Why do i feel the need to drink most days?

Question

I dont let myself get drunk but i like to have alcohol in my system as it makes me feel more 'confident',i am wondering if i've build up a tolerance as it takes alot to get me drunk. I only drink if i'm going out or meeting people,it's like a habit now,i tend to drink vodka straight which i know isnt healthy,whats wrong with me?

Answer 1

I am a recovered alcoholic, and the last thing I want to do is to worry you unduly, but this is how we all start.

We start because we like the taste and the effect it has on us, it makes us feel more confident, be able to mix better with other people and to be one of the crowd.

If is not kept in check, we don't want to go out without having a drink first, then we have one with lunch.

When it gets worse, we like to have one first thing in the morning to help us face the day, do you see the trend?

Personally I hardly ever got drunk, some alcoholics drink to oblivion, I never once did. But I did have a couple before going to work, at lunch time, waiting for the train before going home, and at home or in the pub in the evening.

I ended up in re-hab last November and joined AA, I have not had one drink since.

As I say I am not trying to worry you, but you obviously have some concern to ask the question in the first place, this is a good sign.

I now sponsor people in AA to help those who want it, if you want to talk to me further you are welcome to email me.

Good luck

Answer 2

You're right, feeling the need to drink every day is a sign that something is wrong. When you drink regularly you do build up a tolerance. Again, a bad sign. A lot of people have the impression that if you're not drunk all the time +/or drinking constantly you aren't an alcoholic. That's not true. If you feel as though you "can't" go without a drink or you have trouble stopping once you start, you're an alcoholic. Its time for rehab, AA, or whatever its going to take for you. Do yourself a favor - stop now before your life gets completely out of control. I'd also suggest new friends, because if you're drinking this much and nobody you're hanging with thinks its odd... they're having the same problems or they don't care enough to notice what's going on with you. You can quit and there is a normal life without these issues, but you have to make that happen.

Answer 3

I would say having a drink or two after work isn’t an issue. I know a glass a day of wine is actually supposed to be good for you.
As long as there are no kids involved and you are not getting drunk and or affecting your daily 9-5, enjoy it.
I believe your tolerance will go up in time, but if you are able to throttle the drinking to only one or two drinks your tolerance should go up that much. Tolerance usually becomes a problem for those that tend to drink until they get drunk. That tipping point of “well buzzed” to “drunk” increases every time you pass that point.
I know I have a drink almost every night also. I usually have a stiff Capt. and Coke before dinner/while I am cooking. Then when I eat I switch to water or milk and though I lose the small head buzz... It still makes the evening more enjoyable.
I have always been of the opinion that what you do from 5PM-9 (evening) is your personal business and as long as it does not effect your 9-5. Enjoy life.
Hope this Helps.
Cheers! :)

Answer 4

I am by no means an expert ..........having said this I would suggest that you talk to a health care professional.
I really feel that by making this statement you are asking for help, and yes you do develop tolerance for anything you put into your body. I can speak about addiction as I"m just 6 months smoke free after 30 yrs of puffing.
If you are at all concerned which I would say yes to......talk to a professional or find an AA meeting close to you. They will have all kinds of information, which will help you decide whether or not you have an addiction problem
Good luck, may the joy, hope, peace and love of the season be with you and yours.

Answer 5

because of the very most basic principle of addiction.

youve drank in the past and it felt great. after some time, the system that releases dopamine in your brain (the stuff that makes you feel good, pleasure, motivation etc...) has stopped making as much because youve always had alcohol to help it release more and make you feel good. well now when your sober your brain is still making less and you dont feel right unless you have a drink that in turn helps your brain release some more dopamine.
if you think you just like to drink most days, imagine what this same addiction principle does to cokeheads, meth addicts, and heroin addicts.
see HBO's series on addiction for more info and talk to an addiction specialist if you want more help.
good luck.
"where there is passion and desire, there will always be new horizons"

Answer 6

I'm confused - which is it... u only drink when your going out socialising etc, or your drinking 'most days'.. or is it that you are finding events to go to most days and thus have a 'reason' to drink..
Whatever the answer - you are the best person to solve the riddle... though u may need help in implementing it..
Do you have friends/ family that u can talk openly with...?

If u feel uncomfortable doing this try on-line forum for live chats (not sure there s an on-line aa meeting - not saying your an alcoholic, but thy may have info you need)

Alcoholism takes many forms - it dosnt mean u drink yourself silly every night etc.. it could be as simple as you 'feel' u 'need' a drink to un-wind at night to get to sleep.. this feeling then turns into a dependency and so on.. before you know it, you 'have' to drink as if you don't your body aggressively informs u of this craving...

There is no simple answer, but your asking my guess is you know the answer - go speak to someone

Answer 7

To be honest with you,you really do seem to have a drinking problem and the reason why your not getting drunk is because your system is used to the alcohol,also if you realise that you have this prob i would advise you to get it looked about as there could be many dangers down the road,my father is a recovered alcoholic and life for me as a child wasnt great as you will forget about the important things in life like your family etc.need i say more!

Answer 8

It maybe a problem with low self esteem. It would be worth discussing this with your GP before it turns into a serious problem. They will be able to refer you to groups or counsellors in your area, who can help you build confidence so you don't need to turn to vodka.

I think it is possible to build up a tolerance, so you need more and more to have any effect, which is where it can turn difficult. There is nothing wrong in enjoying a drink, but if you feel you need it to continue daily life then it is better to get help now.

Good luck.

Answer 9

You're a functional alcoholic. Healthy people don't require a drink to give them the boost they need to just go out. You don't have to be a fall down drunk to be an alcoholic.

Answer 10

Nothing wrong with you.

Your drink is not the most sociable however.

Dry a nice dry white wine or at least mixing the Vodka with something else.

Also, Xmas is round the corner, thats always a good time to have a few more drinks!