Am I a functioning alcoholic?
I genuinely seem to not be able to engage normally with alcohol and weed, but mostly alcohol. The worst part is that I do like beer and cocktails flavors, so I don't only drink them to get drunk, but I am always looking to get drunk. I don't wanna be a burden to my friends anymore. I truly do think that I have a type of addiction but in all the years I've been drinking I cannot seem to truly get sober; I'll stop drinking for a short period of time and then go back. Is there anyone who can tell me how to fix this? Should I quit cold turkey? Please help.
@thecloudsinthesky
I do not think there is a one size fits all situation with Alcohol. the idea of a functioning alcoholic was in my mind a person who drank regularly ( everyday) but were mostly able to continue life as normal doing all they would do job/ home life etc with few noticing.
If you are drinking just to get drunk not having one while socializing etc. If you are looking to get drunk a lot and every time you have alcohol that seems different.
if you are able to stop for awhile what triggers you to drink again? When do you stop after passing out or getting ill?
quitting is also a personal item not a one size fits all ... do you have any withdrawal when you do quit for short term? if not you might be able to quit cold turkey but that is NOT advisable for hardcore with serious withdrawal symptoms. Talking to a doctor or medical professional i smart to do in that case.
@thecloudsinthesky You’re drinking to cover over some emotion you don’t want to feel. Works great for a few hours and then the next day you’re dealing with the fallout - friction with friends. If you keep going you’ll eventually reap other more serious consequences. Money issues, physical health, legal issues, loss of your freedom. Some consequences are delayed for years, such as liver failure. Dying the somewhat slow death of liver failure must be really personally embarrassing because you’ll know you did it to yourself. It is hard for family and friends to watch. All of this because you were unwilling to experience a few minutes of difficult emotions - whatever emotions you’re feeling just before you reach for that drink.
Listen to this
https://www.ted.com/talks/johann_hari_everything_you_think_you_know_about_addiction_is_wrong
@PineTreeTree Or this link (same content) if the other one doesn’t work
I can relate to your post. I'm tired of drinking. It's gotten so old. I'm going to focus on altering the programming I've had for a long time and start a new with a riendly constant reminder for myself to use my time wisely and keep a level head. Oh. And find new locations to frequent and to lovingly leave the people who don't want to change where they are. Support groups - anything - but it's for me.
That's as far as I've gotten. What say you?
