I REALLY need to quit drinking....

[Greggie]

So here I am again. Lost my keys (both work and home), living room's a mess, my hair reeks of cigarettes, I'm wearing a club dress to WORK and any memory of the night before is minimal to non-existant, though I have been told quite a few interesting (embarrassing, horrible, dreadfull!) tidbits.

 

I seriously cannot go on like this. It is not even the fact that I do foolish things when I drink because I genereally behave myself, at least to a certain degree; the problem is that I feel severely depressed and horribly anxious the day after and I feel like this every single time (regardless of the night's events, and whether or not I have been a silly girl or well-behaved). It is like I cannot handle alcohol mentally. Almost like the way people get after doing drugs when they "land". Except I have tried drugs and never experienced anything like that, but with alcohol, I'm one Whiskey shot away from wanting to do away with myself. Anyone else experience something like this?

 

Anyways, I decided that although I have a good time when drinking, it is NOT worth this day-after depression. Unfortunately for me, I am in an environment where people go out A LOT. Every Sunday, on the clock. While others are praying, we are drinking. Don't know what the guy in the sky would have to say about that... But yes, I'm thinking perhaps I could continue going out (I love the dressing up bit and want of course to socialize with my friends) but try and stay sober through the night. (This will be HARD. Seriously, I make the decision to quit drinking EVERY TIME I've been out =P) Does anyone have similar experiences to share? Anyone given up alcohol, and is it difficult and does it feel limiting in terms of social life? Thank you in advance for your input =)

[annie24]

i'm concerned that you might have some signs of alcohol dependence or alcoholism. can you talk to your doctor and maybe they can recommend some programs? or join a support group? i think the first thing you should do is stay away from clubbing, and find other things to do on saturday night or other nights that will keep you away from alcohol.

[Greggie]

i'm concerned that you might have some signs of alcohol dependence or alcoholism. can you talk to your doctor and maybe they can recommend some programs? or join a support group? i think the first thing you should do is stay away from clubbing, and find other things to do on saturday night or other nights that will keep you away from alcohol.

 

I think I can say with absolute certainty that this is not a dependance issue. The problem with giving up drinking is that because of the environment I'm in I'm afraid it will be difficult to quit going out and maintain my social life. I have a lot of fun while out too, so I wouldn't want to give that up, but it is definitely not worth the horrible depression-like feeling that I experience the day after. I just hope I have the will power to go out and be social yet abstain from alcohol.

[annie24]

i don't know - it sounds like you have a problem. many people go out for a few drinks and don't lose their keys and show up to work in their club attire. i mean, that's pretty bad. i think you should try to take a break from this for a while and try to get your head back on straight. you can still be social with people and have fun outside of the bars and without being a laughing stock at work.

[Greggie]

i don't know - it sounds like you have a problem. many people go out for a few drinks and don't lose their keys and show up to work in their club attire. i mean, that's pretty bad..

 

Well, it definitely ain't good! I think my problem lies more with controlling the amount of alcohol I consume when I've first started drinking (yesterday of course was in a class all by itself; I don't usually show up to work in club attire, though I have been known to lose a key or two, but mostly that's due to absent-mindedness=p). But I will definitely do as you say, try and take a break and focus on more productive and healthier activities =) A change definitely has to happen!

[Car Chick]

Have you ever been to an AA meeting? It's funny, you actually have an AA saying in your signature (This too shall pass). I suggest going to one. My bf and I have both been in AA for years and it has changed our lives completely. I will have seven years in June. Message me if you'd like to talk some more. I promise, having been where you are now, I won't judge, only help as best I can.

[quirky]

I don't know how often you drink but I've been in your situation some times..maybe 10 times in my life. And I misbehaved much more than you describe. I'm not dependant on alcohol and never been, I don't drink much nowadays but I'm sure I would do more often if I was in a very social job/company. You do feel rotten the next day so I would just say try and drink less. Or go without. Try it for a week to see how you feel. It will make you feel good to prove to yourself that you can have fun without.

[DN]

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[Speranza]

I've heard that most people who quit successfully do so by changing their peer group. It would be awfully hard to go out to the same places with the same people and not do the same things..?

 

(FWIW I don't suppose God is too worried about you in terms of 'sin' - just, maybe he wants you to love and take care of yourself!)

[annie24]

yeah, and it is hard not to drink if you are at a club or a bar. when everyone else is ordering alcohol, it's hard to order a water or a soda. even though that is so much cheaper!

[kate2660]

I get like this too...with the depression the next day. Actually, I am dealing with it now. That is why I logged on today. I have been feeling like the alcohol is so not worth it. I drink maybe twice a week (a happy hour and then a weekend night perhaps). However, after I drink, I never feel like myself. I actually have been stronger about ordering a club soda when out with friends, and I am so thankful the next day for saying no. It's tough though, when everyone is ordering shots in front of you.

 

What I do is I try to compare how I feel on a Sunday after a great night out (or in) of no drinking vs. a Sunday after a night filled with drinking. Then, I remind myself of that good, positive feeling and use that in my saying no to the booze at the bar. However, I'm still working on it, myself.