Do I have a drink problem?

Question

50 years old, male, 14 binge drinking sessions this year - cannot remember much. Have lost my driving licence for 3 years. Family think I have chronic problem - I think I can control it - I can go 2 weeks without touching a drop!Alcoholics need a drink every day.

Answer 1

Sorry to say that you have a problem, you are also still in denial, which makes it difficult for you to seek help. Perhaps this question is your first step. After so many heavy sessions you need to get a physical health check from your GP including liver function tests. While you are there, If you are ready, you could ask him to refer you to the local community addiction team, they should have an alcohol specialist. I am sorry to say that alcoholism has become the poor relation of addiction management, with such a high percentage of effort going into other drugs.

Answer 2

You have a problem, as do I. If you drink so much that you cannot actually remember anything, and you do that 14 times this year alone, then there is a problem. I have binged so far 4 times this year, and have recognised there is a problem. I would come to at around 6am and be in the middle of nowhere, and have no idea where I was or how I got there.

I never NEED a drink, but I do start to count down the days until I can have the next one.

Your family would not ask you to stop unless they truely believed that you have a problem. Do what I did, and ask yourself why it gets out of control so much and so easily, and why your family are so concerned.

I eventually went to my doctor and undertook counselling. I still drink, but in very small amounts and never alone. Just try discussing it with someone.

Good luck.

Answer 3

You are fooling yourself if you believe that all alcoholics are all the same.

There are many types of alcoholics. If you drink to the point of not remembering what was happening it is likely that you have a problem with alcohol.

May not be everyday, but sounds like when you do drink the alcohol takes control, this is definitely a problem.

Alcoholism runs in my family, none of the men drink everyday, but they are alcoholics just the same. None have lost their licences but they have totalled their vehicles while drinking and they, like you, drink to the point of not remembering.

All of my brothers have quit drinking for extended periods of time without much trouble, however, when they start drinking again, it takes control and might only be once a week, but it's a problem just the same.

The first step though is recognizing the problem yourself, from there the solution is clear. Stay away from alcohol.

Answer 4

you are kidding your self. the fact that you can go 14 days without a drink is irrelevant ; only some alcoholics need a drink everyday. If you are binge drinking you have a problem. try going a month without a drink and see waht happens. Then try 2 months , then three months.I have no doubt that when you go on a binge you always have some wonderful excuse for doing so. You are an alcoholic have no doubt of that

Answer 5

OK, So you've lost your licence through drink driving, you're 50 y/ yet you binge drink and can't remember, and your family are voicing their concerns because they love and care you but you are too blind to see?

Yes, I'd say that you have a serious problem or are you waiting until you get to stage where you need a drink every day to prove your point?

Answer 6

You DO have a drinking problem. Going two weeks without a drop only to binge after that, lose memory, and lose things is a classic sign.

Alcoholics are the last to admit it. I suggest you find a meeting of AA, and just listen to the meeting until you feel OK. One day you will be able to stand up and say, " My name is-------and I am an alcoholic" and feel safe in the company of others also trying to get clean.

Answer 7

Oh cause you have a problem. But at least you seem to acknowledge the fact and seem to want to do something about it. You don't have to have a drink to enjoy life believe me. I did think that in my earlier years (now 47). Personally I got to the stage where I hated the smell of stale booze in the morning on my clothes and having no money. That was 15 year ago. Don't get me wrong I still go for a meal with friends who drink I just have juice or water. My friends are proud of me and I feel great. I even run between 30 and 40 mile a week now,

Answer 8

It's just a different style of drinking, mate. I used to drink every day, you don't, but you're still an alcoholic. You're a genuine binge drinker by the sound of it, if you drink as much as you can and then don't remember, you definitely are. It's another term that's been devalued by the media. People who get drunk and fall about at the weekend aren't "binge drinkers," they're just knobs who can't handle it. I wish you luck.

Answer 9

I am an alcoholic, aged 60 years. First, you have identified your own problems by asking the question. Am I an alcoholic.You are wrong when you say alcoholics need a drink every day.Listen to your family, they care for you. Go to the nearest AA meeting.(And I dont mean Automobile Association).They will give you help and support.You know it makes sense.I wish you all the best.

Answer 10

I'm in your boat, although I didn't lose my license and my family's not on my back. 14 binge sessions doesn't sound too bad but blacking out is not a good sign. You may have a drinking problem but that doesn't necessarily mean you're an alcoholic.