or something u will have to cut out alcohol entirely

Answer 8

Alcoholism is really hard to diagnose. I wasted away several years of my life drinking and partying hard and telling myself I'd quit, but I dont think I was an alcoholic. I finally did quit about a year and a half ago. I didnt go to AA, I just got it in my head I was going to quit and I did. I still have a drink from time to time and dont lose control, but I have seen peoples lives ruined because they just cant quit. If its destroying your life and you still cant find the will to quit then get help.

Answer 9

You seem like a binge drinker. It's not quite alcoholic but it is a problem. It's actually very common for people to binge drink. The major problem with it is that your have a very high risk of alcohol poisoning. There is also the increasing chance of liver disease. Another problem is that you are drinking alone. It is a serious problem when you begin doing it alone. There is no one to call 911 if you hurt yourself. See your MD and ask for a referral for alcohol counseling.

Answer 10

your not an alcoholic your an alcohol abuser,if you want to keep drinking try to change what you drink try stick-in with beer,eat before you drink,and before you go to bed if you can remember to drink lots of water take a couple of aspirin,and drink a 32 oz. sports drink the next day oh yea for every drink you have drink a glass of water in between.