A hard post - alcohol dependency

I'm 27 years old and a alcoholic.  I don't drink everyday and I am not one of those slobering drunks either...well not usually... but I have do had a dependency.  I quit once before for about 3 1/2 years and started up again when I went backpacking through Europe 2 years ago.  I thought I had control, but it looks like my bad habits have came back.  My main problem is I like to drink alone and when I do I usually over drink.  Social drinking isn't a problem as far as control, but I am a "all or nothing" type of person.  If I continue to drink in public I know the tempation is always inside me to drink alone.  I realize this site is generally for weightloss/calorie counting but I was wondering if anyone else is dealing with these sort of issue. 

I have a great girlfriend, but I've been hiding this from her almost 2 years...I feel so guilty.

Admitting you have the problem and want to do something abouti it, is the first and hardest step. Good for you..

My ex is an alcholic (and a smoker, and a drug user). I can't tell you how many ways it has messed up ourlives and so many things, or what it has done to our son. Mike had so much going for him but he let the beer get the best of him, and threw away so much because of it.

Now that you've admitted your problem, you need to find help for it. I would start with AA and maybe a counsilor or therapist and work out from there. Take things one day at a time, one minute at a time. Get a sponser to help you in times of trouble, and celebrate every success. You also need to come clean to those close to you, you may think you are hiding it, but odds are they know more than you think. My ex often tried to lie about or cover up his drinking, but it was obvious to all what was really going on.

It is a large part of why he is my ex (there is more to it,but I won't go in to that).

Well here is my update.  I am amazed oh how many replies I get from this post, you ladies (& gents) are very relentless...but in a good way ;)

Well so far so good.  I haven't checked into any AA meeting yet, but to quite honest, I haven't felt the need to.  I do get plenty of support from my parents, friends, girlfriend and brother.  I know there will come a time when perhaps I will need more support, but until than, I just can't be bothered.

While I was in Taiwan I did however drink but since I been back ( about 2 weeks now) I've been totally clean. 

Taiwan was a amazing (I have a few pics in my profile) .  But it was a business trip.  I went on many dinners with Suppilers and other business people alike and I the last thing I wanted to do give the impression that I had a problem.  It never got out of hand...just some social drinking, temptation lingered but I never bite. I was there for the first time on behave of our company and I didn't want to show and any weaknesses, especially to company's we've been dealing with for a number of years.  I know it's was a tight rope to walk but I did it.  And know that I'm back I haven't had a drop of the stuff so cheers to me *bottled water* of course.  And as far as work goes, I think I made a "good impression"  :)

Again, thank you everyone for sharing your stories and giving me soo much support.  I've read all your replies and I truly apprieate it. If one day I need help, C-C is the first place I am going...than perhaps AA.

And I apologize, if you were expecting some more... I am not really a fan of typing out a full out story and I hate explaining myself in text, but if you are curious about somthing drop me a line and I can give it to you in point form ;)

Hi Paul, next time you are in that situation just say you are allergic to alcohol or order a coke/soda whatever  and put a lime in it - looks like a drink to everyone else. 

You should try to not tempt fate like that - every line you cross makes it easier to do so the next time and make excuses to yourself.  I am so happy you are doing well! 

I just say "I don't drink". There's no explanation needed. I may be an alcoholic, but I tend to think of myself simply as a non-drinker.

I don't have a problem with alcohol, and I can't offer any advise but I'm adding my support to the rest. I know when I'm dieting I need to tell everyone. Its hard to tell people you have a problem but when the worst is over you have a saftey net ... people looking out for you and keeping you from screwing up... probably why its so hard to tell... its hard to give up a comfortable problem... at least for me. I wish you luck and hope you find support

I have a big problem with alcohol, and it comes and goes. I recently started, again, drinking 1.75 of gin every 3 days. I feel this leads to extra water weight, I want to lose weight, but it's hard to quit. I don't feel that AA will help because I don't like talking to other people about my drinking, and I don't feel that a phone call to someone when you're feening will help. For some people you need to realize that you are confused and don't know what will help. A lot of people do not understand. I wish I knew of a medicine or pill that could help. I get excited when I leave work, because I know that bottle is waiting for me. Don't tell me that I am depressed or lonely because I love drinking and exploring my wild side. I love drinking alone, noone can tell someone else the things I do when intoxicated. My pets love me because when I'm drunk, they get more treats and the food I drop when eating.

cannonmaster, if you want to talk about this, you should probably start a new thread; this one is more than three years old and has run its course.

cannonmonster, it is an old thread, but perhaps you found it because you were looking for some support.  I know you don't think AA would help, yeah, that's fine, but actually they have a big huge meeting every month where you can go and be extremely anonymous.

You see, you say you love your drinking.  You may think that you're the only one that's ever felt that way...  Anyway the thing is when you go to the big meeting you'll hear lots of people get up and share their stories.  You'll be amazed, spellbound, and start wondering. 

I'm sure your pets love you when you're sober too.  

chobe, my mother is an alcoholic. now where i live in ireland, its very normal for 14/15 yr old to start drinking before discos / clubs, etc....i didnt start drinking till quite late in comparison to my friends--age 17. as soon as i had my first shot i wanted more and more, ended up having 8 and didnt even feel drunk. i drank every few months of that 17th year, always binging when i did...then at 18 i stopped. so right when it was LEGAL for me and everyone to drink, i had already accepted i had an addictive drink personality like my mom, and decided to cut it out asap.

 

its not been hard for me. if you want to give it up, you can. get some good support around you,.. tell the people you Trust and who are levelheaded enough to take it seriously. if i can be in my early 20s and sober in Ireland of all places, anyone can! well done for saying it out loud!x